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

Just picked up my new Deluxe 30 blower.  Like the manual said to, I checked fluid levels before trying to start it.  The manual clearly states to not overtighten the gear case fill screw so I used a torque wrench to get it right.  Well, me or the wrench "screwed" up and I stripped the thread.  I removed the cover to the gear case (which the manual advised against) to see if I could see and remove any shavings that fell into the case.  I couldn't  see any but it's likely that some got in and I are just too hard to see.  I have two questions:

1. The manual states that if the thread is stripped then the warranty is voided.  Is it just the warranty for that part?  If I install a new cover how would they even know?

2. If there are any shavings that did get in, they are small and few.  Is that a problem for the gears?

Any help is appreciated.  Spending $1400 on a new machine and then messing it up about an hour later is not fun.

Dave

Snowmann wrote:

Does the clamp load mean the the screws have to be set to a certain tourqe or is there another tool I need?  Also, the blower manual states "reinstall filler screw and seal washer to 12,5 lbf-ft"  The comma didn't make sense to me.  As a complete newbie with a tourqe wrench, I set it to 12.5 foot pounds. Was I incorrect?

I would interpret 12,5 as 12.5 as well.  However, are you sure it says foot pounds and not inch pounds?  I have never seen it, but for what size I would think of a fill plug on there I would be thinking inch pounds and not foot pounds.

I would read it 12.5 ft/lbs.  You can really just run it in with your fingers until you can't anymore. ( I believe snowman said that it has a type of crush washer on it).
So you will feel some resistance beyond that point with a wrench or socket. But then it will just stop turning.  At that point it's tight.  It's just a plug.  It's not holding a part on, or bolting two parts together. 

Shryp wrote:

12.5 ft-lbs for the early revision aluminum crush washer, 6.7 ft-lb for the later revision rubberized washer. The torque is a critical spec. It is noted in the manual that failing to torque this properly will void the warranty.