Simplicity Snowblower 860 Broken? Your Ultimate Repair Guide
The Simplicity 860 snowblower is a famously robust machine, trusted for decades to conquer the toughest winter storms. However, even the most reliable equipment can fail, often at the most inconvenient time. You pull the cord, and nothing happens, or the engine sputters out just as the heaviest snow begins to fall, leaving you with a driveway full of problems.
This failure isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a significant disruption. The core of the problem often lies within a few key systems that wear down over time. Understanding these common failure points is the first step toward a lasting solution.
You'll Learn About
Why Your Simplicity 860 Fails in Heavy Snow
When your snowblower quits, the issue can almost always be traced back to one of three areas: the engine, the auger system, or the drivetrain. Fuel goes stale, belts stretch, and shear pins break. These are the realities of mechanical equipment facing intense workloads in harsh conditions.
Ignoring these small, developing issues leads to bigger headaches later. A simple maintenance check can be the difference between a smoothly cleared driveway and a frustrating morning spent troubleshooting in the cold. We will explore the most common problems and provide clear, actionable steps to fix them.
Decoding the Engine: Common Starting and Stalling Problems
An engine that won’t start or constantly stalls is the most frequent complaint from snowblower owners. The culprit is often simple and easily preventable. Before you assume a costly repair is needed, it’s essential to check the basics of the fuel and ignition systems.
Proper starting procedure and clean fuel are critical for these hardworking engines. A few minutes of inspection can save you hours of frustration and get your machine running reliably again.
Old Fuel & Carburetor Clogs: The Silent Killers
The number one cause of a non-starting snowblower is old fuel. Gasoline, especially fuel containing ethanol, can begin to degrade in as little as 30 days. As it breaks down, it creates a gummy varnish that clogs the tiny passages inside the carburetor.
This blockage starves the engine of the fuel it needs to run properly, leading to hard starts, rough idling, and stalling under load. Always use fresh, stabilized fuel to prevent this common and entirely avoidable problem.
Spark Plug Fouling and Ignition Failure
A healthy spark is just as important as clean fuel. A spark plug that is old, dirty, or damaged cannot create a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Visually inspect the spark plug for a cracked porcelain insulator or heavy carbon buildup on the electrode.
If the spark plug appears to be in good condition, the issue might be the ignition coil, though this is less common. A simple spark plug tester can quickly determine if you are getting a strong, consistent spark. A weak or nonexistent spark means it’s time for a replacement.
Choke and Primer Bulb Best Practices
Incorrect starting procedures can flood the engine or prevent it from getting the enriched fuel mixture needed for a cold start. Always set the choke to the full position before attempting to start a cold engine. Pressing the primer bulb two to three times will deliver a small shot of fuel directly into the carburetor.
Once the engine starts, you must gradually move the choke to the “run” position as it warms up. If the primer bulb feels brittle or has cracks, it may be drawing in air instead of fuel and should be replaced.
The Auger and Impeller System: When It Stops Throwing Snow
One of the most disheartening problems is when the engine runs perfectly, but the snowblower refuses to throw snow. The augers may turn slowly or not at all, leaving you to push the machine through heavy drifts with no result. This power transfer issue is almost always mechanical and can be diagnosed with a careful inspection.
The system of belts, pulleys, and shear pins is designed with specific failure points to protect the more expensive components like the gearbox. Finding the broken link in this chain is key to restoring your machine’s snow-clearing power.
Shear Pin Failure: The Built-in Failsafe
Shear pins are your snowblower’s first line of defense. These small bolts are designed to break when the auger hits a hard object like a rock, a thick piece of ice, or a hidden newspaper. This sacrificial failure protects the powerful auger gearbox from catastrophic damage.
If your auger isn’t turning, the first thing to check is the shear pins. Never replace a broken shear pin with a standard bolt. A regular bolt is too strong and will not break under stress, transferring the destructive force directly to the gearbox, which can lead to a repair costing hundreds of dollars.
Worn or Stretched Belts: The Power Transfer Problem
The engine transmits power to the auger and impeller via a set of heavy-duty rubber belts. Over time, these belts can stretch, crack, or glaze over, causing them to slip on the pulleys. A slipping belt means the auger won’t have enough torque to move heavy, wet snow.
Visually inspect the auger drive belt for signs of wear. If it looks frayed or feels loose, it needs to be replaced. Proper belt tension is crucial for efficient power transfer and optimal snow-throwing performance.
The Hidden Culprit: The Impeller Kit
Many owners find that their older Simplicity 860 doesn’t throw snow as far as it used to, even with a strong engine and good belts. This gradual decline in performance is often caused by wear on the impeller, the high-speed fan that ejects snow from the chute. A small gap develops between the rubber impeller paddles and the housing, allowing snow to slip past instead of being forcefully thrown.
An impeller modification kit, which adds a strip of durable rubber to the edge of each impeller blade, closes this gap. This simple upgrade can dramatically increase throwing distance, often restoring performance to better-than-new levels and making your machine far more effective in deep or heavy snow.
Drivetrain and Traction Issues: Getting a Grip in Icy Conditions
A snowblower that can’t move itself forward is useless, no matter how well the engine runs or the auger performs. The drive system, which propels the wheels, has its own set of common wear-and-tear items. When your machine starts slipping or refuses to move, the problem usually lies with the friction disc or its related components.
