Ariens ST5+2 Problems? Your Ultimate 2025 Revival Guide
That trusted Ariens ST5+2 sitting in the corner of your garage is a monument to durable, all-steel construction. But when the first heavy snow of the season hits, the last thing you want is a silent engine or a non-spinning auger. If your reliable snow-clearing partner is showing its age, you’re facing a common problem that plagues many owners of these classic machines.
The core issue often isn’t a single catastrophic failure but a series of age-related declines. Years of service, fluctuating temperatures during storage, and modern ethanol-blended fuels can take their toll. Understanding these underlying causes is the first step to bringing your ST5+2 back to its former glory.
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Why Your Trusted Ariens ST5+2 is Failing (The Problem)
Before you can implement a solution, you must accurately diagnose the problem. For a vintage machine like the Ariens ST5+2, issues almost always trace back to three key areas: the fuel system, the drive system, or general wear and corrosion from age. Identifying the specific point of failure will save you time, money, and frustration.
The Culprit of Most Starting Issues: The Fuel System
The number one reason an Ariens ST5+2 fails to start or runs poorly is a compromised fuel system. Modern gasoline can begin to degrade in as little as 30 days, leaving behind a gummy varnish that clogs essential components. This sticky substance blocks the tiny jets and passages inside the carburetor, starving the engine of the fuel it needs to run properly.
Symptoms often include an engine that won’t start without starter fluid, runs only on choke, or dies as soon as it’s put under load. Degraded fuel lines can also crack and leak, introducing air into the system and preventing fuel from reaching the engine. It is critical to address fuel safety with the same seriousness as other utility issues, such as knowing the risks of turning gas back on illegally in a home environment.
When Power Fails to Meet Pavement: Drive System Woes
If the engine runs strong but the snowblower won’t move or throw snow, the problem lies within the drive system. The connection between the engine and the augers—and the wheels—relies on a system of belts and a friction disc. These components are designed to wear out over time and require periodic replacement.
A common failure point is a stretched, cracked, or broken auger belt, which will prevent the augers from turning. Similarly, a worn-out friction disc, the rubber wheel that engages the drive plate, will cause the snowblower to lose its ability to propel itself forward. These are maintenance items, not signs of a machine that’s beyond repair.
The Silent Threat: Age, Rust, and Wear
The robust build quality of an Ariens is legendary; its heavy-gauge steel frame is a testament to its durability, a structure whose integrity might be compared to knowing how much weight will a 1/4 inch lag bolt hold. However, even the toughest steel can fall victim to rust, especially when stored in a damp garage or shed. Rust can seize cables, weaken the frame, and damage the auger housing.
Furthermore, preparing a proper, dry storage area is crucial for longevity. Protecting the machine from a damp concrete floor, perhaps by using a raised pallet or ensuring the space is properly sealed, is a key preventative measure. For instance, understanding material properties, like how thick is kerdi board, can inform how one might waterproof a storage space effectively.
The Complete Restoration Blueprint for Your ST5+2 (The Solution)
Bringing your Ariens ST5+2 back to life is a systematic process. By addressing the engine, the snow-clearing components, and the drive system in stages, you can transform a non-running machine into a reliable workhorse for years to come. This blueprint provides actionable steps for a full revival.
Step 1: Awakening the Engine – Ignition and Fuel System Overhaul
Begin with the basics of ignition. A new spark plug is an inexpensive and easy first step that solves many starting problems. Ensure it is gapped correctly according to your engine’s specifications.
Next, tackle the fuel system. Drain all old fuel from the tank and carburetor bowl. Replace brittle or cracked fuel lines. The most critical task is cleaning the carburetor. You may need to remove it, disassemble it, and clean the tiny internal jets and passages with carburetor cleaner and compressed air to remove all varnish buildup.
Step 2: Restoring the Beast’s Bite – Auger and Impeller Service
The snow-throwing power of your machine depends on the auger and impeller system. Start by checking the shear pins. These small bolts are designed to break if the auger hits a hard object, protecting the more expensive gearbox. If they are broken, the auger won’t spin.
Inspect the auger and impeller belts for cracks, fraying, or excessive stretching. Replace them if they show any signs of wear. Finally, check the auger gearbox oil level. This is often overlooked but is vital for the longevity of the gears.
