Hola,
Just some background. I bought an Ariens 926 LE new this year. I used the entire season and after getting the belts adjusted correctly it did the job. I did have some trouble with pull starting (even when warmed, it wasn't happening) and with it riding up on EOD piles.
Now, here's my concern. I have an oil leak. It is coming from the differential on the auger. It is a clear oil with a high viscosity. I noticed this because I moved the machine a few weeks ago and there was an oil spot on the concrete floor. I tried to tighten up the bolts and only got about 1/4 of one turn out of one of them. The others were tight enough that I didn't want to put any more torque on them. I wiped the differential clean and put a rag under it--5 days later, more oil on the casing and 10 days later, a drip.
During the season, there were no leaks and no debris was ever picked up by the machine (I was the only user). Now, 3 months later, the leak. Anyone have any ideas? My guess is that a gasket has gone bad, but it just doesn't sound right happening in the sumertime. I would have expected the seals to expand with the heat.
Anyway, I'm planning that I will have to replace the seal and the lube--any advice? This Ariens continues to frustrate me