To Adjust The Clutch Control Cables; To Adjust Belts; Traction Drive Belt; Auger Drive Belt - Craftsman 536.886331 Owner's Manual

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
TO ADJUST THE CLUTCH CONTROL
CABLES
Periodic adjustment of the cables may be required due to
normal stretch and wear on the belts. To check for correct
adjustment, the control lever must be in the full forward
position, resting on the plastic bumper, The control cables
are correctly adjusted when the center of the "Z" Fitting is
between the center and top of the hole in the clutch lever
and there is no droop in the _,abie (See FIG. 3).
If adjustment is necessary:
• Remove gas from gas tank, Stand blower on end.
• Disconnect the "Z" Fitting from drive lever.
• Pull spring cover up to expose spring. Push the cable
through the spring (See FIG. 4) to expose the threaded
portion of the cable.
• Hold the square end ofthe threaded portion with pliers
and adjust the Iocknut in until the excess slack is
removed (See FIG. 4 inset)
• Pullthe cable back throughthe spring andconnect the
cable. Do the same for the other lever cable.
NOTE: Whenever the traction drive or auger belts are
adjusted or replaced, the cables will need to be adjusted.
TO ADJUST BELTS
TRACTION DRIVE
LEVER
"Z" FITTING
CONTROL LEVER
MUST BE IN FULL
FORWARD POSI-
TION (Just Contact-
Plastic Bumper)
WHEN CHECKING
PLASTIC BUMPER
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
Belts stretch during normal use. If you need to adjust the
belts due to wear or stretch, proceed as follows:
TRACTION DRIVE BELT (See FIG. 6)
The traction drive belt has constant spring pressure and
does not require adjustment. Check the clutch control
cable adjustment before replacing the belt.
Replace the traction drive belt if it is still slipping (See To
Replace Belts paragraph in this section).
AUGER DRIVE BELT (See FIG. 6)
If your snow thrower will not discharge snow, check the
control cable adjustment. If it is correct, then check the
condition of the auger drive belt. It may be loose or
damaged, If it is damaged, replace it. See To Replace
Belts paragraph lin this section. If the auger drive belt is
loose, adjust as follows:
• Disconnect the spark plug wire.
• Remove the belt cover (See FIG. 7 in this section).
• Loosen the nut on the idler pulley (See FIG. 5) and
move the pulley toward the belt about 1/8".
• Tightenthe nut.
• Press the auger drive lever. Check the tension on the
belt (opposite idler pulley). The belt should deflect
about 1/2" with moderate pressure (See FIG. 5).
NOTE: You may have to move the idler pulley more than
once to obtain the correct tension.
• Replace the belt cover.
IDLER PULLE¥,.-=.-_ ) .__ ,,.-.- DEFLECTION
ENGAGED
_
R
FIG. 5
TRACTION DRIVE BELT
TRACTION DRIVE DE
PULLEY (Left Hand)
DRIVE
(Right Hand) PULLEY
TRACTION
DRIVE IDLER
IDLER PULLEY PULLEY
FIG. 6
• Check the clutch control cable adjustment
• Reconnect the spark plug wire.
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