Husqvarna ST Series Snowblower Problems | Repair Guide

Husqvarna’s ST series snowblowers are solid performers with features like hydrostatic drive and power steering on upper models. These two-stage machines handle heavy snow and large areas. When problems develop, this guide helps diagnose and resolve common issues across all ST series models.

Table of Contents

• Model Overview
• Engine Problems
• Auger System Issues
• Drive System Problems
• Chute and Controls
• Maintenance Schedule

Model Overview

Husqvarna offers several ST series models:

Model	Engine	Width	Features
ST124	208cc LCT	24”	Entry-level
ST224	208cc LCT	24”	Standard two-stage
ST227	254cc LCT	27”	Standard two-stage
ST324	254cc LCT	24”	Hydrostatic drive
ST327	291cc LCT	27”	Hydrostatic drive
ST430	389cc LCT	30”	Track drive, HST

Engine types: Most Husqvarna snowblowers use LCT (Liquid Combustion Technology) engines. Some older models may have Briggs & Stratton engines.

Key features by tier:

• ST1xx/ST2xx: Standard friction disc drive, manual chute
• ST3xx: Hydrostatic drive, power steering, remote chute
• ST4xx: Track drive, hydrostatic, premium features

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Husqvarna ST324 showing controls]

Engine Problems

Won’t Start

Most common cause: Old fuel from summer storage. Always drain or stabilize fuel before storing.

Troubleshooting sequence:

1. Check fuel - Fresh gas under 30 days old?
2. Check choke - Full choke for cold start
3. Check throttle - Should be at FAST position
4. Check electric start battery (if using electric start)
5. Check spark plug - Remove and inspect

Starting procedure:

1. Move throttle to FAST
2. Set choke to FULL
3. Press primer 2-3 times
4. Pull recoil or press electric start
5. Move choke to RUN after engine warms

If still won’t start:

• Spray starting fluid into carburetor
• If fires briefly = carburetor problem
• If nothing = spark or compression issue

See our snowblower won’t start guide for detailed troubleshooting.

Hard Starting After Storage

Old fuel varnishes carburetors quickly. This is the #1 seasonal problem.

Fix:

1. Drain old fuel from tank
2. Drain carburetor bowl (small screw at bottom)
3. Add fresh fuel
4. Try starting
5. If still won’t start, carburetor cleaning needed

See our how to clean a carburetor guide.

Engine Surges

Engine RPM fluctuates up and down.

Causes:

1. Partial carburetor blockage
2. Air leak at intake gasket
3. Governor linkage binding
4. Fuel delivery restriction

Solutions:

• Clean carburetor thoroughly
• Check intake gasket
• Verify governor linkage moves freely
• Replace fuel filter

Engine Lacks Power

Causes:

1. Old or poor fuel
2. Dirty air filter
3. Worn spark plug
4. Carburetor running lean
5. Low compression

Check order:

1. Replace fuel with fresh
2. Clean/replace air filter
3. Install new spark plug
4. Service carburetor

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Husqvarna snowblower engine]

Auger System Issues

Auger Won’t Engage

When you pull the auger lever and nothing happens.

Check in order:

1. Shear pins - If broken, auger freewheels
2. Auger belt - Worn or broken
3. Auger cable - Broken or maladjusted
4. Idler pulley - Not engaging

Shear pin inspection:

1. Look at auger shaft on each side
2. Pins should be intact
3. If auger spins on shaft, pins are broken
4. Replace with correct Husqvarna shear pins

Broken Shear Pins

Shear pins are designed to break and protect the gearbox from damage when the auger hits something hard.

Important:

• Always use correct OEM shear pins
• Never substitute regular bolts (damages gearbox)
• Keep spare pins with machine
• Check both sides after hitting debris

Shear pin replacement:

1. Align holes in auger and shaft
2. Insert new shear pin
3. Install cotter pin or clip
4. Test operation

Weak Snow Throwing

Snow doesn’t throw as far as it should.

Causes:

1. Engine not at full RPM
2. Auger belt slipping
3. Impeller clearance too large
4. Chute blockage
5. Wrong snow type (wet heavy snow throws shorter)

Impeller kit: Consider an impeller kit to reduce clearance between impeller and housing. Dramatically improves throwing distance.

