Ariens Deluxe 28 Problems | Snowblower Repair Guide

The Ariens Deluxe 28 is an enthusiast favorite among two-stage snowblowers. Built in Wisconsin and known for heavy-duty construction, this machine handles serious winters with ease. Ariens has earned a reputation for building snowblowers that last decades with proper maintenance. When problems develop, this guide helps diagnose and resolve common issues so you can keep clearing snow all winter.

Table of Contents

• Specifications
• Engine Problems
• Auger System
• Drive System
• Chute and Controls
• Maintenance
• Troubleshooting Quick Reference
• Frequently Asked Questions

Specifications

The Deluxe 28 sits in the sweet spot of Ariens’ lineup - capable enough for serious snow but manageable for residential use.

Feature	Specification
Engine	254cc Ariens AX OHV
Clearing width	28 inches
Intake height	21 inches
Stages	Two-stage
Speeds	6 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel tank	3.2 quarts
Auger diameter	14 inches
Impeller diameter	14 inches
Weight	255 lbs

The Ariens Deluxe 28 features the reliable AX engine and heavy-duty construction

The Ariens AX engine is designed specifically for snow clearing - it starts reliably in cold weather and delivers consistent power across temperature ranges. The 28-inch clearing width handles typical residential driveways efficiently, while the 21-inch intake height manages most snowfall depths in a single pass.

Key features:

• Auto-Turn steering for easier maneuvering
• Quick-Turn chute control
• Electric start standard
• Large 14-inch serrated steel augers
• Durable cast iron gearbox

Engine Problems

Engine issues are common complaints, especially after summer storage. The good news is most problems have straightforward solutions.

Won’t Start Cold

Cold starting requires the right procedure, especially in freezing temperatures.

Proper cold start procedure:

1. Turn fuel valve to ON position
2. Set choke to FULL (closed)
3. Move throttle to FAST
4. Press primer bulb 2-3 times (don’t over-prime)
5. Turn key or pull recoil until engine fires
6. Once running, gradually move choke to RUN

If engine won’t start:

1. Check fuel freshness - Fuel older than 60 days is suspect
2. Inspect spark plug - Should be tan/brown, not black or wet
3. Verify fuel reaching carburetor - Press primer and listen for fuel squirting
4. Test battery (electric start) - Should read 12.6V or higher
5. Check fuel shutoff valve - Must be fully open

Cold weather starting tips:

• Store machine in garage if possible (warmer engine starts easier)
• Keep battery on maintainer during winter
• Use fresh fuel with winter-grade stabilizer
• Ensure oil is appropriate viscosity for temperature

Inspect the spark plug before each season - a fouled plug prevents starting

Won’t Start After Summer Storage

This is the most common complaint. Fuel left in the system over summer forms varnish that clogs the carburetor.

Why it happens: Gasoline begins breaking down within 30 days and forms sticky varnish deposits. These deposits clog the tiny passages in the carburetor, preventing proper fuel delivery.

Solution:

1. Drain all old fuel from tank
2. Remove carburetor bowl and clean visible deposits
3. Spray carburetor cleaner through all passages
4. Replace fuel filter if equipped
5. Install fresh spark plug
6. Add fresh fuel with stabilizer

If still won’t start: The carburetor likely needs complete disassembly and cleaning, or replacement. Ariens carburetors are reasonably priced ($50-80) and often quicker to replace than rebuild.

Prevention: At season’s end, either run the fuel system completely dry or add stabilizer and run the engine for 5 minutes to distribute it.

Engine Surges

Surging (RPM fluctuating rhythmically up and down) indicates fuel delivery or air leak problems.

Common causes:

1. Carburetor needs cleaning - Partial blockage causes inconsistent fuel flow
2. Old fuel varnish - Even with fresh fuel, old deposits cause problems
3. Air leak at intake - Cracked gasket between carburetor and engine
4. Governor issue - Governor spring stretched or linkage binding
5. Fuel filter restriction - Partially clogged filter

Diagnosis approach:

• If surging occurs at idle only, suspect low-speed jet blockage
• If surging occurs at all speeds, suspect air leak or governor issue
• Cover part of the air intake with your hand - if surging stops, suspect lean condition

Lacks Power Under Load

An engine that starts but can’t handle snow load needs diagnosis.

Causes (most to least common):

1. Stale fuel - Even slightly degraded fuel reduces power
2. Dirty air filter - Restricts airflow, reducing power
3. Spark plug worn - Weak spark reduces combustion efficiency
4. Carburetor needs service - Jets partially clogged
5. Valve adjustment - Required periodically on OHV engines
6. Low compression - Worn rings or valves (high-hour machines)

Auger System

The auger system does the heavy lifting - collecting snow and feeding it to the impeller for throwing.

