If you are having problems with your PowerSmart PSS24HP Snow Blower, you are not alone. Many PowerSmart PSS24HP owners experience issues with their snow blower from time to time, and it can be frustrating to deal with these problems.
The PowerSmart PSS24HP Engine Fails to Start (Engine cranks over)
Cause
Solution
Spark plug wire disconnected
Connect a wire to spark plug
Faulty spark plug
Clean, adjust the gap, or replace the spark plug.
Engine flooded with fuel
Discontinue choke or primer use, and clean or replace the sparkplug.
Safety key not inserted in engine ignition
Insert the key fully into the switch
Choke not in START position
Move the choke to START position, after the engine starts slowly move to the RUN position as engine speed and operation stabilize at the set rpm. If the engine still does not start move to half choke and crank the engine.
Fuel incorrect, old, or stale, will not ignite
Empty and clean the fuel tank & carburetor, and refill with fresh gasoline. (Note: Fuel may become stale after 30 days in some cases)
Blocked or clogged fuel system or line
Clean fuel system or line
Extension cord is not properly attached to the electric starter terminal
Re-insert the extension cord into the electric starter terminal.
The PowerSmart PSS24HP Engine electric starter will not crank engine
Cause
Solution
No power from power supply, tripped breaker
Check power supply extension cord is attached to.
Extension cord wire gauge is too small, or cord is too long
Use proper rated and length extension cord
CHOKE in ON or partial ON position
Move CHOKE lever to RUN
The PowerSmart PSS24HP Engine runs erratic, stalls or seems low on power
Cause
Solution
Fuel incorrect, old, or stale
Empty and clean the fuel tank & carburetor, and refill with fresh gasoline. (Note: Fuel may become stale after 30 days in some cases)
Blocked or clogged fuel system or line
Clean fuel system or line.
The carburetor is in need of cleaning
Clean fuel systemand carburetor
Spark plug wire loose
Connect and tighten spark plugwire
Faulty spark plug
Clean, adjust gap, or replace spark plug, see Engine Operator’s manual
Engine oil over filled
Drain oil to proper level. Oil should not be above the top2 threads of LOWER fill plug.
Engine oil level low or empty
Add oil
The PowerSmart PSS24HP has no forward or reverse drive movement when the drive handle engaged
Cause
Solution
Drive belt lose or damaged
Check the drive belt tension pulley for damage or incorrect tension, and repair as necessary. Replace drivebelt.
The friction drive wheel is worn or damaged
Replace the friction drive wheel
Friction drive wheel wet or slipping
Allow the snow blower to dry and or warm up or adjust drive cable tension as necessary
Wheel to axle pins broken or missing.
Replace pins attaching wheels to axle
The PowerSmart PSS24HP drive speed control is stuck in gear or won’t change gears
Cause
Solution
The speed control lever is loose or damaged, not moving the speed control cables
Check the drive belt tension pulley for damage or incorrect tension, and repair as necessary. Replace drivebelt.
Speed control cables loose, damaged, or binding
Repair, adjust or replace as necessary
The PowerSmart PSS24HP drive speed control allows only 1 direction
Cause
Solution
Speed control cables misadjusted, loose, damaged, or binding
Check the speed control lever and cables for damage or loose or missing parts. Repair or replace parts as needed. Adjust drive speed control cables, see DriveSpeed Control Cables Adjustment
The PowerSmart PSS24HP drive engaged when drive control handle released
Cause
Solution
Drive control cable binding, won’t release
Repair, replace cable as necessary
Friction drive wheel return spring broke or missing
Replace spring, adjust cable as necessary
The PowerSmart PSS24HP auger not rotating when auger control handle engaged or not blowing snow or poor snow blowing performance
Cause
Solution
Chute assembly clogged
Clean chute and inside of auger housing with clean-out tool
Auger shear pins broken
Replace shear pins. Check each auger blade shear pin
Foreign object in auger or impeller causing auger to stop without shearing pins
Remove object from auger or impeller areas
Auger belt loose, slipping, worn or damaged
Replace auger belt
Auger belt tension cable loose, damaged or binding
Repair, adjust or replace as necessary
Auger blade(s) damaged or bent
Replace auger blade(s)
Auger gearbox mechanical damage, auger drive system not rotating freely (binding)
Check bearings, bushings and all system parts fordamage or mechanical binding. Repair or replace asnecessary using proper lubrication
Impeller damaged
Replace impeller
Impeller not connected to impeller shaft, impeller or shear pins broken
Replace shear pins or impeller as necessary
Forward speed too fast while blowing snow, overload
Allow engine to maintain its speed.
The PowerSmart PSS24HP auger belt broken, or repeated failure
Cause
Solution
Auger tension pulley arm return spring broken or missing
Replace tension arm return spring
Auger tension pulley arm stuck or binding
Repair or replace tension arm as necessary
Auger tension pulley arm or pulley misaligned or damaged
Repair, replace or align tension arm and or pulley asnecessary
Foreign material on pulleys and belt, oil, grease, dirt etc
Clean belt and pulleys as necessary, replace belt ifnecessary
Auger pulleys misaligned, loose, damaged, or bent
Replace or align pulleys as necessary
Incorrect or damaged auger belt
Replace with correct size and type belt
Auger belt guide pin not adjusted
Adjust belt guide pin to within 1/8 to 3/16 in. frompulley. (Guide pin keeps belt in pulley whendisengaged)
The PowerSmart PSS24HP auger rotating when auger control handle released
Cause
Solution
Auger tension pulley arm return spring broken or missing
Share your PowerSmart PSS24HP Snow Blower Problems, issues , tips, ideas, and frustrations with other owners.
Victor
Snow blower won’t go in reverse after I took handle off to transport it in car I took handle off and bolt to adjustment on bottom of it and now won’t go in reverse
Snow blower won’t go in reverse after I took handle off to transport it in car I took handle off and bolt to adjustment on bottom of it and now won’t go in reverse