Craftsman 247.886640 User manual

Owner's Manual
5.0 Horse Power
24" Two-Stage Wheel Drive
Snow Thrower
Model No.
247.886640
CAUTION: Before
using this product,
read this manual and
follow all safety rules
and operating
instructions.
•Safety
•Assembly
•Operation
• Service
• Maintenance
• EspaSol
Sears, Roebuck And Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.
Visit ourwebsite: www.sears.com/craffsman
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO.770-10433
(8/2ooo)

Content Page
Warranty Information ......................................... 2
Safe Operation Practices ................................... 3
Hardware Pack .................................................. 5
Assembly ........................................................... 6
Operation ........................................................... 10
Maintenance ...................................................... t3
Content Page
Service &Adjustment......................................... 15
Off-Season Storage ........................................... 19
Trouble-Shooting ............................................... 20
Parts List ............................................................ 21
Espanol .............................................................. 34
Two -Year Warranty on Craftsman Snow Thrower
For two years from the date of purchase, when this Craftsman Snow Thrower is maintained, lubricated and tuned
up according to the instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair, free of charge, any defect in material
and workmanship.
If this Craftsman snow thrower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 30 days
from the date of purchase.
Thls warranty does not cover:
Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as skid shoes, shave plate and spark
plugs.
Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to
maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual
WARRANTY SERVICE ISAVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN SNOW THROWER TOTHE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES.
Thls warranty applies only while this product Is In use In the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legalrights and you may also haveother dghts which may vary from stateto state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES,IL60179
Horsepower: ......................... 5.0
Engine Oil ............................. SAE 5W30 oil
Spark Plug: ........................... RJ-19LM
Engine: .................................. 143.015007
Model Number 247.886640
Serial Number ...........................................................
Date of Purchase ......................................................
Record both serial number and date of purchase and
keep in a safe place for future reference.
2

This symbolpoints out importantsafety instructionswhich, ifnot followed, could endangerthe personal
safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before
attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.
AWARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of itsconstituents, and certainvehicle components containor emit
chemicalsknown to State of Californiato cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductiveharm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated accordingto the rules for safe operation in this I
manual. As withany type ofpowerequipment, carelessnessor erroron the part of theoperatorcan resultI
in seriousinjury.This machine is capable ofamputatinghandsand feet and throwingobjects. Failureto
observe the following safety instructionscould resultin serious injuryor death.
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructionson the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place
for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years oldto operate this
machine. Children 14 years old and over shouldread and
understand the operation instructions and safety rules in
this manual and should be trained and supervised by a
parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without
proper instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan
your snow throwingpattern to avoid discharge ofmaterial
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, helpers, pets and children at least 75
feet from the machine while itis inoperation. Stop
machineif anyone enters the area.
7. Exercise caution to avoid slippingor falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
Preparation
1. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipmentisto
be used. Remove all door mats, newspapers, sleds,
boards, wiresand other foreign objectswhichcould be
trippedover orthrown by the auger/impeller.
2. Alwayswear safety glasses oreye shieldsduring
operationand while performing an adjustment or repairto
protectyour eyes. Thrown objectswhich ricochetcan
cause serious injurytothe eyes.
3. Do notoperate without wearing adequate winterouter
garments. Do notwear jewelry, long scarvesor other
loose clothingwhich coutdbecome entangled inmoving
parts. Wear footwear which willimprove footingon
slipperysurfaces.
4. Use a grounded three wireextension cord and receptacle
forall units with electricstart engines.
5. Adjust collector housingheight toclear gravelor crushed
rock surfaces.
6. Disengage all clutch levers before starting the engine.
7. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engineis
8.
9.
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator's manual.
Let engine and machine adjust tooutdoortemperature
before stading to clear snow.
To avoidpersonal injuryor propertydamage use extreme
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.Serious
personal injurycan occur when gasoline is spilledon
yourselfor your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin
and change clothes immediately.
a. Use onlyan approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguishall cigarettes, cigars,pipes and other
sourcesof ignition.
c. Neverfuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hotor running.
e. Allow engine to coolat least two minutes before
refueling and at least 5 minutes before storing.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than
1,6inch below bottom offiller neck to provide space
for fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. Ifgasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer etc).
Operation
1. Do notput hands or feet near rotatingparts,in the auger/
impellerhousing or discharge chute. Contactwith the
rotatingparts can amputate handsand feet.
2. The auger/impeller clutchlever isa safety device, Never
bypass itsoperation. Doing so, makes the machine
unsafe and may cause personal injury.
3. The clutch levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged discharge
chute. Keep all safety devices in placeand working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.