Auger Won’t Turn

When the auger doesn’t rotate with the control engaged, something is preventing movement.

Diagnosis sequence:

1. Check shear pins first - Most common cause. Inspect both auger shafts where they connect to the gearbox.
2. Inspect auger belt - Look for broken, worn, or glazed belt
3. Test gearbox - Listen for grinding sounds indicating gear damage
4. Check for ice jam - Frozen snow packed solid in housing

Shear pin details: Shear pins are designed to break when the auger hits an obstacle, protecting the expensive gearbox. Each auger has its own shear pin.

Replacement procedure:

1. Disconnect spark plug wire for safety
2. Locate broken pin (may need to rotate auger by hand)
3. Remove remains of old pin from both sides
4. Align auger shaft hole with housing hole
5. Insert new shear pin through both
6. Install cotter pin or clip

Critical: Use only Ariens genuine shear pins or exact equivalents. Never substitute regular bolts - they won’t shear when needed and will destroy the gearbox.

Check both auger shear pins when the auger won’t turn

Auger Turns But Won’t Throw Snow

If the auger rotates but snow doesn’t throw, the problem is between the auger and the discharge.

Impeller-related causes:

1. Impeller shear pin broken - Impeller has its own shear pin
2. Impeller-to-housing gap too large - Snow slips past instead of being thrown
3. Chute blockage - Ice or packed snow blocking discharge
4. Low engine RPM - Throttle not at FAST

Impeller gap kit: On older machines, the gap between impeller and housing increases as parts wear. Aftermarket impeller kits add rubber paddles that close this gap, dramatically improving throwing distance.

Auger Makes Unusual Noises

Strange sounds indicate something needs attention before it becomes a bigger problem.

Grinding or clunking causes:

1. Shear pin partially broken - Pin bent but not fully sheared
2. Auger bearing worn - Support bearings in housing wear over time
3. Foreign object - Rock, branch, or ice chunk caught in housing
4. Gearbox issue - Internal gear damage (serious)

When to be concerned: Sudden new noises warrant immediate inspection. Stop the machine and check for obvious problems before continuing.

Auger Belt Replacement

The auger belt transfers power from the engine to the auger gearbox.

Signs belt needs replacement:

• Slipping under load (auger slows in heavy snow)
• Squealing when engaging
• Visible cracks, fraying, or glazing
• Belt rides off pulleys

Replacement procedure:

1. Remove belt cover (typically 2-4 bolts)
2. Release belt tension (idler pulley)
3. Note belt routing before removal
4. Install new belt, following same routing
5. Adjust tension per manual specifications
6. Verify proper operation before use

Belt tension: Too loose causes slipping; too tight accelerates wear. Follow Ariens specifications.

Drive System

The drive system moves the snowblower forward and backward. Ariens uses a friction disc system.

Won’t Move Forward

When the snowblower won’t self-propel, work through these checks.

Systematic diagnosis:

1. Drive engage lever - Must be fully engaged
2. Speed selector - Not at neutral position
3. Friction disc condition - Worn disc won’t grab
4. Drive belt - Check for breakage or extreme wear
5. Transmission engagement - Linkage properly connected

Weak or Slow Movement

If the machine moves but seems underpowered:

Causes:

1. Friction disc worn - Rubber surface worn smooth
2. Drive belt slipping - Worn or loose belt
3. Low friction disc pressure - Adjustment needed
4. Transmission internal wear - Rare on properly maintained units

Friction Disc Service

The friction disc is a wear item that eventually needs replacement on all snowblowers with this drive type.

How the system works: A rubber-faced disc contacts a metal drive plate. The position of the disc on the plate determines speed - center is slower, edge is faster. Reverse positions the disc on the opposite side.

Signs of wear:

• Machine won’t move or moves very slowly
• Slips especially under load (going uphill or through heavy snow)
• Requires harder lever squeeze than before
• Burning rubber smell

Maintenance:

• Inspect disc surface annually
• Adjust pressure as disc wears
• Replace when worn to cord or smooth

Replacement cost: $35-50 for the part. DIY difficulty is moderate.

Inspect the friction disc annually - replace when worn smooth

Track Models - Pulling to One Side

If your Deluxe 28 has optional tracks and pulls to one side:

Causes:

1. Uneven track tension - One track tighter than the other
2. Track wear - One track more worn
3. Drive sprocket issue - Worn or damaged sprocket
4. Debris - Ice or debris in track mechanism

Chute and Controls

Chute Won’t Rotate

A stuck chute makes snow clearing nearly impossible.

