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How to flush snowblower gearbox?

WillVT

WillVT

Super Member
I didn't feel like joining a snowblower forum just for one question, so hopefully I can get some good advice here.
I'm fixing up an older Ariens snowblower I recently got for free. It runs great, and even came with a reel mower attachment.

Anyway, I was just checking the gear oil in the blower gearbox, and found that it needs some help. No oil came out the drain plug, and when I stuck a stick in there, it seemed to have nothing but a little thick rusty bearing grease inside.
My question is, what's the best way to clean this out? My first thought was spray the insides with something like break cleaner or WD-40, then flush with motor oil, then fill with actual gear oil.
Any better ideas?
 
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If I were trying to flush something like that in place, I'd use gasoline. Presumably it has a drain plug and a fill plug. Put the drain plug back in, fill with gasoline, let it sit for a day and then open the drain plug. Hopefully it drains and then repeat the process at least once.

I wouldn't use brake cleaner or WD40. You want a solvent that's compatible with gear oil if a bit gets left behind.
 
I should have also mentioned that after the second attempt, I'd blow it out with compressed air. A rubber tipped air gun pushed into the fill hole, with the drain hole open is good for this.
 
PabloX said:
I should have also mentioned that after the second attempt, I'd blow it out with compressed air. A rubber tipped air gun pushed into the fill hole, with the drain hole open is good for this.
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Hmm. I don't have access to compressed air. Maybe I'll try on of those compressed air cans for cleaning computer keyboards.
 
One question about using gasoline as a solvent, do you think there are any gaskets that could be harmed by the gas?
 
WillVT said:
One question about using gasoline as a solvent, do you think there are any gaskets that could be harmed by the gas?
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That's a good question. Personally, I wouldn't be worried but if it makes you feel better, you could try diesel instead.
 
quaddriver said:
whatcha got? I have an st724 and a 1336

anyways is it still on the motor/drive or off?
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It's a 1493, with a later model Tecumseh xl/c (HM 80) engine with electric start.
The blower is on the engine now, as of this morning, but I'll probably take it off to flush the gearbox.
2019-08-26 12.50.23.jpg
 
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Yeah, I thought of that too. Although I would have to go get kerosene, and I have gas on hand.

The belt is in good shape. I've used the mower a few times this summer. It's actually missing the belt cover. I think when the previous owner replaced the engine, the old cover didn't fit. I may try to fabricate something out of sheet metal. It would probably be good to keep snow out of that area.

Another quirk, which you can see in the picture, is the pressure treated wood mounting plate under the engine. I assume this was because the new engine bolt pattern didn't match up with the body. It seems to work fine.
 
ok, do you have the ariens 6 digit model? I know I got a link to the manuals but all the ones from that era took a 'liquid grease' packaged by B&S under the ariens name, its a very heavy 'gear oil'. BUT! Id be surprised if any shaft seals will still hold it. after the mid 80's the gear boxes were made to be tossed otu and replaced, not rebuilt....you would have a time finding seals for it...

eta:

I heard of this site, they have access to all the old NOS. try this link: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/seal-oil-p-952485.html?osCsid=7mltpf70246eqdql06qhhttpm3
 
I guess the model number is actually 10M7D 001493, which according to the manual I have, makes it a 1968 year model. It was a 7hp model, but the engine on it is 8hp. The manual says to use MP-90 gear lubricant. I think the modern 80w-90 would be similar. That's what I have, and will probably use.

I'm still not sure if I want to risk damaging the seal with gas or kerosene. I'd rather not have to get in there and change it. Maybe if I just don't leave it in there too long. On the other hand, I do have another complete Ariens 10M6D from a similar vintage that I could steal the whole snow thrower attachment from. It's a little rusty, but works.
 
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quaddriver said:
ok I was gonna say that from the pic yours looked older first gen and you have the square gear box....I think GL5 would work, but mebbe use GL4 in case there are any soft white parts in there. the seal I liked to is for 20 years of newer models with the 'teardrop' case

here is your seal: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/seal-p-950988.html

here is your manual:

http://apache.ariens.com/manuals/00013600.pdf
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Thanks for that. I do actually have that manual. I have been finding a lot of good info on this guy's site.
Mine does have the "teardrop" case, which I think started in 1965.
 
I'm more of a kero or diesel as a flush kinda guy. Gas is a good solvent, but sometimes its too good. Also that whole low flash point thing. Kero doesn't stink quite as bad as diesel but neither smell awesome. Home heating oil will also work fine if you've got a surplus of that on hand.

If the box is meant to take grease, probably an NLGI 0 is what you want. NLGI 0 is about the consistency of Jello pudding. I use it in gearboxes at work that were intended for 80w90 gear oil. Those boxes live in a radiation field and the seals fail quickly, which makes a huge mess. The grease stays put a lot better but its still thin enough to mush around and get the job done. Lubriplate 630AAA is the stuff I get.
 
Whatever you decide to flush it with, I would do another with a light weight oil. Something like trans fluid, which is high in detergent. Start it up and engage the gearbox, let it circulate for 5 minutes, then drain and install the proper oil.
 
I ended up doing a flush with some gas. Good to know about heating oil for next time. I do have a little of that in a jar from some furnace work.

I probably should have flushed with some lightweight oil, but I didn't. I just used some 80w-90 I had around. The manual says to use MP-90. Probably I'll try to run it some and then flush it with ATF before winter, but I'm not too concerned. It's over 50 years old, and from what I could see through the fill holes, the gears looked to be in good shape. Maybe if I get real ambitious, someday I'll open up the gearbox and give it a good clean.

Thank you all for your help. Hopefully the snow won't come too soon!
 
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