6. Donot operate machine while under the influence of
alcoholor drugs.
7. Mufflerand engine become hotand can cause aburn. Do
nottouch.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on orcrossing
gravelsurfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise cautionwhen changing direction and while
operatingon slopes.
tO. Plan your snow throwingpattern to avoid discharge
towardswindows, walls, cars etc. To avoid property
damage or personal injurycaused by a ricochet.
t1. Never direct discharge at children, bystandersand pets
orallow anyone in frontof the machine.
12. Do notoverload machine capacity by attemptingto clear
snowat too fast of arate.
13. Never operate thismachine withoutgoodvisibilityor
light.Always be sure of your footing and keep a firmhold
onthe handles. Walk, never run.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when
transportingor not in use.
15. Never operate machine at hightransport speeds on
slipperysurfaces. Lookdown and behind and usecare
whenin reverse.
16. Ifthe machine shouldstart tovibrate abnormally,stopthe
engine, disconnect the spark plug and grounditagainst
the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair any
damage before startingand operating.
17. Disengage all clutch levers and stop engine beforeyou
leave the operating position(behind the handles). Wait
untilthe auger/impeller comes to acomplete stopbefore
uncloggingthe discharge chute, making any
adjustments, or inspections.
18. Never put your hand inthe discharge or collector
openings. Always use a clearing toolto unclogthe
discharge opening.
19. Use onlyattachments and accessories apprcved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. Ifsituabonsoccur whichare not covered in thismanual,
usecare and goodjudgment. Contact your nearest Sears
servicecenter for assistance.
Maintenance and Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
2. Disengage all clutch leversand stopengine. Wait until
the auger/impeller come to acompletestop. Disconnect
the spark plugwire and groundagainst the engine to
prevent unintended startingbefore cleaning, repairing,or
inspecting.
3. Check bolts, and screwsfor propertightnessat frequent
intervalsto keep the machine insafe working condition,
Also, visually inspect machine forany damage.
4. Do notchange the enginegovernorsettingor over-speed
the engine. The governorcontrolsthe maximum safe
operating speed ofthe engine.
5. Snow thrower shave plates and skidshoes are subjectto
wear and damage. For your safety protection,frequently
check all componentsand replace withoriginal
equipment manufacturer's (O.EM.) partsonly. "Use of
partswhich do not meet the originalequipment
specifications may lead toimproperperformance and
compromise safety!"
6. Check clutch controlsperiodicallyto verify they engage
and disengage properlyand adjust,if necessary. Refer to
the adjustment sectionin thisoperator's manual for
instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instructionlabels, as
necessary.
8, Observe proper disposal laws and regulationsfor gas,
oil, etc. to protectthe environment.
9. Prior to storing, runmachine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze upof auger/impeller.
tO. Never store the machine orfuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilotlightsuch asawater
heater, furnace ,clothesdryer etc.
11. Always refer tothe operator'smanual forpraper
instructionson off-season storage.
Your Responsibility:
Restnct the use of this power machineto persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructionsin this
manual and on the machine. The mostimportantsafety labels
are reproduced below. For a detailed labels map, see
Parts List section.
1.BENPAWAYEROMROTATINGIMPeJ,.ER
ANDS. €_OT'_TEREHENPELL_ER
ACRERCANAMPUTATElaNDSAHDFEET.
E.DISENGAGECLUTCHLEVER|.STOPENGINE.
ANDPJUIAIHIERIIiRHANOLEN6RILLALL
MOERi6PARTSHAVEOTOPPEOBEFORE
UNCLOG61i46ORSERVICINGMACHINE.

Lay outthe hardware according to the illustrationbelow for identificationpurposes. Partnumbers are shown in
parentheses. (Hardware pack may contain extra items which are not used on your unit.)
A!_ (2)Hex Bolts (A)
(710-3180)
1111111111111111111111
IIIIIIIIII11i1111111II
(2) Hex Bolts(B)
710-3008
(4)Lock Washers (C) I:_
(736-0119)
©©
©©
12)Handle Tabs 11)
___ Screws (F)
_ t_l _ FlO-O509)
(2)Hex @11t11111111111!111
Belle(G)_lllllllllllllllll]
(712-3015) @
Cupped Washer (N)
(736°0242)
Q©
(2) Flat Washers IS)
(736-0185)
(2) Hex Nuts (D)
(712-3010)
©©
Hairpin Clip IT)
(714-0104)
(4) Carriage Bolts (E)
(710-0262)
G g,G
©
Washers (C)
(736-0119)
(7,,-'0'7%__") (2) Hex Nuts (J)
_. .............................. (712-0121 )
88
oo
(6) He(_1L_.c,k2N;_ts(M)
(6) Hex Bolts (K)
(710-3015)
(2) Hex Lock Nuts
(7120429)
@@
" Replacement hardware only; notrequired in initial assembly of the snow thrower.
(3) Chute Flange Keepers
(Not Shown) (731-0051)
(2) Shear Bolts
(710-0890A)
L..._r

NOTE: References to right or left side of the snow
thrower are determined from behind the unit in the
operatingposition.
Unpacking
Remove staples fromtop flaps of the carton.
Remove any looseparts included withunit(i.e.,
operator's manual, etc.).
Cut corners of the carton and lay ends down fiat,
Remove packing material.
•Roll unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for
loose parts before discarding.
Loose Parts In Carton
Figure 1
• Compare Figure 1with the list below to identify
looseparts inthe carton.
Ref. Description Qty.
A Handles (Right and Left) 2
BHandle Panel 1
C Speed Selector Plate 1
D ShiftLever 1
E Chute Directional Control Assembl 1
F 3hute Assembly 1
G Hardware Pack* 1
H Extension Cord 1
• S_own on page 5
Before Assembly
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wireand ground it against the engine to prevent
unintendedstarting.
NOTE: All hardware pieces identified by a letter code
here correspond to the letter code used in the
descriptionofthe hardware pack onpage 5.
•Takethetwo"Z" fittings from Group Dofthe
Hardware Pack and insertthe Z end ofthese
throughthetwo holeson the two clutchgripson the
handle panel. The handle panel was shippedas
loosepart withyoursnow thrower.
Assembly Tips:
1. Foreasier assembly purposes, removethe chute
from thecarton and lay iton top ofthe engine, Do
not unwrap the chute till you have installed the
handle panel and the clutch cables.
2. Lookfor stampinge of Land R respectivelyon the
bottom of the left and the right handles to identify.
Tools Required
1. Two 7/16" wrenches oraset of adjustable
wrenches.
Attaching Handles
(Use hardware groupB,)
•Raise bethclutchgrips,
•Lower left and right handles down throughhandle
panel between the pivotrod and theclutchgrips
and attach using two each of carriage bolts (E), lock
washers (C) and hex nuts (D). See Figure 2.
_andle Clutch •LeftHandle
_1I'.._ PivotRod
_// " Lock
//
Figure 2
•Do nottighten at this time.
• Lay handle panel assembly behind snowthrower
as shown in Figure 3,
Handle Panel &
Handles
Figure 3

(Usehardware groupA.)
•Insert one each ofhex bolt (B) and lock washer (C),
from Group Aofthe hardware pack, through the
bottomholein lefthandle and correspondinghole
insnowthrower housing. See Figure 4. Do not
tighten.Repeat on theother side.
Raise both handles up until the upper hole in each
handle align with lhe upper hole on each side of the
snow thrower housing. Secure with hex bolt (A),
lock washer (C) and handle tab (I) on each side.
See Figure 4,
Left Handle
\
Tab I
Hex
Washer C Bolt A
Hex
Bolt B
Figure 4
Attaching Speed Selector Plate
(Use hardware groupC.)
• Assemblethe speed selector plate to the outside
ofthe handles as shownin Figure 5. Secure using
twoself-tappingscrews(F) from hardware groupC,
Repeat on the otherside.
Self-Tapping
Screws F
Self-Tapping
Screws F
Figure 5
Attaching Shift Lever
(Use hardware groupC.)
• Insertthe shiftleverthroughslot inthe speed
selectorplate.See Figure6. The bend in the lever
shouldbe towardsthe operator.
Plate
PlexLock Nuts H
Shift Lever
Spring
Figure 6
Secure shiftlever to the shiftlever springusingtwo
hex bolts (G) and hex locknuts (H). See Figure 6.
Tighten both bolts finger tight. At this pointthe shift
lever and shift lever spring are not against each
other. As you tighten the bolts and nuts with two
wrenches, these will pull together.
Tighten all hardware assembled to this point. Make
sure that clutch grips are moving freely.
Attaching Control Cables
(Use hardware groupD.)
•Since the Zfittingisalready inserted intothe hole
on the clutchgripat thispoint,thread a hex nut (J)
from hardware packD onto each Z fitting.See
Figure7.
Route the leftcable between engine and speed
selectorplate and then between handle panel and
clutchlever pivotrod.Thread cable ontothe left
"Z" fitting.
Assemble the rightcable in the same manner.
Bothcables shouldhave minimalslack, but not
tight. Tightenor loosenhex nutson the "Z" fitting to
adjust.
IMPORTANT:Ifthe righthand lock-outcable isnot
adjusted correctly,thewheels willtend toturn. Ifthe left
hand lock-outcable is not adjusted correctly,the
augers willkeep on rotating.
NOTE: Thedriveclutchcab/eisroutedovertheaxle.

AWARNING: Do not over-tighten the clutch
cables. Tension on either cable in the
disengaged (up) position may override the
safetyfeatures of the machine.
Clutch
Grip
Hex Nut J
Figure 7
Attaching Chute Assembly
(Use hardware group E,)
•Race chute assembly over chuteopening, with the
opening inthe chute assembly facingthe frontof
theunit,
•Placechute flange keepers beneath lipof chute
assembly, withthe flat side ofchute flange keeper
facingdownward, See Figure 8.
Chute Y
Hex Bolt K_
Cl_ute Flange -----_
r_eeper
Figure 8
Insert two hex bolts (K) up through each chute
flange keeper and chute assembly as shown in
Figure 8. Secure with hex lock nuts (M). After
assembling all three chute flange keepers, tighten
all nuts and bolts securely. Do not over-tighten.
NOTE: Lock nuts cannotbe threadedby hand; use two
7/16"sized or adjustable wrenches instead.
Attaching Chute Directional Control
(Usehardware group F.)
•Loosen the two hex nuts whichsecure the lower
chute directionalcontrolsupportbracket (see
Figure9 inset) to the snow thrower housing,
_ Loosen hex nuts
under this bracket
Hairpin Clip T &
Flat Washer S Chute
Directional
Control
Control Bracket
Figure 9
Place one flatwasher (S), fromgroupF, over the
end of the chute directional control, then insert the
end of the chute directional control into the hole in
the plastic bushing on the chute bracket. See
Figure 9. Place the remaining flat washer (S) on
chute directional control, and secure with hairpin
clip (T).
Thread one hex nut (D), from group F, onto the
eyebolt on the chute directional control assembly
until there is at least two inches of threads showing
between the nut and the eyeboit head. See Figure
10 inset.
Place the eyebolt intothe hole located half way up
the left handle. See Figure 10. Secure with cupped
washer (N) and hex nut (D), from group F, making
sure that the cupped side of the washer is against
the handle.
e Bolt
Directional
Control
Figure 10
8