Causes:

1. Frozen - Ice buildup in rotation mechanism
2. Control cable broken - Cable snapped or disconnected
3. Gearbox stripped - Internal gear damage
4. Crank mechanism jammed - Debris or mechanical failure

De-icing procedure:

1. Clear visible ice around chute base
2. Work chute control gently back and forth to break ice
3. Apply silicone spray to prevent refreezing
4. Don’t force if mechanism is truly jammed

Prevention: Apply silicone spray to chute rotation area before each use session.

Chute Deflector Won’t Adjust

The deflector controls the throwing arc angle.

Check in order:

1. Cable or rod connection at deflector
2. Pivot points for ice or corrosion
3. Control handle mechanism
4. Spring condition (if spring-loaded)

Remote Chute Control Issues

Models with Quick-Turn remote chute control:

Common problems:

1. Cables need adjustment - Stretch over time
2. Gearbox wear - Internal gears wear
3. Joystick mechanism - Pivot points binding

Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps the Deluxe 28 running for decades.

Before Each Use

• Check oil level (don’t overfill)
• Visually inspect shear pins
• Test all controls for proper operation
• Verify fuel level
• Check tire pressure or track tension

Every 25 Hours

• Change engine oil (SAE 5W-30 for cold weather)
• Inspect auger and drive belts
• Check auger housing for wear
• Lubricate pivot points and cables
• Inspect skid shoes and scraper bar

Pre-Season Preparation

• Drain old fuel and add fresh with stabilizer
• Install new spark plug
• Inspect all belts for wear or damage
• Grease all fittings
• Test run before first snow

Post-Season Storage

• Run fuel system dry OR add stabilizer and run 5 minutes
• Change oil while engine is warm
• Clean all snow and debris from housing
• Touch up paint on any scrapes to prevent rust
• Store in dry location

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Won’t start	Old fuel	Drain, add fresh
Won’t start (stored)	Varnished carb	Clean/replace carb
Surging	Dirty carburetor	Clean carburetor
Auger won’t turn	Sheared pin	Replace shear pins
Won’t throw snow	Impeller pin/gap	Check pin, add impeller kit
Won’t move	Worn friction disc	Adjust/replace disc
Chute stuck	Frozen	De-ice, apply silicone
Weak engine	Stale fuel/dirty filter	Fresh fuel, clean filter
Pulls to side	Track tension	Adjust track tension

Common Parts

Part	Ariens Part #	Cost
Shear pins (set of 4)	53200500	$8-12
Auger belt	07200020	$20-30
Drive belt	07200630	$25-35
Friction disc	04743700	$35-50
Spark plug	21548100	$5-8
Skid shoes	72600300	$20-30/pair
Scraper bar	03808400	$25-35
Carburetor	20001027	$50-80

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ariens considered among the best snowblowers?

Heavy-duty construction using quality materials, reliable purpose-built engines, excellent parts availability even for older models, and a track record of machines lasting 20+ years. Ariens is built in Wisconsin by people who understand serious winter weather.

How long does an Ariens Deluxe 28 last?

With proper maintenance, expect 15-25+ years of service. Many Ariens snowblowers from the 1980s and 1990s are still clearing driveways today. The key is fresh fuel, regular oil changes, and addressing problems before they become major.

Ariens vs Honda - which is better?

Both are excellent machines. Ariens typically offers more snow-moving power and heavy-duty construction at a lower price point. Honda snowblowers are known for smooth operation, quieter engines, and legendary reliability. Either choice will serve you well for many years.

Can I use any shear pins?

Use Ariens genuine shear pins or exact specification equivalents. The pins are designed to break at a specific force to protect the gearbox. Never substitute regular bolts or hardware store pins - they won’t shear when needed and will destroy your gearbox when the auger hits an obstacle.

Why won’t my Ariens start after sitting all summer?

Old fuel is almost always the cause. Gasoline breaks down and varnishes the carburetor over the off-season. The solution is draining old fuel, cleaning or replacing the carburetor, and using fresh fuel with stabilizer. Prevent this by either running the fuel system dry at season’s end or adding stabilizer.

How often should I change the oil?

Change oil before each season and every 25 hours of operation thereafter. Use SAE 5W-30 for cold weather operation. Check level before each use - don’t overfill as this causes problems too.

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Ariens builds snowblowers for people who face real winters. Keep up with maintenance, use fresh fuel with stabilizer, and address problems early. These machines handle whatever winter throws at them and will serve you reliably for decades.