Craftsman 31AS2S5D799 Operator's Manual page 16

5. If the starter is difficult to pull, remove the spark plug and pull the handle
several times to ensure that any oil trapped in the engine head is removed.
Oil may come out of the spark plug hole when it is removed and the starter
handle is pulled.
6. Inspect the spark plug. If it is wet, clean off any oil before re-installing.
Control Cable
As a result of both the control cable and the auger drive belt stretching due to
wear, periodic adjustments may be necessary. If the auger seems to hesitate when
rotating, proceed as follows:
The upper hole in the control handle provides for an adjustment in cable tension.
To adjust, disconnect the end of control cable from the bottom hole in the control
handle and reinsert it in the upper hole. Insert the cable from the outside as shown
in Figure 18.
Control Cable
Test the snow thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference. If after the
adjustment to the control cable the auger still hesitates when rotating, see Belt
Replacement for instructions on replacing the belt.
Chute Assembly
Refer to the Assembly section for instructions on adjusting the chute assembly.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
Control Handle
Figure 18
Auger Drive Belt Replacement
1. Run the snow thrower until the fuel tank is empty.
2. Pull the recoil starter handle until resistance is felt. Then tip the snow
thrower back until it rests on the handles.
3. Slide a board up through the auger and through the chute to secure the
auger in place.
4. Remove the belt cover by removing the three hex washer screws and one hex
lock screw that secure it to the frame. See Figure 19.
Hex Washer Screw
5. Remove the flange nut that secures the auger pulley to the auger shaft. See
Figure 20.
Auger Shaft
Auger Pulley
6. Remove the auger pulley and the belt.
16
Hex Lock Screw
Figure 19
Flange Nut
Figure 20