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

I recently picked up the bones of an Ariens ST824 snowblower.  It's been sitting in a co-worker's shed for the past 4 years. 

It's currently missing the engine, wheels, and the chute.  Supposedly, my co-worker's brother has all the missing parts except for the engine.

Assuming that I can get the missing parts back, do you think this thing is worth getting rebuilt? The way I figure it is, if I spend a few hundred bucks to get this thing running again,, I'll end up with a much better machine than what I could afford if I bought a new one.

Also, if this thing is worth getting rebuilt, any idea what something like this would cost?

Thanks,

Lou

BTW, the reason I got into working on them in the first place is that I took my old one to Mastranzi Bros in Beverly. It needed a new belt, but carb work etc.

They charged me a total of $165, including a new gas cap. It did start right up.

Next storm, I go out to blow snow, and the augers won't turn - they never replaced the belt.

In the meantime, Jason Mastranzi is selling new snow blower engines on eBay.

Needless to say I never went back. I bought parts online or from other dealers.

Thanks for the warning.

I was actually planning to call these guys: http://www.donspowerequipmentandhardware.com/

My father-in-law goes there and has very good things to say about them.

Loubeck,

Here are some places to check on engine prices.

1. Small Engine Warehouse

2. Small Engine Suppliers

3.Tulsa Engine ware house

                                      Fred

Here's the Before:



Here's After:



I bought the replacement B&S on my other machine from Small Engine Warehouse. But there are often better prices for the engine you need on eBay. Just be sure and get the correct shaft size (1") and decide whether you need an electric starter or not. The dimensional drawings are there to make usre everything bolts up.

I bought other parts from rcpw.com, mfgsupply.com, and eBay. For example I got the tires for $25 delivered on eBay, they were left over take-offs.

Thanks for all the resources!

I'm not sure I'm up to the task of rebuilding this sucker on my own, but I'm sure those places will come in handy at some point...

Here's a picture of what it looks like now:

Hi I have an Ariens 824. Its a great unit. I need the lower right hand handle if you wana sell it?? Thanks...Al

al05 wrote:

Thanks but I think I'm going to hold onto it for now.

I still have to wait and see what parts I can get back from my buddy.

I have a Ariens AT824 and it feels like it locked up on me at the end of snowblowing a couple days ago.

The elec. start just makes a terrible sound when pushed, and the pull cord can't be budged.

Anyone know what the trouble could be, and if so, what I can do to fix it.

Thanks, Bob