Craftsman 247.881700 Operator's Manual page 18

Check V-Belts
Follow instructions below to check condition of drive belts every 50
hours of operation.
1. Remove the plastic belt cover on the front of the engine by
removing the self-tapping screw and pressing the plastic tabs to
release the belt cover.
2. Visually inspect for frayed, cracked, or excessively worn out belts.
Replace, if necessary, and follow instructions below.
Replacing Belts
NOTE: There are two belts on this snow thrower: an auger belt and
drive belt. It is recommended that both belts be replaced at the same
time.
1. Remove the spark plug wire from spark plug and ground it against
the engine to prevent accidental starting.
2. Run the engine until the fuel tank is dry to prevent gasoline leakage
when replacing belts.
WARNING
Perform belt maintenance outdoors as some gas may possibly leak
from the carburetor.
3. Remove the self-tapping screw shown in Figure 17, and press the
plastic tabs to release the belt cover. Pull the belt cover up and out
from around the engine and chute assembly. Set it aside and save.
MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
Plastic Tab
Figure 17
Auger Belt
IMPORTANT: Because gas could leak from the carburetor when
servicing auger belt, run the engine until the fuel tank is dry, as previ-
ously instructed in Replacing Belts.
1. Tip the snow thrower up and forward so that it rests on the auger
housing. Remove the belt keeper as called out in Figure 19. Return
the snow thrower to its upright position to complete the following
steps.
2. Slip the front auger belt off of the engine pulley, pushing it forward
and rolling in off of the pulley. See Figure 18.
Engine
Pulley
Drive
Belt
3. Squeeze the auger control handle to release the auger brake,
which is the tab that holds the belt onto the auger pulley. Remove
the belt.
4. Replace with new belt after replacing the drive belt.
18
Auger Belt
Auger
Pulley
Belt Keeper
Idler Bracket
Figure 18