1980 Toro 824 questions Original Message Feb 10, 2008 5:16 pm
I have a few questions that i would like answered after doing some maintenance on my machine today.
1. The traction drive belt : with the tensioner positioned all the way there is still some slack in the belt. I would say 1" of movement. it does not seem to cause any problems as The machine propels just fine, just wanted to know if this is normal or if the belt in stretched and If i were to put a new belt on would i leave the 1" of belt movement or does it need to be more tight.
2. the main drive plate Large traction pulley( where the friction disk rubs up against to propel). for the traction has about 1/2" of play back and forth. meaning when i put it in gear the traction pulley is pushed forward 1/2" with the contact of the friction disk., just want to see if this is normal
3. Would any of you guys have a dipstick tube and dipstick for a 8kp tecumseh? mine uses the dipstick that is flush mounted to the block. I would like to have to tube to make it easier to check the oil.
1 & 2 seem about right. 1. If your moving well, fine. The traction lever should be 5 inches when up and engage at about 3 inches. 2. A half inch is about right. It does not have much travel. If it's engaging then it's good. The Toro dealer says it's best to go with little pressure on the drive plate to friction disk. 3. Not me.
I've been looking at generic belts which for the 38083 824 are very inexpensive. They are just shy of the size of the manf belt (inside width that touches the pulley by about a 16th) but I can buy 3-4 for the cost of 1 Toro belt.
The manuals for your rig (probably a 380xx) are available on line. There's a two stage drive manual which should cover your settings in TORO/LAWN-BOY TWO STAGE SNOWTHROWER DRIVE SYSTEMS MANUAL. A google of that should bring up a site to download it from. Online you can get the operator/user and parts manuals.
Over pressure on the traction lever or too tight a belt can result in early wear of the support flange bearings. The knowledge of this has been pasted to me from the prior owner by purchasing his warn out rig and verified by at the Toro parts desk with cautions about how not to have it happen again. Just enough to engage things with the belts not slipping is better than tough to pull down levers and tight belts. The factory settings lead to a light feeling on the control levers. The auger belt on an 824 looks a little floppy when set properly. If your not slipping fine. If you're not sure get another belt and save the old one for an emergency spare. trouts2
Thanks for the help. i went to my local parts store in search of belts and they did not have the proper size, either too big or too small. Does anyone know of a place i can order belts from?
