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timh310

Joined: Jan 8, 2009
Points: 3

wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Original Message Jan 8, 2009 9:36 am

last night i was using for the first time a inheriated pretty old wedgefield snowblower. i got most of my driveway done when i hit what sounded like ice and my augers quit. when i shift the auger on and off it doesnt even flinch. none of the shafts turn not even a pitch change. i tried turning the auger by hand with it engaged and not engaged and nothing moves?? any help

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Bill_H

Location: Maine
Joined: Jan 12, 2008
Points: 354

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #6 Jan 9, 2009 10:00 pm

MacLorry27 wrote:

Is there a way to tell if the bolts are shear bolts or just regular bolts someone stuck in?

I've seen two kinds. One is a tapered pin threaded at one end for a nut, the top is round and one side has a flat cut in it (no hex head), it's shallow just above the threads. That one is pretty obvious. The other kind looks like a bolt with 2 grooves turned into it (the weak spots where it shears), I couldn't tell by looking without removing it as the grooves are hidden when it is installed. I should say that the hex head on the second one doesn't have a flat top, the center is recessed so there's a rim around the top. Perhaps that's some kind of indicator? I don't know if all of them have that rim or not.

If it rattles in the hole and sticks out about 2", it's probably a regular bolt Bubba put in there. If it has a brass wingnut with one wing missing, that's another indication :)
The one time I got stuck not having a replacement, I used a bent 8 penny nail. It almost broke with no heavy load so they're pretty weak. I'd be comfortable with it if I had to do it again.

Who the hell let all the morning people run things?

timh310

Joined: Jan 8, 2009
Points: 3

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #7 Jan 10, 2009 5:24 pm

you guys are awesome. it was just a belt. and it wasnt that hard to change. thanks guys. 1 more question. the gear box thats right in between the augers,what kind of oil does it take. i wanna change it cause who knows when it was done last. thanks

borat

Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #8 Jan 10, 2009 7:05 pm

It will likely be a gear oil or a liquid grease. You will have to refer to the operator's manual (which you don't likely have) for proper lubrication. I wouldn't be draining it until you know for certain what it takes. Not all gear oils are the same. Some are chemically balanced to work with certain types of metals thus the need to have specific lube requirements for your particular machine. My machine requires the use of Benalene which is a liquid grease whereas most others use a gear oil. You might want to inspect the lube level in the gear box to ensure it is up to level. Make sure you don't drain it out. If the fill plug is on the front, tilt the machine back a bit before you take it out then lower the machine a bit to see if the level is up. Normally, the level should be right at the bottom of the fill hole. If it has lube in it and it looks good, don't worry about changing it until you know for sure what it takes.

MacLorry27

Joined: Dec 23, 2008
Points: 54

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #9 Jan 10, 2009 7:42 pm

Glad you found the problem and that it was something easily corrected. As for the lube in the auger gearbox, check it and if it’s ok or only a bit low, leave it until you find out what to use as borat advised.

However, you might find there’s very little lube in the gearbox and/or you might not be able to find out what lube was recommended. There is a solution.

Newer machines are going to liquid grease rather than gear oil. The difference between grease and oil is that grease also contains a thickener such as lithium compounds, molybdenum compounds, or PTFE’s (Teflon). All grease contains an oil base, so a good gear oil won’t damage seals that a low temperature liquid grease won’t damage. In a pinch you can use a synthetic 75w-90 gear oil. A synthetic gear oil will have excellent low temperature properties and higher shear strength that any conventional gear oil. Using it even if you don’t know if it’s the right lube is much better than having little or no lube in the gearbox, which is not uncommon on old machines. If you do find the gearbox is nearly dry and you add gear oil, the gearbox will likely leak oil for a while until the gaskets swell up. Just put something under the gearbox to keep it from messing your garage floor. Also, keep an eye on the level.

stokolan

Joined: Dec 24, 2014
Points: 1

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #10 Dec 24, 2014 10:47 am

Hi I have an old wedgefield snow thrower as well and it would be great to see pictures of it.I have not used it in years because we bought a new one on sale .yesterday I tried to get it running but it has no spark I don`t remember if and where the on/ off switch is on them can anyone help please

trouts2

Location: Marlboro MA
Joined: Dec 8, 2007
Points: 1328

Re: wedgefield snowblower auger stopped
Reply #11 Dec 25, 2014 2:29 pm

He will also want a grease/oil rated for EP, extra pressure unless the manf spec's something else.

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