Adjustthe chute directional control bracket so that
the spiral on the chute directional control fully
engages the teeth on the chute assembly. See
Figure 11. Tighten all hardware.
_ira[should engage
teeth of chutehere
Figure 11
Check to make sure all nutsand bolts on thecontrol
paneland all four boltswhichsecure the handles to
the frame are verytight.
Final Assembly & Adjustments
Auger Control
• To check the adjustment ofthe auger control,push
forward on the left hand clutchgrip (depressthe
rubberbumper).There shouldbeslack inthecable.
Release the clutchgrip. The cabteshouldbe
straight.Make certainyou can depress theauger
controlgrip against the left handle completely.
• Ifnecessary, loosenthe hex locknutand thread the
cable in (forlessslack) or out (formore slack) as
necessary. Refer to Figure7.
•Tighten the lock nutagainst the cable when correct
adjustment is reached.
Traction Control & Shift Lever
To check the adjustment of the traction control and
shift lever, move the shift lever all the way to the
right to fifth (5) position. With the traction control
released, push the snow thrower forward. The unit
should move forward freely. Then engage the
traction control grip. The wheels should stop
turning.
Now release the traction control grip, and push the
unit again. Move the shift lever back to the fast
reverse position, then all the way forward again.
There should be no resistance in the shift lever, and
the wheels should keep turning.
If you feel resistance when moving the shift lever or
the wheels stop when they should not, loosen the
jam nut on the traction control cable and unthread
the cable one turn.
•Ifthe wheels do not stop when you engage the
traction controlgrip,loosen the jam nut on the
traction control cable and thread the cable in one
turn.
• Recheck the adjustment and repeat as necessary.
Tighten the jam nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment isreached.
NOTE: If you are not sure that you have adjusted
correctly, refer totheAdjustment section onpage 15.
Skid Shoes
The space between the shave plate and the ground can
be adjusted.
a. For close snow removal on a smooth
surface, raise skid shoes higher on the auger
housing. See Figure 12.
b. Use a middle or lower position when the area
to be cleared is uneven. See Figure 12.
oe Hex Nuts tr-
CarriageBolts
Figure 12
•Adjustskid shoes by loosening the four hex nuts
and carriage bolts as shown in Figure 12. Move
skid shoes to desired position.
• Make certain the entire bottom surface of skid shoe
is against the ground to avoid uneven wear on the
skid shoes. Retighten nuts and bolts securely.
Tire Pressure (Pneumatic Tires)
The tiresare overinflatedfor shippingpurposes.
•Check tire pressure.Maintain pressurebetween 15
to20 psi. Refer totire sidewalls for recommended
tire pressure.
NOTE: If the tire pressure is not equal in both tires, the
unitmay puff toone sideor theother.
AWARNING: Maximum tire pressure under any circumstance is 30 psi. Equal tirepressure
should be maintained at all times. Excessive
pressure (over 30 psi) when seating beads
may cause tire/rim assembly to burst with
force sufficient to cause serious injury.
IMPORTANT:After assembly, service enginewith
gasoline, and check oillevel as instructedin the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
9

Knowing your Snow Thrower
,_ WARNING: Be familiar with all the controlsand their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine
and disengage themquickly. •,--Traction Control
Shift Lever
Gas Fill \
b_ Auger Control
Discharge Chute --- Chute Directional
Control
Auger
Skid Shoe
Spark Plug _ _ 1
/
IgnitionKey___X |
Throttle Le_er "_ RecoilStarter_
Figure 13
Operating Controls
Shift Lever
The shiftlever islocatedbelow the handle panel. See
Figure13.The shiftlever may be moved intoone of
seven positions.Run engine withthrottle inthe fast
position.Use the shiftlever todetermine groundspeed.
There are five forward and two reverse speeds on this
snowthrower.Among the forward speeds, positionone
(1) isthe slowest and positionfive (5) is thefastest.
Among reverse speeds, R2 isthefaster.
Auger Control
The augercontrolislocatedon the lefthandle.
Squeeze the auger controlgripto engage the augers.
Release to stopthe augers. See Figure 13.
Traction Control
The tractioncontrolis locatedon the righthandle.
Squeeze the tractioncontrolgripto engage the wheel
drive. Release to stop. See Figure 13.
Throttle Control
The throttlecontrolislocatedon the engine. Itregulates
the speed ofthe engine. See Figure 13.
Chute Directional Control
The chute directional controlislocated on left side of
the snow thrower. See Figure 13. To change the
direction in which snow is thrown, turn chute directional
control as follows:
•Crank clockwiseto discharge to the left.
• Crank counterclockwise todischarge to theright.
Ignition Key
The ignitionkey must be inserted inthe switchbefore
the unit willstart. See Figure 13 inset. Remove the
ignition kay when snow thrower is not in use. Do not
turnignitionkey.
Stopping the engine
• To stop engine, movethrottle controlto "stop" or
"off" position.Remove the ignitionkey. Do not turn
key.
•Disconnectthe spark plug wire fromthe spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
10