Auger Belt Replacement

Belts wear over time and should be inspected annually.

Signs of worn belt:

• Slipping under load
• Cracks or glazing
• Excessive wear
• Belt rides high in pulley

Drive System Problems

Standard Drive Models (ST1xx, ST2xx)

These use a friction disc system for variable speed.

Drive not engaging:

1. Drive cable adjustment
2. Friction disc worn
3. Drive plate condition
4. Belt condition

Friction disc wear:

• Disc wears over time
• Adjust as it wears using adjustment mechanism
• Replace when adjustment maxed out

Hydrostatic Drive Models (ST3xx, ST4xx)

Higher-end models use hydrostatic transmission for smooth variable speed.

HST problems:

Won’t move:

1. Check bypass lever (must be in drive position)
2. Check fluid level
3. Inspect drive belt
4. Verify linkage connection

Weak or slow:

1. Low HST fluid
2. Air in system
3. Belt slipping
4. Internal wear

Jerky movement:

1. Air in system
2. Linkage adjustment
3. Control cable binding

HST fluid:

• Check level at sight glass or dipstick
• Use correct fluid type (check manual)
• Change every 100 hours or as specified

Power Steering Issues

ST324 and higher models have power steering triggers.

Not responding:

1. Trigger mechanism
2. Hydraulic fluid
3. Steering linkage
4. Friction wheel engagement

Track Drive (ST430)

Track-driven models have unique considerations.

Track tension:

• Should be taut but not overtight
• Check adjustment periodically
• Tracks should not slip on drive wheels

[NEED REAL IMAGE: Husqvarna snowblower drive system]

Chute and Controls

Chute Won’t Rotate

Manual chute:

1. Ice/snow buildup - thaw and clean
2. Crank mechanism - lubricate or repair
3. Gearbox - worn or damaged

Electric/remote chute:

1. Motor failure
2. Switch or wiring
3. Gearbox stripped
4. Joystick mechanism

Chute Clogs

Prevention:

• Apply silicone or non-stick spray
• Don’t force wet heavy snow
• Clear before it packs
• Keep chute area clean

Clearing clogs:

1. Stop engine
2. Use clearing tool (never hands!)
3. Clear chute and impeller area
4. Apply non-stick treatment
5. Restart and continue

Deflector Won’t Stay

Deflector won’t hold position.

Causes:

• Worn friction mechanism
• Broken spring
• Control linkage issue

Fix: Adjust or replace friction mechanism components.

Maintenance Schedule

Before Each Use

• Check oil level
• Verify fuel condition
• Inspect shear pins
• Test controls
• Check tire pressure

Every 5 Hours

• Check auger/drive belt tension
• Lubricate chute mechanisms
• Clear any ice buildup

Every 25 Hours

• Change engine oil
• Inspect belts for wear
• Lubricate all pivot points
• Check cable adjustments

Annually

• Replace spark plug
• Replace fuel filter
• Inspect all belts (replace if worn)
• HST fluid check/change (hydrostatic models)
• Complete inspection

Storage

End of season:

1. Run fuel dry or add stabilizer and run 5 minutes
2. Change engine oil
3. Clean machine thoroughly
4. Lubricate all moving parts
5. Store in dry location
6. Cover to protect

Common Parts

Part	Husqvarna Number	Price
Shear pin kit	587 73 80-01	$10-15
Auger belt	587 74 25-01	$25-40
Drive belt	585 87 16-01	$30-45
Spark plug	Varies	$5-8
Skid shoes	587 74 24-01	$20-30

Related Guides

• Snowblower Won’t Start
• Ariens Deluxe 28 Problems
• Toro Power Max 828 Problems
• Honda HSS Snowblower Problems
• How to Clean a Carburetor

Summary

Husqvarna ST series snowblowers are well-built machines that handle serious snow. Most problems trace back to fuel system issues from storage. Always stabilize fuel or run dry before summer. Keep shear pins on hand - they’re designed to break and protect the gearbox. Hydrostatic models need fluid level checks. With proper maintenance, these machines will clear snow for 15-20+ years.