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

Hi,

I have a '79 vintage 824 that runs well, but the first gear seems to have disappeared.  The others all work fine and it shifts very smoothly.  Any ideas?  And does it even matter?

I bought this machine used for $200 and I'm considering putting a new engine on it.  A local repair shop says it would be a waste because parts won't be available a bit down the road... Ariens is ripe for a take over, they claim.

We just had a foot of wet snow and it munched right through without any problems.  I've ordered new belts for Spring maintenance.

Here's a '95 824 that I bought last Spring for $212 on eBay and refurbished. I'm about to add the new style THF chute, which I got on eBay for $11.50.

One suggestion: take the bottom cover off and look at the friction disk and alignment. Sounds like adjusting the linkage will get you back on the drive plate, if that's the problem.

I've gotten every part I need for my 1970 and this Ariens with no difficulty. Many of them are forward compatible with the new designs, like the formerly cast bushing carriers that support  the ends of the auger shaft. It's now a steel stamping but bolts on in place of the old design.

You can buy new 8.5 hp Tecumseh snow engines on eBay or online for $220 to $270. I've considered going to a bigger B&S OHV engine (as I did on my 1970) but the current engine is a replacement and runs strong.

They are not worth restoring if you are paying dealer labor hours, but are not difficult to work on and parts and manuals are readily available. This was a tremendously popular size/style and from the serial # series Ariens seems to have produced over 100,000 of them.

Hey garandman, Do you want to part with that old chute. I sent you a PM.

70chevrolet wrote:
No.

Garandman

What is the model number of the Briggs OHV??  Does it line up without any mods??

jhart wrote:

if the engine runs good keep it and just make sure the oil level is good and make sure to change it every season.  You can get plenty of life out of an old engine no problem, just take care of it.  When it does finally go thats when you have to decide "do I want to keep it and replace the engine or get a whole new machine?"  :)

jhart wrote:
The one I replaced is on a 1970 5-7hp Ariens. The ST824 is different.



Small engine warehouse has a 11hp Intek Snow for $369 and free shipping, and notes:

Includes 3 Amp alternator to runs snowblower lights
Bottom mounting hole pattern is 7.68" x 3.38"
Shaft height is 4.17"
Mounting holes will have to be redrilled if you are replacing a Tecumseh engine