Before Starting
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
•The engine was shipped withoil. Check the oil level
before operating. After the initial use, you will have
to fill up as necessary. Be careful not to overfill.
•Beforefilling up gas in the engine for the first time,
open the gas tank cap, and locate a white plastic
cap underneath. Remove this cap and discard it.
• The spark plug wire was disconnected for safety.
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug before starting.
Before Starting Engine
Fill Gas
&WARNING: Gasoline is flammableand cau-
tionmust be usedwhen handlingor storing it.
Do not fill fuel tank while the snow thrower is
running, when it is hot or when it is in an
enclosed area.
Keep your snow thrower away from any open
flame or an electrical spark and do not smoke
while filling the fuel tank.
Never fill the fuel tank completely. Fill the tank
to within 1/4"-1/2" from the top to provide
space for expansion of fuel.
Always fill the fuel tank outdoors and usea
funnel or spout to prevent spilling.
Make sure to wipe off any spilled fuel before
starting the engine.
•Store gasoline ina clean, approved containerand
keep the cap in place on the container.
Make sure that the container from which you pour
the gasoline is clean and free from rust or other
foreignparticles.
•Fillfuel tank with clean, fresh, unleaded grade
automotive gasoline.
•Atthe end ofthe job, empty the fuel tank ifthe
snowthrower isnot goingto be used for 30 days
orlonger. See storage instructionson page 19 of
thismanual.
CAUTION: Experience indicatesthat alcohol blended
fuels (calledgasohol) or those using ethanol ormetha-
nol canattractmoisture which leads to separationand
formation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine
while in storage.
To avoidengine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage for 30 days or longer. Drain the
gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetorare empty.Usefreshfuel nextseason.
See storage Instructions for additionalinformation.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner productsin the
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
To Start Engine
• Attach spark plug wire tospark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the boot) is fastened securely over the metal
tip on the spark plug. See Figure 14.
Figure 14
Make certainthe auger and driveclutchlevers are
in the disengaged (released) position.
Move throttle control up to FAST position. Insert
ignition key into slot. Make sure it snaps into place.
Do not turn key.
NOTE: Engine will not start unless ignition key is
inserted intoignitionslotin carburetor cover.
Electric Starter
WARNING: The electric starter isequipped
with a grounded throe-wire power cord and
plug, and is designed to operate on 120 volt
AC householdcurrent. It must be used with a
properly grounded three-prong receptacle at
all times to avoid the possibility of electric
shock. Follow all instructionscarefullypriorto
operating theelectricstarter.
Determine that your house widng isathree-wire
grounded system. Ask a licensed electrician ifyou
are not certain.
If your house wiring system Is not a three-wire
grounded system, do notusethis electricstarter
under any conditions.
If your home electrical system is grounded, but
a three-hole receptacle isnot available, one should
be installedby a licensedelectricianbefore using
the electricstarter.
If you have a grounded three-prong receptacle,
proceedas follows.
Rotate choke knobto OFF position.
Connect power cordtoswitchbox on engine. Plug
theother end of powercord intoa three-prong120-
volt,grounded, AC receptacle.
Push starterbutton to crank engine.As youcrank
the engine, move choke knobto FULL choke
position,
11

When engine starts, release starter button, and
move choke gradually to OFF. If engine falters,
move choke immediately to FULL and then
gradually to OFF.
When disconnecting the power cord, always unplug
from the three-prong receptacle first, and then from
the snow thrower.
Recoil Starter
• Rotate choke knob to FULL choke position (cold
engine start).
• If engine is warm, place choke in OFF position
instead of FULL.
• Push primer button two or three times for cold
engine start.
• If engine is warm, push primer button only once.
NOTE: Always cover vent hole in primer button when
pushing. Additional priming may be necessary for first
start if temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly,until
it pulls slightlyharder. Let rope rewind slowly.
• Pull starter handle rapidly. Do not allow handle to
snap back. Allow itto rewind slowly while keeping a
firm hold on the starter handle.
• As engine warms up and begins to operate evenly,
rotate choke knob slowly to OFF position. If engine
falters, return to FULL choke, then slowly move to
OFF position.
To Stop Engine
Run engine for a few minutes before stopping to
help dry off any moisture on the engine.
• To help prevent possible freeze-up of starter,
proceed as follows.
Electric Starter
•Connect powercord toswitch box on engine, then
to120 voltAC receptacle. With the engine running,
push starterbutton and spin the starter for several
seconds. The unusual sound made by spinning the
starter willnot harm engine or starter. Disconnect
the power cord from receptacle first, and then from
switch box.
Recoil Starter
•With engine running, pull starter rope witha rapid,
continuous full arm stroke three or four times.
Pulling the starter rope will produce a loud clattering
sound, which is not harmful to engine or starter.
To stop engine, move throttle control to "stop" or
"off" position.
• Remove the ignitionkey. Do not turn key.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug
to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
NOTE: Do not lose ignition key. Keep itin a safe place.
Engine will not start without the ignition key.
• Wipe all snow and moisture fromthe carburetor
cover in the area ofthe control levers.Also, move
control levers back and forth several times.
To Engage Drive
•With theengine running near top speed, moveshift
lever intoone ofthe five FORWARD positionsor
two REVERSE positions.Select a speed
appropriatefor the snow conditionsthat exist.Use
theslowerspeeds untilyou are familiarwiththe
operationofthe snow thrower.
•Squeeze the auger controlgrip and the augerswill
turn. Release itand the augers willstop.
•Squeeze tractioncontrolgrip and the snowthrower
willmove. Release it and drive motionwillstop.
NEVER moveshift lever withoutreleasingdrive
clutch.
Snow Spark
Thrower Plug
wire
Electric Connect
Starter
Recoil Connect
Starter
Starting Instructions At A Glance
Drive ,Throttle
Levers control
Release Move to
FAST
Release Move to
FAST
Ignition
Key
Push to
snap in
Push to
snap in
Choke
Move to
FULL
Move to
FULL
Power
Co_
Connect
to source
Primer
Prime
Starter
Push
button
Pull
handle
After starting
1. Release button
2. Move Choke to
Off
3. Disconnect
cord
1. Release handle
2. Move Choke to
Off.
12

To Engage Augers
•To engage the augersand start throwingsnow,
squeeze theauger controlgrip againstthe left
handle.Release to stopthe augers.
Operating Tips
•Allowthe engine towarm up for afew minutesas
theengine willnotdevelop futtpower untilit
reachesoperating temperature.
_k WARNING: Muffler, engine and surrounding
areas become hot and can cause a burn. Do
nottouch.
•For most efficientsnowremoval, remove snow
immediately afteritfalls.
•Dischargesnow downwind whenever possible.
Slightlyoverlap eachpreviousswath.
•Set the skidshoes 1/4"belowthe scraper bar for
normal usage. The skidshoes may be adjusted
upwardfor hard-packedsnow. Adjustdownward
when usingon gravelor crushed rock.
•Becertaintofollow the precautionslistedunder "To
Stop Engine"to prevent possiblefreeze-up.
•Clean the snowthrowerthoroughlyafter each use.
Tire Chains (ifequipped)
•Tire chains, ifyoursnowthrower isso equipped,
shouldbe usedwhenever extra tractionisneeded.
General Recommendations
Alwaysobserve safety ruleswhen performingany
maintenance.
•The warranty on thissnow thrower does not cover
itemsthat have been subjected to operatorabuse
or negligence.To receive fullvalue from the
warranty, operatormustmaintain the snow thrower
as instructedinthis manual.
Some adjustmentswillhave to be made
periodicallyto maintainyourunit properly.
All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual should be checked at least
once each season.
Follow the maintenance schedule given below.
Periodically check all fasteners and make sure
these are tight.
Customer Responsibilities
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE _v-'_ <_P _¢_SERVICE DATES*
Lubricatepivotpoints ,_ '_
(_ Clean snowthrower _ '_
8 Clean shaveplate
Cleanskidshoes
CheckV-belts
Check frictionwheel _¢2
rubber
Checkengineoil
uJ Changeengineoil _
z
_Z Check spark plug _ <_
LIJ Check muffler
Emptyfuelsystem ,_
•Fill in dates as you complete regular service
Check; service ifneeded
13

Lubrication
&WARNING: Before lubricating, repairing, or
inspecting, disengage all clutch levers and
stop engine. Wait until all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
iMPORTANT:When lubricating engine or draining oil,
avoiddrippingoilontotransmissionparts.
Wheels
Oil or spray lubricant into bearings at wheels at
least once a season. Pull klick pin, remove wheels,
clean and coat axles with a multipurpose
automotive grease. See Figure 15
Drive and Shifting Mechanism
• Remove rear cover. Oil any chains,sprockets,
gears, bearings,shafts, and shiftingmechanism at
least oncea season. See Figure17. Use engine oil
or a spray lubricant.Avoidgettingoilon rubber
friction wheel and aluminum driveplate.
Lever
KlickPin
\Oil bearings
' lubricant
Figure 15
Chute Directional Control
• The worm gear on the chute control should be
lubricatedwith multipurposeautomotive grease.
Auger Shaft
•At leastonce a season, remove shear bolts on
auger shaft. Oil or spray lubricantinsideshaft and
lubricatethe auger bearings. See Figure 16.
Shear Bolts
Bearings
Figure 16
Gear Shaft
Lubricatethe gear shaftwith a good all-weather
multi-purposelightgrease at leastonce aseason or
afterevery 25 hours ofoperation.Keep al! grease
and oil oft the friction wheel and drive plate.
Lube
Gear
Sha_
Gear Case
)n
friction wheel
and drive plate
Figure 17
• The worm gear case has been filledwithgrease at
the factory. Ifdisassembled for anyreason,
lubricatewith2 ounces ofshellgrease.
iMPORTANT:Do not overfillthe gear case. Damage to
the sealscouldresult. Be sure the ventplugisfree of
grease inorderto relieve pressure.
Friction Wheel
The rubberonthe friction wheel issubjectto wear
and should be checked after 25 hours of operation,
and periodically thereafter. Replace the friction
wheel rubber if any signs of wear or cracking are
found following instructions on page 18.
Engine Maintenance
Engine Oil
Only use high qualitydetergent oilrated withAPI
service classificationSF, SG or SH. Select the oil's
SAE viscosity grade according to the expected
operating temperature.
colder _320 F_ warmer
I_ SAE30
5w3o I
Viscosity Chart
14

NOTE: Althoughmulti-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30
etc.) improve startingin cold weather, thesemulti-
viscosity oils will resultinincreased oil consumption
whenused above 32°F. Check your snow thrower's
engine oil level more frequently toavoidpossible
engine damage from running low on oil
Refertothe viscositychart for proper selectionof
engineoil. Do not use SAE 10W40 oil.
Checking Oil Level
Before operating the snow thrower, check the oil
level. With engine on level ground, the oil must be
to FULL mark on dipstick.
Stop engine and wait several minutes before
checking oil level. Remove oil fill cap and dipstick.
Wipe dipstick clean, insert it into oil fill hole and
tighten securely.
Remove dipstick and check. If oil is not up to the
FULL mark on dipstick, add oil.
Changing Oil
Change engine oilafter first two hours of operationand
every 25 hours thereafter.
In order to change the oil, you will have to first drain the
spent engine oil from the engine and then refill with
fresh oil.
• Drain oil while engine is warm. Remove oil drain
cap located at the bottom of the recoil starter of the
engine. Catch oil in a suitable container.
When engine is drained of all oil, replace drain plug
securely.
• Remove the dipstick from the oil fill. Pour fresh oil
slowly through the plug. Replace dipstick.
Check and make sure that the level of oil is up to
the FULL mark on the dipstick. The oil sump
capacity is 21 ounces or 0.62 liters.
_k WARNING: Temperature of muffler and
nearby areas may exceed 150° F(65°C).
Avoidthese areas.
Spark Plug
•Clean area around the spark plug base.
• Remove and inspectthe spark plug.
Replace the spark plug if electrodes are pitted,
burned, or the porcelain is cracked. See Figure 18.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to 0.030" at
least once a season or every 100 hours of
operation. See Figure 18. Replace ifnecessary.
For replacement, use Champion J-8C, Autolite 356
or equivalent spark plug.
NOTE: Do not sandblast spark plug. Spark plug should
be cleaned by scraping or wire brushing and washing
with a commercial solvent.
Gap
Figure 18
Tire Pressure
•Followinstructionson page 9.
Making Adjustments
,_ WARNING: Never attempt to make any
adjustments while the engine is running,
exceptwhere specified inoperator'smanual.
Chute Assembly
The distance snow is thrown can be controlledby
adjustingthe angSeof thetop sectionofthe chute
assembly.
Skid Shoe
• The space between the shave plate and the ground
can be adjusted. Refer to the Final Assembly and
Adjustments section on page 9.
Traction Control
Drain gasoline and engine oil from the snow
thrower. Place plastic film under the gas capif the
snow thrower has already been operated. Tip the
snow thrower so that it rests onthe auger housing.
See Figure 19.
Auger
Housing
Figure 19
15

