MTD 312-980I000 - Manual (Page 14)

MAINTENANCE
A
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine
before performing any repairs or mainte­
nance. ENGINE
Refer to separate engine manual for all engine
maintenance procedures.
AUGERS
The augers are secured to the spiral shaft with two
hex bolts and hex lock nuts. See figure 28. If yc u hit a
foreign object or ice jam, the snow thrower is
designed so that the hex bolts will shear.
If the augers will not turn, check to see if the hex bolts
have sheared. Two replacement hex bolts and hex
lock nuts have been provided with the snow tf rower.
For future use, order part number 710-0891 (h-5x bolt
5/16-18 X 1.75” long) and 712-0429 (hex insert lock
nut 5/16-18 thread).
BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
FIGURE 28.
SHAVE PLATE AND SKID SHOES
The shave plate and skid shoes on the bottom of the
snow thrower are subject to wear. They should be
checked periodically and replaced when necessary.
Skid shoes are reversible for longer life. The / may
also be inverted to extend their life even further.
To remove skid shoes, remove the four carriage bolts,
belleville washers and hex nuts which attach tf em to
the snow thrower. Reassemble new skid shoes with
the four carriage bolts, belleville washers (cupped
side goes against skid shoes) and hex nuts.
To remove shave plate, remove the carriage bolts,
belleville washers and hex nuts which attach it to the
snow thrower housing. Reassemble new shave plate,
making sure heads of the carriage bolts are to the
inside of the housing. Tighten securely.
A
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire from the spark plug and ground.
Drain gasoline from the fuel tank, or
place a piece of plastic film underneath
the gas cap to prevent gasoline from
leaking.
To remove and replace either the auger drive belt or
the drive belt, proceed with the following instructions.
1. Remove the chute crank at the chute assembly
by removing the cotter pin and flat washer.
2. Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the
engine by removing the three self-tapping screws
and flat washers. See figure 29.
3. Remove the large shoulder bolt and spacer on
the right hand side of the engine pulley with an
adjustable wrench. Remove the shoulder bolt and
spacer from the idler bracket assembly with one
hand. Use the other hand to catch the belleville
washer which is on the shoulder bolt between the
idler bracket and engine plate. See figure 30.
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