YellowstoneYeti

Parts are ordered. Thank you so much for your assistance. I really appreciate it!

I was going to use the quote feature, but it looked more complicated than I was up for, so I'll answer your statements in order. It looks like only the right side case had the flat for the bushing, which is gone now. Thanks, I would have missed that. Adding a new R side case to my order list. There was a little grease on the gears, but the bulk of it was pooled in the bottom of the case. Temps of -30 to -40F are not uncommon here. It just seemed stiff even in my unheated garage which is warmer than outside temp. I'll see if I can order some L3. Is the Snapper 1704636 worm gear oil similar? Just curious because the place I'm thinking about ordering from (Norwalk PEC) lists the snapper lube but not the ariens. What exactly should the worm gear tooth profile be? Should the top of the tooth be flat or have a slight saddle where the worm drive contacts it? It looks like the pin is fine but the thrust collar definitely has scoring on it from rubbing on the now flangeless bushing. Another collar on the order too. Are the collar pins re-usable? According to the diagram, it is part #936098. I can find part #2936098 that crosses to part #2836098 but I'm not sure if they are all the same part or not. I appreciate the help. My order list keeps growing, but hopefully you are saving me the time & effort of more than one tear down.

Well, I pulled it apart after I got off work today. The bushing (#7) behind the thrust collar looks like it should have a shoulder on it according to the drawing. Mine doesn't have that shoulder, so I am guessing that is what the metal flakes and chunks are that are embedded in the grease of the gear box. The grease seems to be kind of heavy for a winter gear box, especially since I live in one of the coldest spots in the country. Any recommendations on lubricant for refilling the gear box? Other than the bushing & gear box gasket, are there any other parts I should replace while I have it apart-seals, etc.? The worm drive/gear look like they are in good shape. Any recommendations for a mail order parts store? Thanks for the help.

I have a Simplicity I75246E snowblower. I was using it today and the auger drive belt came off. When I went to put the belt back on the pulley, I noticed that there was about 1/2" of play in the pulley. By this, I mean that I can move the whole assembly (pulley, impeller, and shaft to auger gear box) back to front horizontally a good 1/2". The worm shaft actually slides in/out of the auger gear box. All of the bolts seem to be tight. The belt/pulley has worn a small groove in the plastic belt cover, so I'm assuming that something is worn or broken. Any suggestions on what parts or adjustments I should be looking at? Sorry if my terminology and descriptions are confusing. I'm mechanically inclined, but have very limited experience with snowblowers. Thanks