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

Hi all,

I am the not so proud owner of an old Artic 75 made by Bolens. I am a new homeowner and I bought this machine a few months ago for $50 from a friend at work. This machine is built like a tank, but the engine, a Tecumseh H70 died yesterday when I was tinkering. It has been problematic (stalling for no apparent reason, hard to start, continuous tinkering to keep it going etc etc), but now it's dead. I was letting it warm up so that I could adjust the friction wheel clutch linkage, and it piled up. There is oil in the cylinder and covering the spark plug, and it makes a dreadful scraping sound when I turn it over. I am not a mechanic, but I've heard that sound before...

I am certain that there are great examples of this engine out there, but I don't have one. What I do have is an older trash pump with a Honda GX340 on it. The motor works great, and I am thinking the obvious...

I am disassembling the pump today to install the engine on the blower. I would look into replacing the H70 with a 8-9 hp model if I didn't already own the Honda. As I said before, I am a new homeowner and it's only short time since Christmas, so money is a concern.

I am not concerned with drilling holes, fabrication and all that. What I need is to tap into the experience of this forum to tell me if it is too much engine for the blower. It seems very well made, and all greased up and ready to go. I am not hard on equipment and don't mind keeping the throttle at 3/4.

What do you think?

Thanks!

John

Thanks Bill, something to consider!

Here are some pics of my 9.5 hp, 28" Simplicity doing it's thing.  The pics are not very high quality due to being captured frames from a video made with our digital camera.  It does give you an idea of what kind of distance and volume can be achieved.  The only modification to this machine is the Krazy Karpet liner in the chute and deflector.   I don't want to sound like I'm bragging but I'll tell you, this machine can really move a lot of snow with relative ease.    Hasn't snowed here for a couple of weeks but we're getting it now.  Yeah baby!!!!

Borat,

That's what I am talking about! Have you used Clarence's kit? The combination of that kit and low-friction plastic lining would be deadly..

Do you know of any non-stick paint? I have seen the spray on stuff that keeps snow from sticking, but my machine is old. There's quite a bit of surface rust/pitting that holds snow.

Thanks

John

No impeller kit installed.  That's a stock Simplicity 9528 other than the Wacky Karpet in the chute.   Those things are built to impressive standards.   They don't really need an impeller kit as you can see from the pics.  As far as paint goes, all gloss paint will be slippery.  The problem is that end of driveway snow mixed with gravel and salt will take the paint off.  That's why I went with the chute liner.  If you go with paint, make sure you smooth the the surface by sand blasting and/or sanding.  Get a paint that will remain flexible in cold weather.   The more coats you put on, the longer it will last.  Paint the chute every year and you should keep the rust at bay.   Good luck.   

If you just want to make a template use cardboard, its stiff enough and easy to cut. Join different sections with masking tape. Once its right use it to give a layout for heavier sheet metal or plastic. If you want to get fancy use clear lexan.

Johnny: I had the same problem with my chute. The easiest way I found so far is man's best friend...Duct tape! It's shiny and slippery and is applied really fast.

I did however take the chute off, use a wire brush on a drill to buff it up, and applied a new coat of spray paint to get better adhesion. Worked like a champ.

Have you tossed the H70 yet? Mine is an H80 and the carbs may be the same. I'll find out. If you are interested in selling the carb (just in case, touch wood) let me know. I'm just down in the TO area. Mine just popped the intake valve spring retainer. Looks like I'm shovelling until a new part arrives...approx 1 month.

Dave Wilson

FreeltonDave,

Good idea with the duct tape. I've never been too caught up in appearances, so this might fit the bill.

You want the carb, you can have it. I have been a member here a very short time, and have saved hundreds of dollars through the advice of the more experienced. You make shipping arrangements and you can have it. Seeing how you can have it for free, I'll even offer a 100% money back guarantee!

John