09-12-2010, 07:42 AM
First thing I'd check is how freely the auger can be turned by hand with the engine off. If it turns freely and you don't feel any roughness in the gears when turning it by hand, the gearbox is probably OK. If it binds or you feel something that doesn't feel right, take it back. By the way, be sure to turn the auger at least one full turn.
If the gearbox feels OK, it's probably the clutch. From what you describe, I'd suspect the flyweight / clutch pads might be sticky. If the engine has been run too rich or the oil mixture has been too rich, there may have been some partially burned oil "slobber" that has gotten into the clutch & kinda gummied it up. If that's all it is, a little carburetor cleaner sprayed into the clutch oughta loosen it up. You might have to rinse it out several times to get it good & clean.
Good luck.
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If the gearbox feels OK, it's probably the clutch. From what you describe, I'd suspect the flyweight / clutch pads might be sticky. If the engine has been run too rich or the oil mixture has been too rich, there may have been some partially burned oil "slobber" that has gotten into the clutch & kinda gummied it up. If that's all it is, a little carburetor cleaner sprayed into the clutch oughta loosen it up. You might have to rinse it out several times to get it good & clean.
Good luck.
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