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

Where the bleep is the oil drain? How much oil does it take?

On my 24" honda track snowblower the drain is on the right hand side of the engine (passenger side?) right above the rubber track.

To change the oil I use a 99 cent funnel and let the oil drain into an empty one quart container.  Very easy and clean.  I use the same funnel to refill.  Mine takes just under a quart and I use a synthetic motor oil. 

Thanks Underdog, that's what I was looking for!

BTW, I have heard dire warnings of the expense of repairing the track vs. wheels. I also have a 38 Simplicity, but the wheels can't pull it up my hill. Do you lubricate your track at all? Sometimes I hear it squeaking and wonder if it should be lubed or if this normal.

Thanks.

Muskokaphotog wrote:

Those crawler tracks are expensive.  Retail on them is about $140, each.  Don't know how long they last.   However, they look pretty easy to replace.

The manual doesn't specify lubricating the tracks.  It does recommend adjusting it periodically for tension.  I would not lube the track because the lubricant may deteriorate the rubber causing premature failure.

I keep the rubber on my tracks clean. I keep oils, gas and other solvents off the rubber. Someone told me not to use products containing silicon on them so I don't but to be honest the silicon thing may be just heresay.  I keep them clean and stored out of the sun and off the ground.  My tracks are original (1986) and have almost no cracks. The rest of the drive system is really identical to the wheeled version and if worse came to worse you could swap over to wheels I imagine.  Have you tried chains on your simplicity. That might do the trick.

Chains on the Simplicity aren't recommended due to the size of the wheel. What it comes down to is that the 38 is huge compared to the little wheels and the big track on the 24. Dealer suggested screwing small screws into the lugs.

Underdog wrote:

Good to hear that your original tracks are still holding up fine.  I don't know about silicone attacking the rubber, never heard of that one.  However, solvent based products tends to dry out the rubber causing cracks.   Tracked to wheel conversion would be possible, since they are built on the same chassis.  However, getting parts to convert over may be costly, as with any Honda products.

I don't have a Simplicity, it was one of the model I was considering of purchasing.  They are great snowblowers.  I'm allured by the Pro models with the eye candy channel handle bar and electric chute, but any large frame Simplicity is fine too.  I don't think I'll put chains on my wheels because I think they beat up the pavement too much.  I do have a Honda HS1132 with tracks.