Craftsman 47.881701 Operator's Manual page 18

Check V-Belts
Follow instructions below to check condition of drive belts every 50 hours of
operation.
1. Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the engine by removing the
self-tapping screw and pressing the plastic tabs to release the belt cover.
2. Visually inspect for frayed, cracked, or excessively worn out belts. Replace, if
necessary, and follow instructions below.
Replacing Belts
NOTE: There are two belts on this snow thrower: an auger belt and drive belt. It is
recommended that both belts be replaced at the same time.
1. Remove the spark plug wire from spark plug and ground it against the
engine to prevent accidental starting.
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank is dry to prevent gasoline leakage when
replacing belts.
Perform belt maintenance outdoors as some gas may possibly leak from the
carburetor.
3. Remove the self-tapping screw shown in Figure 17, and press the plastic
tabs to release the belt cover. Pull the belt cover up and out from around the
engine and chute assembly. Set it aside and save.
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
WARNING
Plastic Tab
Figure 17
Auger Belt
IMPORTANT: Because gas could leak from the carburetor when servicing auger belt,
run the engine until the fuel tank is dry, as previously instructed in Replacing Belts.
1. Tip the snow thrower up and forward so that it rests on the auger housing.
Remove the belt keeper as called out in Figure 19. Return the snow thrower
to its upright position to complete the following steps.
2. Slip the front auger belt off of the engine pulley, pushing it forward and
rolling in off of the pulley. See Figure 18.
3. Squeeze the auger control handle to release the auger brake, which is the tab
that holds the belt onto the auger pulley. Remove the belt.
4. Replace with new belt after replacing the drive belt.
Engine
Pulley
Drive
Belt
18
Auger Belt
Auger
Pulley
Belt Keeper
Idler Bracket
Figure 18