Remove the frame cover underneath the snow
thrower by removing six self-tapping screws. For
locationof the frame cover, see Figure19.
•When the traction control is released, there mustbe
clearance between the friction wheel and the drive
plate in all positions of the shift lever. When the
traction control is engaged, the fdction wheel must
contact the drive plate. See Figure 20.
Figure 20
• Ifanyone of these are not occuring,adjustmentis
necessary. Followthe steps belowtoadjustthe
tractioncontrol.
•Loosenthe locknut on the tractioncontrolcable
and thread the cable in or out as necessary.
Tighten the lock nut to secure the cable when
correct adjustment is reached. Reassemble the
frame cover.
NOTE: ff you placed plastic under the gas cap earlier,
remove it now.
Auger Control
•To adjustthe auger clutch, refer to FinalAssembly
and Adjustments on page 9.
Carburetor
AWARNING: If any adjustments need to be
made to the engine while the engine is running
(e.g. carburetor), keep clear of all moving
parts. Be careful of muffler, engine and other
surrounding heated surfaces.
Minor carburetor adjustment may be required to
compensate for differences in fuel, temperature,
altitude and load.
Drive Wheels
•The wheels may be adjusted fortwo different
methods of operation. Follow the steps below for
adjustment. See Figure 21.
Hole in Axle
Figure 21
One Wheel Driving
• On the right side ofthe unit,place klick pininthe
outsideaxle holeonly. Do not place pinthrough
wheel hub.This positiongives powerdrive tothe
leftwheel only, makingthe uniteasier to maneuver.
Both Wheels Driving
Rotate wheel assembly to alignhole inthe hubwith
the inner holeon the axle shaft. Insert klickpinin
the hole. Outer axle shaftholeshouldbe visible.
See Figure21.
AWARNING: Before servicing, repairing, or inspecting, disengage all clutch levers and
stop engine. Wait untilall moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark
plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintendedstarting.
Servicing Augers
The augers are secured tothe spiralshaftwithtwo
shear boltsand hex lock nuts.See Figure 16. Ifyou
hit a hardforeignobject or icejam, the snow
thrower isdesignedsothat the boltsmay shear.
•Ifthe augerswillnot turn,check tosee ifthe bolts
have sheared. Replacement shear boltsand hex
locknuts have been providedwith the snow
thrower.When replacing bolts,spray an oil
lubricantintoshaftbefore insertingnew bolts.
Shave Plate and Skid Shoes
The shave plate and skidshoes on the bottom of
the snowthrower are subjecttowear. They should
be checked periodically and replaced when
necessary.
To remove skid shoes, remove the four carriage
bolts, cupped washers and hex nuts which attach
them to the snow thrower. Reassemble new skid
shoes with the four carriage bolts, cupped washers
(cupped side goes against skid shoes) and hex
nuts. See Figure 22.
16

Skid
Shoe Bolts
Figure 22
To remove shave plate, remove the carriage bolts,
cupped washers and hex nuts whichattachittothe
snowthrower housing.See Figure22. Reassemble
new shave plate, makingsure heads ofcarriage
boltsare tothe inside ofhousing.Tighten securely.
Replacing Belts
WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Drain fuel into an
approved containeror place a piece of plastic
film underneath the gas cap to prevent
gasolinefrom leaking.
Auger Belt
•Remove plasticbeltcover from frontofthe engine
byremovingthe twoself-tappingscrews. See
Figure23.
Drain gasoline from the snow thrower, or place a
piece of plastic under the gas cap.Tip the unit up
and forward so that it rests on auger housing.
Remove six self-tapping screws from the frame
cover underneath the snow thrower,
Roll auger belt off engine pulley. See Figure 24.
Drive
Auger Belt
Belt L"_ r- \_T _i .
\i_'_ _;__-_'_, Drive
/_('_l_"_/ ' _. _ Pulley
/Pulley /\\ "_
/IdI,' \_L-_ _-
Pulle
Figure 24
•Unhookthe idler springfrom the hex bolt onthe
auger housing. See Figure 25.
Unhook the supportbracket spring from the frame.
NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the six nuts that
connect the frame to the auger housing to aid in belt
removal.
•Liftthe auger belt from the auger pulley, and slip
belt between the support bracket and the auger
pulley, See Figure 24.
• Reassemble with new auger drive belt.
Friction Wheel
Pin Assembly
Belt
Cover
Figure 23
Screws
/
Idler Auger
Spring Housing
Figure 25
Gear
17