Ensuring the drivetrain is properly maintained and adjusted is critical for safe and effective operation, especially on sloped or icy surfaces. A few simple checks can restore your snowblower’s traction and control.
The Friction Disc: Your Transmission’s Core
The heart of the Simplicity’s drive system is the friction disc, a rubber-coated wheel that presses against a spinning metal plate. As you change speeds, this wheel moves closer to or further from the center of the plate, altering the drive ratio. Over time, the rubber on this disc can wear down, harden, or become contaminated with oil or grease.
A worn friction disc will slip against the drive plate, resulting in weak or no power to the wheels, especially under load. If your snowblower struggles to move forward, inspect the friction disc for wear and replace it if the rubber is glazed or worn thin.
Tire Pressure and Chains: Simple Fixes for Better Traction
Often, the simplest solutions are overlooked. Low tire pressure is a common cause of poor traction. Under-inflated tires can’t properly grip the ground, causing them to spin on snow and ice. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI and ensure both tires are inflated evenly.
For truly challenging conditions, especially on steep driveways, a set of tire chains is an invaluable upgrade. Tire chains provide a significant improvement in grip on packed snow and ice, giving you better control and preventing the wheels from spinning uselessly.
Cable Adjustments for Drive Engagement
The engagement of the drive system is controlled by a cable that runs from the handlebar lever to the friction disc mechanism. If this cable stretches over time, it may not pull the friction disc firmly enough against the drive plate, causing it to slip. This can mimic the symptoms of a worn-out friction disc.
Check your operator’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the traction control cable. Proper adjustment ensures instant and solid engagement when you squeeze the drive lever, maximizing power delivery to the wheels.
Maintenance is Cheaper Than Repair: A Proactive Schedule
The vast majority of snowblower problems can be avoided with a simple, consistent maintenance routine. Taking an hour before the season starts to check fluids, inspect belts, and lubricate moving parts will ensure your Simplicity 860 is ready when you need it. This proactive approach saves you from emergency repairs in freezing weather.
Following a clear schedule for pre-season, mid-season, and post-season care will dramatically extend the life of your machine and guarantee reliable performance for years to come.
| Maintenance Task | Pre-Season (Fall) | Mid-Season (After ~25 hours) | Post-Season (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change Engine Oil | Yes | Check Level | Yes (Crucial for storage) |
| Check/Replace Spark Plug | Yes | Inspect | Clean |
| Inspect Belts | Yes | Check Tension | Inspect |
| Check Shear Pins | Yes (Have spares ready) | Inspect | Inspect |
| Lubricate Auger/Shaft/Chute | Yes | If needed | Yes |
| Check Tire Pressure | Yes | Inspect | Inspect |
| Add Fuel Stabilizer | Yes (With fresh fuel) | N/A | Yes (Or run fuel empty) |
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Troubleshooting and Upgrades
For owners comfortable with more involved repairs, there are several steps that can further improve the performance and reliability of the Simplicity 860. These tasks go beyond simple maintenance and can solve more persistent issues or upgrade the machine’s core functionality.
From deep carburetor cleaning to optimizing the snow ejection path, these advanced tips can breathe new life into an older machine, making it a formidable tool against winter weather.
Carburetor Cleaning vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice
If the carburetor is severely clogged with old fuel deposits, a simple spray cleaner may not be enough. A full disassembly and cleaning of all jets and passages may be required. However, considering the low cost of replacement carburetors for these common engines, sometimes replacing the entire unit is faster and more effective.
This decision often comes down to time versus cost. A full replacement can be done in under an hour and guarantees a perfectly clean fuel system, a repair that can be as straightforward as changing a dummy light bulb if you have the right parts.
Optimizing Your Chute: Preventing Clogs and Improving Aim
Wet, heavy snow is notorious for clogging the discharge chute, forcing you to stop and clear it manually. A simple yet highly effective trick is to coat the inside of the auger housing and the chute with a non-stick spray. A quality silicone or graphite spray creates a slick surface that snow can’t adhere to, ensuring a smooth and consistent flow.
This treatment prevents frustrating blockages and helps the machine throw snow farther. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the “slushy” conditions of early and late winter storms.
Sizing Up Your Space: Is the 860 Right for You?
The Simplicity 860 is a powerful machine, but it’s important to use the right tool for the job. Its capabilities are best suited for medium to large driveways with moderate to heavy snowfall. Proper planning is essential for any home project, whether you’re selecting a snowblower or figuring out how to fit a 30-inch range in a 36-inch space in your kitchen.
Understanding your machine’s capacity ensures you won’t overwork it in conditions it wasn’t designed for, which is key to its long-term reliability. The 860’s robust build makes it a long-lasting investment for the right environment.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Simplicity 860 for a Worry-Free Winter
The Simplicity 860 has earned its reputation as a durable and powerful snowblower. By understanding its common failure points—fuel system neglect, shear pin breaks, and drivetrain wear—you can transform it from a source of winter frustration into an unstoppable ally. A proactive maintenance schedule is the single most effective way to ensure it starts on the first pull and performs flawlessly all season long.
Having reliable equipment you can count on is crucial during a storm, just as having access to quick project supplies through services like Postmates from Home Depot can be. Take control of your machine’s health, and your Simplicity 860 will reward you with many years of dependable service.
