Home Parts and Repair

A blog about home appliance and lawn mower repair

Exmark Quest ZRT Riding Mowers Recalled

May 11th, 2012

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Name of Product: Exmark Quest 42″ ZRT Riding Mowers

Units: About 2,200

Manufacturer: Exmark Mfg. Co. Inc., of Beatrice, Neb.

Hazard: Bearings supporting the riding mower’s deck can fail and cause the deck to interfere with the operator’s controls, resulting in a crash hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Exmark has received 18 reports of incidents. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves 2009-2010 Exmark Quest ZRT riding mowers with 42-inch mower decks, model number “QST20BE422″ and serial numbers ranging from 790,000 through 860,652. The model and serial numbers are on a metal plate behind the seat. “Exmark” is printed on the side and “Quest” is printed on the front of the mowers. The mowers are red and gray.

Sold at: Exmark dealers nationwide from March 2009 through April 2010 for between $4,200 and $4,400.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled mowers immediately and contact an Exmark dealer to schedule a free repair and/or to check if the repair has already been made to the mower. Exmark has contacted registered owners of the recalled mowers.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Exmark at (800) 667-5296 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website atwww.exmark.com/safety.aspx

Picture of recalled Riding Mower

Drawing showing location of model and serial number located behind the mower seat of recalled Riding Mower
Model and serial number located behind the mower seat

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go towww.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

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How to Test a Dishwasher Water Inlet Valve

May 8th, 2012

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The dishwasher water inlet valve is what allows water to enter the dishwasher. If this part is faulty then it can cause the dishwasher to under fill, overfill, or not fill at all. When the dishwasher overfills, it’s usually because the water inlet valve is stuck in the open position. To determine if the water inlet valve is the cause, open the dishwasher door several times during the fill cycle. If the water continues to enter the tub after the door is opened, the water inlet valve is bad and needs to be replaced.

Using a multimeter, test the valve coil for continuity:

***Always shut off the power supply to the dishwasher before any testing. ***

Remove the wires from the valve coil terminal
Rotate the multimeter setting to the lowest ohms reading setting.
Touch the multimeter probes to the valve coil terminals
If the meter reading shows between 500 and 1500 ohms then the valve coil has continuity.
If the meter reads zero or does not move then the valve coil has no continuity and the water inlet valve will need to be replaced.

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Gas Stove Parts Diagram

April 28th, 2012

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Click on the diagram below and you will be able to mouse over it to find out what each part is called and get an idea of where the part is located on your gas stove. Remember, many appliance repairs can be done by a do-it-yourselfer, all you need is a little help!

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Dull Edger Blade

April 24th, 2012

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You may notice that your gas or electric edger is really hard to push through the edge of the lawn or it is not producing the results it should. If this happens, the edger blade is most likely dull and either needs to be sharpened or replaced.

Edger blades are quite inexpensive and replacing it only involves loosening a nut to remove the blade. Make sure your lawn is looking its best by replacing the edger blade often, at least as often as you sharpen or replace the mower blade.

Edger Blade

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How to Replace Ignition Coil on Briggs & Stratton Small Engine

April 19th, 2012

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Follow these step-by-step directions to replace the ignition coil on a Briggs & Stratton small engine found on lawn mowers, edgers, generators, and press washers:

Ignition Coil

**Make sure the engine is not hot before doing any repairs and always turn the key to off and remove the spark plug wire**

(Directions below refer to lawn mowers)

Remove the starter rope from the rope guide
Remove the screws to remove the engine cover
Remove the screws securing the gas tank and move the tank aside (some gas may spill out)
Remove the mounting screws securing the dip stick tube and remove the tube from the engine (some engine oil may spill)
Remove the bolts securing the blower housing and pull the housing off
Remove the retaining screws to remove the old ignition coil
Disconnect the grounding wire from the old coil
Prepare the new ignition coil for installation by attaching the provided spark plug boot or transferring the old boot to the new one
Install new ignition coil

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Maytag Cooktop Spark Module Replacement

April 11th, 2012

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Follow these simple instructions for replacing the spark module for your Maytag gas cooktop:

Spark Module 7431P064-60 Main Product View

Maytag Spark Module

**Remember to unplug the appliance and turn off the gas supply before doing any repairs**

Remove all of the burner knobs, grates, and caps
Remove the screws securing the burner bases and remove the bases
Carefully remove the maintop
Disconnect the wires from the old spark module
Remove the screws securing the spark module
Replace with new spark module

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Viking Range Recalls Dishwashers

April 11th, 2012

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Name of Product: Viking dishwashers

Units: About 2,000

Manufacturer: Viking Range Corporation of Greenwood, Miss.

Hazard: An electrical component in the dishwasher can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received 21 reports of incidents, including five reports of property damage from fires. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall includes Viking 24″ Professional, Designer and Custom Panel dishwashers manufactured between May and September 2010. They were sold in black, white and 24 other custom colors, stainless steel and with custom wood panels. The name “Viking” appears on the control panel at the top of the door. The model and serial number are located on the identification plate mounted on the inside on the left side of the dishwasher door opening. The first six numbers in the serial number are the manufacture date in mmddyy format, e.g., serial number 052610 was manufactured on May 26, 2010. Model and manufacture dates included on this recall are:

Model Numbers Starting With*:	Date Codes – first six digits of serial number:
DDB325 DFB450 VDB325 VDB450	052610 through 091510

* Model numbers ending with an E are not included on the recall.

Sold at: Appliance and specialty retail stores nationwide from June 2010 through March 2012 for between $1,425 and $2,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dishwashers and contact Viking’s hotline for a free in-home repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viking toll-free at (800) 241-7239 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit Viking’s website atwww.vikingrange.com

Picture of recalled dishwasher

Diagram showing the location of the model and serial number on the recalled dishwashers

Picture of recalled dishwasher's label

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go towww.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Husqvarna Recalls Grass and Hedge Trimmers

April 10th, 2012

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Name of Product: Grass and Hedge Trimmers

Units: About 19,500 grass trimmers and 6,500 hedge trimmers

Importer: Husqvarna Professional Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Manufacturer: Husqvarna Machinery Manufacturing Co. Ltd., of Shanghai, China

Hazard: Fuel can leak from the rubber spacer holding the fuel lines in the fuel tank, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Husqvarna has received seven reports of fuel leaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Husqvarna Grass Trimmer Model 122C with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the bottom of the muffler side of the tool. The recalled Husqvarna Hedge Trimmers are Models 122HD60 and 122HD45 with serial numbers that range from 2011 17 00001 to 2011 52 99999. “Husqvarna” and the model number are written on top of the tool. The serial number is located on a black plate on the gear box, which is on the lower portion of the tool.

Sold at: Lowes, Sears and Husqvarna dealers and distributors nationwide for between $150 and $320 from May 2011 to January 2012.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled products and return them to the place of purchase for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Husqvarna toll-free at (877) 257-6921 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm’s website at www.husqvarna.com, or e-mail recalls@husqvarna.com

Picture of recalled Husqvarna Grass Trimmer Model 122C
Husqvarna Grass Trimmer Model 122C

Husqvarna Hedge Trimmers: Models 122HD60 and 122HD45

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go towww.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Westinghouse Stove/Range/Oven Error Codes

March 26th, 2012

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If your White Westinghouse stove, range, or oven is displaying an error code on the clock control, check this list to determine what the code means and how to correct it.

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Replacing the Drive Pulley on a Honda Lawn Mower

March 23rd, 2012

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Follow these easy step-by-step directions for replacing the drive pulley on a walk-behind Honda lawn mower. Also, watch the brief video below to see how it is done.

**Make sure the lawn mower engine is not hot before doing any repairs**

Remove the spark plug wire
Turn off the fuel valve
Tilt the lawn mower on its side (carburetor side in the air)
Use a support (wood blocks) to support the blade(s) to keep them in place
Using a 14mm socket, remove the bolts and washers from the blade and remove the blade(s)
Using a socket wrench, remove the center bolt of the roto-stop assembly and remove the lower assembly
Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the spring
Remove the clutch cable with a pair of pliers
Remove the upper roto-stop assembly
Remove the deflector shields by removing all of the screws
Use a wrench to rotate the transmission to release the belt
Remove the belt off of the pulley
Remove the tension spring on the transmission with pliers
Remove the belt
Use a hammer and punch to knock out the roll pin to detach the old pulley
With the roll pin removed, slide the old pulley off of the transmission drive shaft and install new pulley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsaE5pKVobM

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Hydrostatic Lawn Tractors Recalled by Hydro-Gear Due to Crash Hazard

March 22nd, 2012

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Name of Product: Lawn Tractors

Units: About 2,700

Manufacturer: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership, of Sullivan, Ill.

Hazard: A drive gear in the lawn tractor’s hydrostatic transaxle can fail causing brake failure, posing a crash hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Cub Cadet, MTD Gold and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors sold with Hydro-Gear model 618-0319 and 618-04270B transaxles. Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt tractors included in this recall have dates of manufacture (DOM) ranging from December 2010 through March 2011. The DOM can be found on a label on the underside of the seat. MTD Gold can be identified by serial numbers starting with 1L15 or 1L16. Affected transaxles have serial numbers with the first four digits ranging between 0333 and 0348. Transaxle model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the transaxle.

