jackied63

Thanks a ton all.  

I think I was too hasty in thinking it was more serious than a belt.  All of the pieces seem to be solid, and I don't see any excessive wear.  Since I got it all apart, I'm going to clean it up, and replace the belts and such -- so that I am ready for next winter. 

I greatly appreciate all the help and advice.

JD.

Hey guys, Thanks.

Sorry for the radio silence.  I chucked it all on the garage floor and headed for sunny FLA for a week. 

The shaft key (#34) is rock solid.  In fact, It's rusted in place such that I can get it out.    As long as we're talking about the same one.   This would be the key that holds the hub that holds the belt pulley.. so that all of that assembly doesn't spin freely on the primary worm rod, true?  

I was afraid someone would say that.  I'd hate to think that I tore this whole thing down for a belt, but then it makes sense given that those shear pins should have gone before any gear damage.   I took special care early in the season to make sure I had the right shear pins for that exact reason.

On the bright side, I know exactly how this bugger comes apart now.

The woodruff key (assuming your talking about the key near the impeller end of the worm shaft) is in good shape.  The only other possibility I can think of is that the pin that's holding the gear to the shaft is sheered allowing the gear to turn on the shaft.  I tested it with my hands, and the gear isn't spinning "freely" by any means.    Since I'm here -- I'm going to pound it out and take a look see.    If that's fine  -- I guess I'll put it all back together again.

I know the belt wasn't broken -- so assuming that issue is a belt slipping... Can anyone help me on how to make sure that doesn't happen.   Is it just a belt replacement -- or are there adjustments to be made.

All help GREATLY appreciated.
JD.

Hello.  I need a more experience pair of eyes.

I sucked up a door mat during the recent heavy snows, and afterwards the front rake wouldn't turn when it got under a load.   First I thought I sheered the pins, but they were in tact.   So I looked and it looked like the impeller was turning fine, but the front rake shaft wasn't turning.  So, I suspected the front gear box.    So 8 hours of labor later, I'm ready to crack apart that front gear box to view the carnage inside it, and  .. well here it is...  Is it my imagination or does this thing look OK?

I've never seen a new one so I don't know what is wear and what's original.

If this looks OK.. then my only conclusion could be that what I thought was a busted gear box may well have just been belt slippage...  Although I swear the impeller was turning when the rake was stopped.

Anyone else got any better suggestions... I'm all ears.  

Thanks.
JD.