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

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

I bought an  Ariens 11.5 hp deluxe model last Feb and noticed a redish colored substance that looked like it had seeped from the auger gear case.  I scraped some of it off and it wasn't a fluid...it actually seemed more like a wax.  I haven't had any leaks but I have wondered where that waxy stuff came from.

That is the anaerobic sealant. Any that squeezes out of the parting line will not set (anaerobic means it sets in the absence of air). That is normal.

  i  would call ariens themselves and get the scoop.  we were once an ariens dealer and if the unit is in fact under warranty, which no reason by the complaint it would not be,    the pick up fee is covered under warranty reimbursement from ariens to the dealer.

Snowmann wrote:
Thanks for the info.  I was concerned that something was oozing out.  Does it matter if I leave it there...or can I wipe it off?

Paul7 wrote:
Paul7, You can wipe off any of the "squeezed out" sealant.

Sailor, There is a pickup and delivery fee that is covered under the warranty, but I believe it is capped at a certain dollar amount. You may want to ask your dealer.

PK