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

Hi all, looking for some help.

I have an ST824 that is about 20-25 years old that I got from my Dad when he retired. Last year it worked like a champ, but one of the kids left something in the drive that the rakes picked up and got jammed on. Unfortunatly the shear pins did not shear. Now, the fan will rotate, but the rakes do not. I am assuming something is pooched within the gear box iteself, but have not had it apart to see what.

How hard is it to open this up and service it? I am fairly handy and have a heated garage, so I'm not too scared of it. From what I can tell it is a simple worm drive case?

Also, what is a good place for replacement parts? For some reason I am having trouble finding an Ariens service dealer near me (far west suburbs of Chicago). The online places all seem to want around $200 for a whole new gear box.  I'm out of work here in a few weeks, so obviously looking to save a few dollars.

Thanks!

first  off the front blower housing need to be parted from the tractor portion. now with this done tip housing onto front so the pulley is facing upwards.  need to remove pulley from impellar shaft. there are two bolts underneath the pulley.  they are square heads.  a 1/4 8 point should work.  now come the parts of rust.  if lucky a few taps with a RUBBER mallet and a little prying on pulley will work.  if now soak or heat,  here in the shop we heat.   be CAREFULL not the mash the end of impellar shaft.    once the pulley is removed, youll need to remove the bolts on either side of blower housing... these hold cups wich inturn hold the bushing .....remove the two bolts on the ends of auger shaft...  now pull entire assembly out from housing.  now come another fun parts... removing the augers from the shaft.  same process as above...  careful not to mix the up as far as right and left...  good luck

Before anything unplug you spark plug so not to get injured.Good luck