Ariens Model 921024 Service Manual

The Ariens Model 921024 is a compact snow thrower designed for residential use, featuring a 24-inch clearing width, a 208cc Ariens AX engine, electric start, power steering, and durable steel augers. This service manual provides detailed instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Below are key sections covering safety, specifications, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Safety Precautions 3. Specifications 4. Maintenance Schedule 5. Engine Service 6. Drive System 7. Auger & Impeller 8. Electrical System 9. Controls & Adjustments 10. Storage & Off-Season Care 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 208cc Ariens AX engine, 24-inch steel auger housing, Electric start with recoil backup, 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, Power steering, Heated hand grips, LED headlight, Scraper bar and skid shoes.

Feature	Description
Clearing Width	24 inches
Engine	208cc Ariens AX 4-cycle OHV
Starting System	Electric start with 120V cord; recoil backup
Drive System	6-speed gear drive with friction disc
Steering	Power steering for easy maneuverability
Auger Material	Durable steel with rubber paddles
Chute Control	Remote crank-operated, 200° rotation
Skid Shoes	Adjustable for cutting height
Headlight	LED for visibility in low light
Warranty	3-year limited warranty

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage.

Read manual thoroughly before operation or service.
Always stop engine and remove key before performing maintenance.
Disconnect spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting.
Use proper tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Work in a well-ventilated area when servicing engine.

WARNING! Never attempt to clear clogged auger or chute with engine running. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

Specifications

Model: 921024
Engine: Ariens AX 208cc, 4-cycle OHV
Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz. (SAE 5W-30)
Clearing Width: 24 inches
Intake Height: 20 inches
Throwing Distance: Up to 40 feet
Drive System: 6 forward, 2 reverse speeds
Weight: 229 lbs
Dimensions (LxWxH): 52 x 28 x 44 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliability and extends machine life.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check fuel level, oil level, tire pressure, auger control cable, shear pins
First 5 hours	Change engine oil (break-in)
Every 25 hours or season	Change engine oil, check spark plug, lubricate controls and chute mechanism
Every 50 hours	Replace spark plug, check drive belt tension, inspect auger paddles
Every 100 hours	Replace fuel filter, inspect friction disc, check wheel bearings
End of season	Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean entire machine, store properly

Engine Service

Procedures for maintaining the 208cc Ariens AX engine.

Oil Change: Run engine to warm oil. Stop engine, place drain pan under drain plug. Remove plug and drain oil. Refill with 20 oz. SAE 5W-30.
Spark Plug: Remove wire, clean area, use socket to remove plug. Gap to 0.030 inches. Install and torque to 18 ft-lbs.
Air Filter: Remove cover, inspect foam filter. Clean with soapy water if dirty. Re-oil with engine oil and squeeze out excess.
Fuel System: Replace fuel filter annually. Use fresh fuel; add stabilizer for storage.
Carburetor Adjustment: Refer to engine manual for idle and high-speed screw settings.

CAUTION! Engine components may be hot. Allow to cool before servicing.

Drive System

Service for gear drive, belts, and friction disc.

Drive Belt Inspection: Check for cracks, fraying, or glazing. Replace if worn.
Belt Replacement: Remove belt cover. Release tension, remove old belt. Route new belt per diagram. Adjust tension.
Friction Disc: Inspect for wear. Replace if thickness is less than 0.115 inches.
Gear Case Oil: Check level annually. Use SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Traction Control Cable: Adjust so drive lever engages fully without slipping.

Auger & Impeller

Maintenance of snow throwing components.

Shear Pin Replacement: Always use genuine Ariens shear pins (part # 035-10000). Never use standard bolts.
Auger Paddle Inspection: Check rubber paddles for wear or damage. Replace if worn more than 1/4 inch.
Auger Cable Adjustment: Cable should have 1/8 inch free play when control is released.
Scraper Bar & Skid Shoes: Adjust height for surface conditions. Replace if worn excessively.
Impeller Inspection: Check for damage or ice buildup. Ensure it rotates freely.

WARNING! Disconnect spark plug before working on auger assembly.

Electrical System

Service for electric start, lights, and switches.

Electric Start: Check battery charge if equipped. Ensure power cord is undamaged.
Key Switch Test: Use multimeter to check continuity in ON and START positions.
Wiring Harness: Inspect for frayed wires or loose connections, especially near controls.
LED Headlight: Check bulb and wiring. Replace LED assembly if damaged.
Safety Interlock System: Test that engine stops when auger control or drive lever is released.

Controls & Adjustments

Proper adjustment of operator controls.

Auger Control Cable: Adjust to eliminate slack but not cause drag.
Drive Control Cable: Adjust for full engagement without slippage.
Chute Control: Lubricate crank mechanism annually. Ensure smooth 200° rotation.
Steering Control: Check power steering rods for tightness. Adjust if pulling to one side.
Handle Height: Adjust to operator comfort using provided pins.

Storage & Off-Season Care

Prepare machine for storage to prevent damage.

Run engine to warm oil, then change oil and filter.
Add fuel stabilizer to tank, run engine for 5 minutes to circulate.
Drain fuel from carburetor or run engine until it stalls.
Clean entire machine, removing all snow, dirt, and salt residue.
Lubricate all pivot points, cables, and chute mechanism.
Store in a dry, covered area. Consider using a cover.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in carburetor without stabilizer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	No fuel, bad spark plug, stale fuel, safety switch engaged	Check fuel, replace spark plug, use fresh gas, ensure auger control is disengaged.
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, clogged fuel filter, old fuel	Clean/replace air filter, replace fuel filter, drain old fuel.
No drive motion	Drive belt broken, friction disc worn, control cable out of adjustment	Inspect and replace belt/disc, adjust drive cable.
Auger won't turn	Shear pins broken, auger cable out of adjustment, obstruction	Replace shear pins, adjust cable, clear obstruction.
Excessive vibration	Damaged auger, loose bolts, unbalanced impeller	Inspect auger blades, tighten all hardware, check impeller.
Poor throwing distance	Worn auger paddles, engine RPM too low, impeller clogged	Replace paddles, check engine speed, clear impeller.
Electric start not working	Dead battery, faulty key switch, bad starter motor	Charge/replace battery, test switch, check starter connections.

Technical Support: Contact Ariens Customer Service at 1-800-678-5443 or visit www.ariens.com.

Parts: Use genuine Ariens parts for optimal performance and warranty compliance.