AboutEric A. Jones Expertise Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.
Experience Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.
Question hi Eric, i have a craftsman snowblower. It has a belt that comes of the shaft of the moter. it in turn drives the chain driven sprocket that turns the wheels......my question is, the chain keeps coming of the sproket. the sprocket is not warped, nor is there any missing teeth. if the machine is 12 years old and works pretty hard. is it possable that the chain is stretched? or lack.
Answer It is possible for chains to stretch. At the same time the sprocket teeth will usually wear also. It's often difficult to see sprocket wear until you compare a new and old sprocket.
The chain is probably a common 35 or 40 chain. You can purchase new chain, fairly cheap at many auto, welding or small engine dealers.
I would try new chain before replacing the sprockets.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