Drive Belt
•Follow firstfoursteps of previous instructions.
•Pull idler pulley up, and liftbelt off engine pulley and
friction wheel disc. See Figure 24.
• Using a wrench, loosen the nut on the stop bolt until
the support bracket rests on the auger pulley. See
Figure 26. Friction
Wheel
\
Figure 26
Slip belt between friction wheel and friction wheel
disc. See Figure 26. Remove and replace belt.
Reassemble in reverse order.
NOTE: The supportbracket must rest on the stop bolt
after the new belt has been assembled. See Figure 26.
Replacing Friction Wheel Rubber
Replacethefriction wheel rubberifany signsofwear or
crackingare found.
WARNING: Disconnect spark plug wire
and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Drain fuel into an
approvedcontainer or place a piece of plastic
film underneath the gas cap to prevent
gasolinefrom leaking.
Tip the snow thrower up and forward, so that itrests
onthe housing.See Figure 19. Remove thesixself-
tapping screwsfrom the frame cover underneath
the snow thrower.
• Remove the klick pins which secure the wheels,
and remove the wheels from the axle.
Using a wrench to hold the shaft, loosen, but do not
completely remove, the hex nut and bell washer on the
left end of gear shaft. See Figure 27.
Uter
Figure 27
Lightly tap the hex nut to dislodge the ball bearing
from the right sideof the frame. Remove the hex
nut and bell washer from the left end of the shaft.
Slide the gear shaft to the right, then slide the
friction wheel assembly from the shaft.
Remove the six screwsfrom the friction wheel
assembly (three from each side). See Figure 28.
Remove the friction wheel rubber from between the
friction wheel plate.
Reassemble new friction wheel rubber to the
friction wheel assembly, tightening the six screws in
rotation and with equal force. See Figure 28.
Slide friction wheel assembly back onto the gear
shaft. Be sure to align the pin on the shift rod with
hole in the friction wheel assembly. See Figure 25.
Reassemble gear shaft and the wheels. Reattach
the frame cover. Flip snow thrower back to its
operating position and remove any plastic from
under the machine or around the gas cap ifyou had
put it earlier.
Screws FrictionWheelRubber
/Hub
Screws
Friction Wheel
Plates '_
Figure 28
18

Ifthe snow thrower will not be used for 30 days or
longer, or at the end of the snow season when the tast
possibility of snow is gone, the equipment needs to be
stored properly. Follow storage instructions below to
ensure top performance from the snow thrower for
many more years.
Preparing Engine
WARNING: Never store snow thrower with
fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated
areas, where fuel fumes may reach an open
flame, spark or pilot light as on a furnace,
water heater, clothes dryer or gas appliance.
It is important to prevent gum deposits from
forming in essential fuel system parts of the
engine such as the carburetor, fuel filter, fuel
hose or tank during storage.
Also experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol
or methanol) can attract moisture which leads
to separation and formation of acids dudng
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage for 30 days
or longer. Follow these instructions to prepare
your snow thrower for storage:
Remove all gasoline from the carburetor and the
fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on
these parts and harming the engine.
Carbure__
BowS- --
Drain
Figure 29
WARNING: Drain fuel into approved
container outdoors, away from any open
flame. Becertainengine iscool. Do notsmoke.
Fuel left in engine during warm weather
deteriorates and will cause serious starting
problems.
Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty and it
stops due to lack of fuel.
Drain carburetor by pressing upward on bowl drain,
located below the carburetor cover. See Figure 29.
WARNING: Do not drain carburetor if using
fuel stabilizer. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaning products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) is an
acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to
gasolinein fuel tankor storagecontainer. Always follow
mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at
least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to
reach the carburetor. Do not drain carburetor ff using
fuelstabilizer.
Remove the spark plug and pour one (1) ounce of
engine oil through the spark plug hole into the
cylinder. Cover spark plug hole with a rag and crank
the engine several times to distribute the oil.
Replace spark plug.
Preparing Snow Thrower
•When storingthe snow throwerin an unventilated
or metalstorage shed,care should betakento
rustproofthe equipment.Using a lightoilor silicone,
coatthe equipment, especiallyany chains,springs,
bearingsand cables.
•Remove all dirtfromexterior ofengine and
equipment.
•Followlubricationrecommendationson page 14.
•Store in a clean, dry area.
19

Trouble Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Enginefailstostart Fueltankempty,orstalefuel.
Engine runs erratic
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Lossof power Spark plugwire loose.
Gas capvent hole plugged.
Exhaust portplugged.
Engineoverheats Carburetor not adjusted
properly.
Blocked fuel line.
Choke not inON position
Faulty spark plug.
Key not in switch on engine.
Spark plug wire disconnected.
Primer button not depressed.
Unit running on CHOKE.
Blocked fuel line or stale fueL
Filltank withclean, fresh gasoline. Fuel willnot last over thirty
days unless a fuel stabilizer is used.
Clean fuel line,
Move switchto ON position
Clean, adjust gap or replace.
Insert key.
Connect spark plug wire.
Prime engine 5 times. See instructions for starting engine.
Move choke lever to OFF position.
Clean fuel line; fill tank with clean fresh gasoline. Fuel will not last
overthirty days unless a fuel stabilizer isused.
Drain fuel tank. Refill with fresh fuel.
Connect and tighten spark plug wire.
Remove ice and snow from cap. Be certain vent hole is clear.
Clean engine.
Contact Sears service center.
Incorrect fuelmixture. Drain fuel tank. Refill with proper fuel mixture.
Excessive vibration Loose parts or damaged Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire. Tighten
auger, allbolts and nuts. Make all necessary repairs. If vibration
continues, have unitserviced by an authorized service dealer.
Unit fails to propel Incorrect adjustment of drive Adjust drive cable. Refer to page 9 of this manual.
itself cable.
Drive belt loose or damaged.
Unit fails to Discharge chute clogged.
discharge snow Foreign objectlodged in
auger.
Incorrect adjustment ofdrive
cable.
Drive belt loose or damaged.
Shear bolts have sheared.
Replace drive belt. Refer to page 17 of this manual.
Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire. Clean
discharge chute and inside of auger housing.
Stop engine immediately and disconnect spark plug wire. Remove
objectfrom auger.
,Adjust drive cable. Refer to page 9 of this manual.
Replace drive belt. Referto page 17 ofthis manual.
Replace with newshear bolts.
NOTE: Forrepairs beyond the minor adjustments listed above, please contact your nearest Sears service center.
20