Step 3: Getting a Grip – Wheels, Tires, and Drive Disc
Effective propulsion is key to clearing snow efficiently. Tip the snowblower forward to access the bottom cover plate and inspect the friction disc. If the rubber is worn down, cracked, or glazed over, it must be replaced to restore drive power.
While you have it tipped, check the tire pressure and inspect the tires for dry rot or cracks. Proper inflation ensures the best traction and keeps the scraper bar at the correct height. This is also a good time to lubricate the axle shafts to prevent the wheels from seizing.
Beyond the Basics: Performance Upgrades for Your Ariens ST5+2
Restoring your ST5+2 to factory condition is a great achievement. However, you can also introduce modern enhancements that improve its performance, safety, and usability beyond its original design. These upgrades leverage new technology to improve a classic machine.
Illuminating the Path: Modern LED Headlight Conversion
Many older snowblowers were either not equipped with a headlight or used a dim incandescent bulb. Upgrading to a modern, bright LED headlight is a significant safety and convenience improvement. LED lights draw very little power, are resistant to vibration, and will dramatically improve your visibility during early morning or evening snow clearing.
Conquering Icy Terrain: Advanced Tire and Chain Options
Tire technology has advanced significantly since the ST5+2 was first manufactured. Replacing old, hardened tires with a modern, aggressive-tread snow tire will provide a dramatic increase in traction. For the most extreme icy conditions, adding a set of tire chains will ensure your machine never loses its grip.
Fine-Tuning for Modern Fuels
Ethanol in modern gasoline attracts water and can cause corrosion in fuel systems. Always use a fuel stabilizer in every tank of gas to slow fuel degradation and protect your engine. For optimal performance, consider having the carburetor professionally adjusted to run efficiently on today’s fuel blends.
Proactive Care: Your Ariens ST5+2 Maintenance Checklist
Consistent maintenance is the key to ensuring your Ariens ST5+2 starts every time and operates reliably for decades. This simple checklist, broken down into a convenient table, covers the essential tasks to keep your machine in peak condition.
| Frequency | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Before Each Use | Check Engine Oil Level | Ensure oil is between the ‘Full’ and ‘Add’ marks on the dipstick. |
| Before Each Use | Inspect Shear Pins | Visually check that auger shear pins are intact and not damaged. |
| Monthly (During Season) | Check Tire Pressure | Inflate tires to the pressure specified in the owner’s manual. |
| Monthly (During Season) | Lubricate Chute & Controls | Apply a silicone spray or light grease to the chute rotation gear and control linkages. |
| Annually (End of Season) | Change Engine Oil | Drain old oil while the engine is warm and refill with fresh oil. |
| Annually (End of Season) | Replace Spark Plug | Install a new, correctly gapped spark plug for reliable starting. |
| Annually (End of Season) | Inspect Belts and Friction Disc | Check for cracks, wear, and proper tension. Replace if necessary. |
| Annually (End of Season) | Stabilize or Drain Fuel | Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 5 minutes, or drain the tank and carb completely. |
Is the Ariens ST5+2 Still a Worthy Investment?
In an age of disposable products, the question of whether to repair an old machine or buy a new one is common. The decision involves weighing the cost of parts and your time against the price and quality of a modern replacement. For the Ariens ST5+2, the answer is often a resounding “yes.”
Weighing the Costs: Repair vs. Replace
A full revival of an ST5+2, including a new carburetor, belts, friction disc, and spark plug, can typically be completed for a fraction of the cost of a new two-stage snowblower. While a new machine comes with a warranty, it may not possess the same heavy-duty, all-metal construction as your vintage Ariens. The investment in restoring your ST5+2 is often an investment in superior build quality.
The Legacy of Ariens: Why These Machines Endure
The Ariens ST5+2 hails from an era where equipment was built to be repaired, not replaced. Its simple, robust mechanical design makes it easy for a homeowner with basic tools to maintain and fix. This inherent serviceability, combined with its legendary durability, is why so many of these machines are still clearing snow more than 30 years after they were built. Restoring one isn’t just a repair job; it’s preserving a legacy of quality craftsmanship.