Cub Cadet lawn tractors with the recalled transaxles are:

Mower Brand	Mower Type	Mower Model No.	Hydro-Gear Transaxle Part No.	Transaxle Serial No. (1st four digits)
Cub Cadet	LTX 1045	13WX91AT010 13WX91AT056	618-0319	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	LTX 1046KW	13WG91AT010	618-0319	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	LTX 1046M	13WP91AT009	618-0319	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	LTX 1050KH	13WQ91AP009	618-0319	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	LTX 1050KW	13WF91AP010 13WF91AP056	618-0319	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	SLTX 1050	13WQ92AP010	618-04270B	0333 thru 0348
Cub Cadet	SLTX 1054	13WK92AK009 13WK92AK010 13WK92AK056	618-04270B	0333 thru 0348

MTD Gold brand tractors with the recalled transaxles are:

Mower Brand	Mower Type	Mower Model No.	Hydro-Gear Transaxle Part No.	Transaxle Serial No. (1st four digits)
MTD Gold	Hydro	13AP925P004	618-04270B	0333 thru 0348

Troy-Bilt brand tractors with the recalled transaxles are:

Mower Brand	Mower Type	Mower Model No.	Hydro-Gear Transaxle Part No.	Transaxle Serial No. (1st four digits)
Troy-Bilt	TB2450	13WQ92KP066	618-04270B	0333 thru 0348

Sold by: Lawn and garden retailers nationwide from January 2011 through January 2012 for about between $1,900 and $2,800.

Manufactured in: U.S.A.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn tractors and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a repair from an authorized service provider.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact the firm’s toll-free at (888) 848-6038 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firms’ websites at www.cubcadet.com, www.troybilt.com or www.MTDproducts.com. Consumers can also visit Hydro-Gear’s website at www.hydro-gear.com

Tractor Identification Photos (by Brand) and Sample DOM Labels:

Picture of recalled Cub Cadet tractor and sample label

Cub Cadet (Located under seat)

Picture of recalled MTD Gold tractor and sample label

MTD Gold (Located under seat)

Picture of recalled Troy-Bilt tractor and sample label
Troy-Bilt (Located under seat)

Transaxle Identification Photo and Sample Transaxle Label

Transaxle Identification Photo and Sample Transaxle Label

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: SaferProducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing and speech impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go towww.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

How to Replace Dispenser Lever on Frigidaire Refrigerator

March 21st, 2012

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After years of use, the dispenser lever on your Frigidaire refrigerator may break or crack because it’s only made of plastic.

Dispenser Lever 241682003 Main Product View

Available in White, Bisque, and Black

Follow these directions to easily replace the lever:

**Unplug the appliance before doing any repairs for the utmost safety**

Pull off the drip tray
Remove the dispenser cover screws
Lift the cover up and off of the freezer door
Disconnect the wire harness
Remove the screws securing the dispenser control module
Pull the water supply tube out and the control module away from the door
Remove the dispenser lever screws and the retaining brackets
Lift out the old lever and install the new lever

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf7Tc60b66o

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Gas Oven Won’t Work

March 13th, 2012

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The oven safety valve prevents gas from going to the burner when there is a possibility that the gas won’t ignite properly. A faulty oven safety valve can cause your oven to not bake, broil, or not work at all. Oven safety valves are not common to go bad, but it does happen. If you think that your safety valve may be defective you can test it with a multimeter. Watch the following video for step-by-step instructions to test your valve:

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GE Microwave Error Codes

March 11th, 2012

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If your GE microwave is displaying a fault or error code on the display, it may not work properly or at all. In many cases, it is signifying a part that needs replacing. Check the chart below to find out what each error code means and how to correct the problem:

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American Honda Recalls Gas Trimmers Model HHT35SUKAT

March 6th, 2012

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Name of Product: Grass Trimmers

Units: About 14,000 in the United States and 3,600 in Canada

Distributor: American Honda Motor Company, of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The shaft can crack and cause the lower gear case and cutting attachment to detach, posing a laceration hazard to the operator and bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: Honda is aware of 11 incidents of broken or cracked shafts. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled grass trimmer is made by Honda and has the model number HHT35SUKAT. The trimmer is gas-powered and has a red engine housing with the word “Honda” on the top front and a bicycle handlebar-style grip. A label on the shaft includes the words “Honda” and “HHT35S.” Recalled trimmers are in the serial number range HAHA-1000001 to HAHA-1017345. The serial number is located on the top side of the shaft below the handlebars.

