Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Hello,

I came across this website doing a Google search on the Ariens Snow-Thro snow blower. I actually came into possession of this through my next-door neighbour who had put it out at the end of his driveway approximately a month ago. I'm a young man (22), and was very interested in it, so I grabbed it right away. This is the first time I've ever had a snow blower, so I'm not familiar with the thing in the least.

When my mom was in college or university, she took an interest course (not sure if that's what it's called) in Small Gas Engines. As such, she has a Small Gas Engines book by Alfred C. Roth, that has "Fundamentals * Service * Troubleshooting * Repair" on Small Gas Engines. I'm taking an interest in it, and figured that, even if the snow blower fails to work, it would be an excellent 4-cycle engine for me to have as a "project", so to speak.

However, as I said, I'm new to snow blowers. The gentleman who got rid of it (he got a new snow blower) got this used himself, according to his daughter. As such, no manual came with it. I'm not familiar with it in the least, but have learned what I can from the instructions on the machine, and at least know the basics (I think), but I certainly wouldn't know how to start it up.

If someone could help me out with a few specific questions, I would appreciate it.

1. Is there some way of obtaining a(n) owner/user manual?
2. Does it require a "special" type of oil?
3. What kind of lubrication, if any, would it possibly need, and where?

Here is all the information on it that I was able to locate:

Ariens Snow-Thro
National Audubon Society
Mod. 910995 - Ser. 071333
Ariens Company
Brillion, Wisconsin
U.S.A.

As I say, I'm young, but I'm very interested in this thing, and would appreciate some guidance. I'm pretty sure "Mod" stands for the "Model Number", and "Ser" stands for the "Serial Number" - seems logical to me, but if I'm wrong, please let me know (I know, a bit silly, but I rather be safe than sorry).

Sincerely,

-DAWy

This is off the subject here. But I expect there will be a lot of posting on this tread.  So I thought this would be a good time to put this out there.

aa335 posted this, I've tried it and it does work.  When trying to post a link for some reason you have to do it twice. Highlight the word, or sentence you want the link connected to.
Click on the Insert/Edit link icon. Paste the link in the box, click OK.
When you Post your comment the link box might come up again. If it does click Cancel and Post your comment.

Looking at your new post. You'll see the underlined text that is supposed to be a link. But it won't work correctly.
Now here is the important part.
Click "Edit" (upper right on your Post).
Edit your post by again Highlighting the link text. Click on the Insert/Edit link icon.  Paste in the link click OK and Post your comment again.
Now your link will work.
This may sound like a lot to do, but it's really not once you've done it a time or two.  Wish they would fix it though.
I'm on a Mac using Firefox. Things may work differently on a PC or with different Browser.

jrtrebor wrote:
I tried it!
the links are now "clickable"..which they werent before..
but when you click on them..nothing happens..they dont open..
(you can still open them by copying the text, then pasting it into a new browser window..but they dont open when you click on them..)
Im using Firefox 3.6.13 with Win 7.

thanks,
Scot

Hello, Ah, I missed this when scanning for it. Made a new post - looking for the Ariens Snow-Thro oil that's suggested in the manual. Not in the Canadian Tire store that I'm looking in. What alternative can I use, if any? Thank you! -DAWy

DAWy wrote:

There are many different opinions on here about Oil, some very pasionate.

For me, I use a good quality conventional Oil, 5w30, Castrol, sometimes Quaker State, if Castrol is not available.

As for synthetic Oil, it is up to you if it is worth it. Too me, it is not. With regular oil changes, and proper use, the Engine will outlast the Blower.

There have been several comments, one from a friend, about synthetic preventing the proper break in of the new motor.

Once it is broken in, then use synthetic if you like, but I personaly don't think you are gaining anything.

Rubinew is right.  I just use Canadian Tire 5W-30 oil in everything.  My John Deere snowblower is 29 years old and the engine is still going strong.  Toyota Tercel  from 1986 with almost 500,000 km on it is rusty but the engine is good.  I have seen a lot of reviews that indicate that there is not much difference in motor oils (of the same type).  The really important thing is to change the oil on schedule and not try to skimp on that.

Woof,

You seem like a super frugal gentleman.  Your snowblower is worth more than your 500km Tercel so what is your logic behind buying a brand new Honda 928TCD.  Maybe it is the fun factor?

Hello, sscotsman wrote:

Hmm ... I'll have a look and see what I can find. Mind you, the numbers I got weren't on the scoop, they were on the side of the machine. However, I'll double check the back, as you suggested. Thanks! -DAWy

Hello, sscotsman wrote:

Good news - I found it. Bad news - it's a bit worn. Model # looks like 910002 Serial # looks to be 010202 Weather isn't too bad today, and I have some free time, so I'm gonna try to see if it'll run. Wish me luck! Sincerely, -DAWy

Hello, All right. I'm not seeing where I put oil in for the "Crankcase". I also just ran across a leak below the gas tank. It's definitely gas. Any thoughts on how to fix this? Thanks! -DAWy

For engine oil you probably have a small screw on cap on the front of the engine.  I don't think the older ones had the high dipstick above the engine so you probably have it either at 45 degrees on one of the sides or straight up on the bottom corner.  It will be on the front of the engine.

For the gas leak, it is probably eight the fuel line or the bushing keeping the end of the line to the tank.  The plastic tanks just have it molded into the tank, the metal tanks I believe have a metal bushing holding the fitting on.  You might also have a hole in the bottom of the tank.  Plastic can crack and metal can rust.  If your tank has a fuel shutoff under it the valve could be leaking also.

Here is a picture of the oil fill on an H60-H70.  It is the white plastic tube / black cap on the front of the engine.  If yours does not have the long tube, it might have just a cap where the tube goes into the engine.  If yours has nothing there, it might have 2 similar caps at 45 degrees on the side of that front cover of the engine.