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

Hello,

I came across this website doing a Google search on the Ariens Snow-Thro snow blower. I actually came into possession of this through my next-door neighbour who had put it out at the end of his driveway approximately a month ago. I'm a young man (22), and was very interested in it, so I grabbed it right away. This is the first time I've ever had a snow blower, so I'm not familiar with the thing in the least.

When my mom was in college or university, she took an interest course (not sure if that's what it's called) in Small Gas Engines. As such, she has a Small Gas Engines book by Alfred C. Roth, that has "Fundamentals * Service * Troubleshooting * Repair" on Small Gas Engines. I'm taking an interest in it, and figured that, even if the snow blower fails to work, it would be an excellent 4-cycle engine for me to have as a "project", so to speak.

However, as I said, I'm new to snow blowers. The gentleman who got rid of it (he got a new snow blower) got this used himself, according to his daughter. As such, no manual came with it. I'm not familiar with it in the least, but have learned what I can from the instructions on the machine, and at least know the basics (I think), but I certainly wouldn't know how to start it up.

If someone could help me out with a few specific questions, I would appreciate it.

1. Is there some way of obtaining a(n) owner/user manual?
2. Does it require a "special" type of oil?
3. What kind of lubrication, if any, would it possibly need, and where?

Here is all the information on it that I was able to locate:

Ariens Snow-Thro
National Audubon Society
Mod. 910995 - Ser. 071333
Ariens Company
Brillion, Wisconsin
U.S.A.

As I say, I'm young, but I'm very interested in this thing, and would appreciate some guidance. I'm pretty sure "Mod" stands for the "Model Number", and "Ser" stands for the "Serial Number" - seems logical to me, but if I'm wrong, please let me know (I know, a bit silly, but I rather be safe than sorry).

Sincerely,

-DAWy

Rubinew is right.  I just use Canadian Tire 5W-30 oil in everything.  My John Deere snowblower is 29 years old and the engine is still going strong.  Toyota Tercel  from 1986 with almost 500,000 km on it is rusty but the engine is good.  I have seen a lot of reviews that indicate that there is not much difference in motor oils (of the same type).  The really important thing is to change the oil on schedule and not try to skimp on that.

Woof,

You seem like a super frugal gentleman.  Your snowblower is worth more than your 500km Tercel so what is your logic behind buying a brand new Honda 928TCD.  Maybe it is the fun factor?

Hello, sscotsman wrote:

Hmm ... I'll have a look and see what I can find. Mind you, the numbers I got weren't on the scoop, they were on the side of the machine. However, I'll double check the back, as you suggested. Thanks! -DAWy

Hello, sscotsman wrote:

Good news - I found it. Bad news - it's a bit worn. Model # looks like 910002 Serial # looks to be 010202 Weather isn't too bad today, and I have some free time, so I'm gonna try to see if it'll run. Wish me luck! Sincerely, -DAWy

Hello, All right. I'm not seeing where I put oil in for the "Crankcase". I also just ran across a leak below the gas tank. It's definitely gas. Any thoughts on how to fix this? Thanks! -DAWy

For engine oil you probably have a small screw on cap on the front of the engine.  I don't think the older ones had the high dipstick above the engine so you probably have it either at 45 degrees on one of the sides or straight up on the bottom corner.  It will be on the front of the engine.

For the gas leak, it is probably eight the fuel line or the bushing keeping the end of the line to the tank.  The plastic tanks just have it molded into the tank, the metal tanks I believe have a metal bushing holding the fitting on.  You might also have a hole in the bottom of the tank.  Plastic can crack and metal can rust.  If your tank has a fuel shutoff under it the valve could be leaking also.

Here is a picture of the oil fill on an H60-H70.  It is the white plastic tube / black cap on the front of the engine.  If yours does not have the long tube, it might have just a cap where the tube goes into the engine.  If yours has nothing there, it might have 2 similar caps at 45 degrees on the side of that front cover of the engine.

Hey, Thank you, Shryp. Found the oil in the front, just below the gas tank. Gas is dripping from a screw and the gas tank is plastic. Sincerely, -DAWy

The screw sounds like a fuel shut off.  Do you have about 1" of hose coming down from the tank, then the screw, then the hose goes at 90 degrees through the engine and out the other side?  If you have enough hose you can remove the valve.  Would be better to replace it though.  Might be time to just replace all the fuel lines and clean out the carb.  Shutoff is useful in case the float starts leaking during storage.

If it is not a bad leak, tightening that screw should in theory stop it from leaking during storage, and a little dripping during use should not harm anything.  You could let it go until you get it running.

If you want to replace some stuff I ordered some parts from these guys and the stuff was pretty cheap.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/714B--5.html
http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/20-9294.html
http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/20-6000.html
http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/20-5904.html

They have shear bolts, belts, bearings, bushings, skids, scraper blades and carb parts too if you need them.

Hey, Yup, that pretty much describes it. I'll take a picture of it and post it, just to make sure there is no risk of any confusion. Give me a few minutes here. Thank you very much. -DAWy

No need for the picture, I know exactly what you are talking about.

Apparently some of the plastic ones use the bushing too.  I found this picture online: