Hello!
I am hoping that Snowmann can give me some advice. I recently purchased a brand new 11528 Snow Thro from a local dealer to replace my 23 year old ST724 (which STILL runs!). I have used the machine twice now and I am seeing gear case oil leak from the main shaft seal on the rear of the auger gear case. The funny thing is that the first time I used it nothing leaked and the second time it leaked AFTER I parked it for a day. So, when I noticed the leak, I used a rag and completely cleaned off the gear case so that I could see where the oil was coming from. Nothing leaked out for several days, but I noticed a puddle under the machine again today, and I checked it out with a mirror and discovered that the oil had come out of the main shaft seal. I checked the oil level and it was within range, but below the Full level.
I haven't run the machine for a couple weeks now, so I am wondering how the fluid is getting up there to leak out. And I am wondering if this is a common problem?? Can I use a thicker oil (like synthetic 80-90W)? Do the PRO units have the same sealing technique? If the PRO units seal better, then I will definitely trade.
The part that disspoints me about this is I bought a new machine so I wouldn't have problems like I did with my old one every winter. If I take this in for service, my fear is that I will have a new machine that has been rebuilt - not much better than what I already had.
Any advice you could forward would be appreciated!
Bryan
