mikev

Thanks for the great info.

Would you suggest changing the oil at the end of the season, or just before the next season.

Mike

Driving to state side would definetely be an option. I didn't know you could have it shipped to a handler. Thanks for the suggestion Borat.

Two more question.

Would you invest $350 or so on a 1977 John Deere 726?

Are the low priced snowplower engines available all year or just during the winter?

Mike

Some  info:

Purchased the unit 2 years ago, and according to John Deere it was manufactured in 1977.

Yesterday I added some Bardahl oil treatment and then had the opportunity to use it twice. First with heavy wet snow and then with about 5in. of dry powder. The heavy wet snow was very slow going but was able to get through it and do  4 neighbours.  Today it went through the dry powder much better, even though I could only use the lowest speed. I did notice that it was blowing further than it had before using the oil treatment. It even went through the EOD stuff reasonably well.

I checked the compression right after using it today and got a reading of 55psi after a number of good hard pulls.

So it looks like I should be able to get through this season alright and may look for a new engine.

I noticed that the higher HP engines have a larger diameter output shaft. Do you think it would  be wise to just go with a B&S 7.75 HP that has the same size shaft, rather than trying to compensate for a larger shaft. I see they have one at the site you mentioned Borat  for $250 plus $110 shipping to Canada.

Mike

I have an older John Deere 726 with a 7 hp Tecumseh engine. It has really been given a work out in the last month and I think the engine is getting a little tired. When I use it I usually run it for 1 - 2 hours. Lately I can only operate it a the slowest speed and have to release the drive in heavier loads to keep it from stalling. I checked the compression when it was cold and only got a reading of 35psi when I cranked it over by pulling hard a number of times. 

I also noticed that it smokes somewhat when it is heavily loaded and some oil is on the frame from the breather tube.

Any ideas on how I might get the rest of the winter out of the engine?

Would you rebuild an engine like this?

Would you put a new or used engine on an older machine?

Thanks for any feedback.

Mike

   

I don't have access to a hydraulic press but I did try heating the outside shaft with a plumbers torch..... but to no avail. I think I will just leave the two shafts seized for now and perhaps have a go at it again in the summer. I am afraid I might damage the threads on the shaft.  I also don't know how much I would use this feature as you have to manual tighten/loosen  the assembly. At present the machine isn't very difficult to manoeuvre.

I was also wondering if anyone knows of an retro. kit that can be purchased to add a remote chute angle adjustment? Currently this has to be done manully by loosening a clamp, making the adjustment than tightening it again. This is one feature that would be very nice to have.

Thanks again for your suggestions and have a Merry Christmas.

Mike