Sold at: Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide and online from May 2006 to February 2012 for between $420 and $430.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these trimmers and contact the nearest Honda Power Equipment dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact American Honda toll-free at (888) 888-3139 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the American Honda’s website at http://powerequipment.honda.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1550

Picture of recalled grass trimmer

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go tohttps://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Cleaning the Gas Grates on Your Range

March 4th, 2012

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Getting burned on food and grease off of your gas range grates can be quite difficult at times. Buying new grates can get quite pricey too. You can always use grate cleaner or you can try a cheap, quick trick to getting them clean. Pour about 1/4 cup ammonia in a zip lock bag or old tupperware container, out the gas grate inside it, and seal it up nice and tight. Let it sit overnight and the fumes from the ammonia will take off the burned on grease, which you can wipe away with a sponge the next day.

**If using a bag, you may want to store it outside in case the bag breaks so your house doesn’t smell like ammonia!**

Your gas grates will look like new again!

Burner Grates

Dishwasher Not Filling With Water

March 3rd, 2012

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If you go to run your dishwasher and you notice that no water is entering the machine, there are three problematic parts to check that are usually the cause:

Flood Float- The flood float is located on the inside of the dishwasher and prevents the dishwasher from over flowing with water. Sometimes the float may get stuck, gently tap on the top of the float to get it unstuck.
Float Assembly

Water Inlet Valve - The water inlet valve allows water into the dishwasher, if this part is defective it would need to be replaced. The water inlet valve is usually located behind the lower access panel on the front of the dishwasher.

Water Inlet Valve WD15X10003 Main Product View

Float Switch - Below the flood float, under the dishwasher, is a float switch. If this part is defective, it would need to be replaced. Watch the following video to test the float switch to determine if it’s defective:

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Dishwasher Will Not Drain

March 2nd, 2012

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Depending on the brand and model of appliance, there are a few things to check if your dishwasher is not draining the water from the appliance. Check the following common parts if you are having this issue:

Drain Line or Air Gap – A clog in the drain line or air gap (not all dishwashers are equipped with one) is the most common reason why a dishwasher will not drain. Remove the drain line where it attaches to the garbage disposal or house drain line and remove any debris.
Pump – The pump is made up of a wash impeller and drain impeller. If any of these components are broken it may not allow the water to drain. Check all of the parts of the pump, if any are damaged they would need to be replaced.
Drain Valve and/or Solenoid – Some dishwashers are equipped with a drain valve with an electric solenoid that allows water to drain from the dishwasher. Sometimes the solenoid or lever gets stuck, try to free these parts, otherwise you may have to replace solenoid or pump assembly.

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Whirlpool Duet Washer Door Boot Seal Replacement

February 29th, 2012

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It’s a common occurrence that the door boot seal on your front loading Whirlpool Duet washing machine will have a bad moldy smell. It’s due to the moisture that gets trapped into the boot seal and when the door is closed when not in use it gets moldy. That’s why it’s really important to wipe down the boot seal after every load and to leave the door cracked open when not in use.

Door Boot Seal 8182119 Main Product View

Duet Door Boot Seal

If the door boot seal is so bad that you just need to replace it, then follow these instructions:

**Always unplug the appliance before doing any repairs**

Remove the front lower access panel by removing the screws at the bottom of the panel then pulling the panel down and away
Remove the screws at the rear of the top panel and pull the top panel off
Carefully pull of the front trim ring around the door
Pull out the dispenser drawer, press the locking tab, and remove the drawer
Remove the mounting screws from the dispenser housing
Use a flat head screwdriver to help remove the control panel and move it out of the way
Open the door and use a small screwdriver to remove the spring clamp for the door boot seal
Pull the boot seal off of the front lip of the panel
Shut the door and remove the front panel mounting screws at the bottom then the top of the panel
Slide the front panel down and away from the cabinet
Disconnect the latch assembly wires and set the front panel and door aside
Pull the dispenser tube free from the boot seal
Loosen the screw on the clamp securing the boot seal to the tub
Pull of the clamp and the boot seal
Install the new boot seal with the tab on the boot seal pointing upward push the boot’s grooved edge over the lip of the tub and work your way around the tub opening
Replace the clamp and tighten the screw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDqUvBgxH4

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Replacing the Shear Pin on an Ariens Snowblower

February 28th, 2012

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As I have mentioned before, the shear pin is a safety feature on your Ariens snowblower to protect the motor and drive shaft in case the snowblower hits a hard object hidden in the snow. If you do hit something hard, the shear pin will break causing your snowblower to not work. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a few shear pins on hand in case one breaks in the midst of snowblowing.

Shear Bolt and Nut 51001500 Main Product View

Ariens Shear Pin

Follow these simple instructions to replace the shear pin on your Ariens snowblower:

**Always remove the start key from the engine before doing any repairs**

Remove what’s left of the shear pin from the rake assembly (if still intact) **NOTE – some snowblowers have up to 3 shear pins, one on each side of the auger and one for the impeller blade**
Align the holes on the rake assembly with the geargase
Insert the shear pin and tap it into place
Secure it with the nut

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