Ariens Attachment Belt Idler has no tension at all...
#1
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Ariens Attachment Belt Idler has no tension at all...
Hi,
My Ariens 932100-824 thrower doesn't throw very well. Just bought a replacement belt from the dealer but still it doesn't help. The problem seems to be the idler because even when engaging, the belt has no tension at all.
Question is, when it is not engaged, should the idler be "touching" the belt? Is the idler adjustable? I checked the service manual from Ariens but can't find anywhere that says adjusting the idler.
Thanks.
My Ariens 932100-824 thrower doesn't throw very well. Just bought a replacement belt from the dealer but still it doesn't help. The problem seems to be the idler because even when engaging, the belt has no tension at all.
Question is, when it is not engaged, should the idler be "touching" the belt? Is the idler adjustable? I checked the service manual from Ariens but can't find anywhere that says adjusting the idler.
Thanks.
#2
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The tensoiner may be slightly touching the belt when not engaged. The tensioner on your machine is not adjustable. I would check the bushing on the idler for wear and the bushing on the pivot point of the idler bracket. I have seen both of these worn out. Also check the spring.
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So, I need to take the idler apart to check for the bushing and spring? The service manual is not clear at all on the way to service the idler. I'll try it over the weekend.
Many thanks for your reply.
Many thanks for your reply.
#4
Verify the belt you have is part #723400. Using the model # you gave, the traction drive is off the camshaft of the engine & the parts lookup shows the traction belt to the front of the unit... The parts dept may have gave you the traction drive belt instead of the auger belt??? Check it out, that may be all it is??? Roger
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I finally bought a new belt from NAPA (last one I bought was from Nashua Outdoor equipment, which didn't come in original package, so I have doubt if it is the right model). Put the new belt in and it worked great... for one storm.
Last night I had to use it again (I live in Southern NH). Snow was quite heavy, but still, the snow blower should be able to handle it. What I noticed was, the snow got jammed in the chute and eventually, smoke came out of the the belt cover. I supposed because of the jamming, the heat expanded the belt and hence it becomes the problem.
We have wet snow and even heavier snow every season than what we got last night and my Ariens used to handle it without problem. I had the NAPA belt last year which worked fine as well. Is it possible the auger needs to be lubricated or something?
Many thanks for your help
Last night I had to use it again (I live in Southern NH). Snow was quite heavy, but still, the snow blower should be able to handle it. What I noticed was, the snow got jammed in the chute and eventually, smoke came out of the the belt cover. I supposed because of the jamming, the heat expanded the belt and hence it becomes the problem.
We have wet snow and even heavier snow every season than what we got last night and my Ariens used to handle it without problem. I had the NAPA belt last year which worked fine as well. Is it possible the auger needs to be lubricated or something?
Many thanks for your help
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The snow that got jammed in the chute cause the impeller to turn slower which burned the belt (the smoke). It appears that your snowblower is 8-10 years old. I would suspect that the shoes may be worn or at least need adjusting. Adjust the shoes by putting a 1/8" piece of steel under the scrapper bar. Then loosen the bolts on the shoes and push the shoes down until they touch the floor. Doing this achieves 2 things.
1). saves the scrapper bar from wear. These cost $30 or more. Shoes cost about $8 ea.
2). it gets the scrapper just high enough off the ground so you don't pick up water. water causes slush and slush does not blow and this is what caused your problem.
1). saves the scrapper bar from wear. These cost $30 or more. Shoes cost about $8 ea.
2). it gets the scrapper just high enough off the ground so you don't pick up water. water causes slush and slush does not blow and this is what caused your problem.
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indypower,
Thanks for prompt reply. Yes, my unit is 8 to 9 years old. By the way, usually how long will these units last?
I'll do just what you suggested to see if it helps. Hopefully I won't need to test it until next season
Regards,
Aston
Thanks for prompt reply. Yes, my unit is 8 to 9 years old. By the way, usually how long will these units last?
I'll do just what you suggested to see if it helps. Hopefully I won't need to test it until next season
Regards,
Aston
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They will last a very long time if properly maintained. I had te a few Ariens in my shop this season that were 1969-1973 models and they are still going strong. You need to keep them stored inside and maintained every year. Oil changes, adjustments, bushing/bearing replacemenets,tire pressure, etc.
I own a 1995 MTD made snowblower and it still works great every time without fail.
Oh, and you may get another chance to use it again this season as we usually get 1 last BIG snowstorm around the first week in April.
I own a 1995 MTD made snowblower and it still works great every time without fail.
Oh, and you may get another chance to use it again this season as we usually get 1 last BIG snowstorm around the first week in April.
#9
Have you put an ARIENS O.E.M. belt on it yet?? Automotive belts aren't made for the clutching & load demands of power equipment. Also this belt is an odd size (using the model number posted earlier) that doesen't cross to an aftermarket belt. F.H.P. belts are usually sold in 1 inch increments & will work most times, If you have a belt that is in between the lower & the upper inch size, an aftermarket belt will not work properly.. (Kinda know what I mean??) Ihave lotsa Ariens come thru my door that I have to get only O.E.M. belts (& bearings) for to make them so the parts fit & work as long as possible.. Trust me, I've been burned serveral times thinking "" It's close enough"" ... Roger