2-stage snowblower gearbox leak

[cheesegrader 433]

I have a '97 79361 2-stage snowblower with a leak in the gearbox between the augers.

I hoped it was just the plug, but no luck.  It looks like it is coming through the gasket between the two halves of the gearbox.

This looks like an easy fix with the $15 toro replacement gasket.

Is there anything else I should replace while I have it apart?  Oil seals to the augers?

Any voices of experience out there?

I would hate to get it apart only to find that I neglected to deal with something simple that will cause me headaches in the middle of a blizzard next winter.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

Peerless parts list

 

 

Garry

[scraper 4]

Yes, the gearbox has 3 oil seals that should be replaced every 10 or 12 seasons in my opinion as regular maintainance items as well as the two bearings at both ends of that shaft. While you have it apart, just take a peak at all the washers and thrust washers on the input shaft. Go to partstree and printout the view of the gearbox first if you want to take it apart for a better look. Best to replace them now and not in the winter time. I completely rebuilt my unit last year, and it works great. One last thing, check the seals and gaskets on the right angle gearbox too see if they are leaking. If you have never replaced them, now would be a good time as they always end up leaking as well.

[RMCIII 838]

Looked throuhg 4 pages of posts, so instead of starting a new one, thought I would tag onto this. My 42" appears to have a bearing going out, or already out/ It is on the primary pully that is driven by the belt. 2 questions:

 

• How difficult is it to replace that bearing
• Is it better to just take the entire shaft off and replace both the belt pully bearing and the chairn drive bearing all at once > what is involved with this?

Rob

[scraper 4]

I have never worked on that model. I can tell you that all bearings and bushings on snowthrowers, including walkbehinds, are regular maintanance items and should be replaced.

[cheesegrader 433]

OK,

I see the seals for the right angle gear box,

and I see the seals to the augers on the front gear box,

but I don't see a seal on the back of the front gear box for the impeller shaft.

Is it labeled as one of the washers?

[scraper 4]

Go to partstree, type in 79361 where it says (enter model here),it will be number 4 on the parts list, number 237-87. The description of it just says seal, not oil seal,but when it is worn out it will leak oil as well.

[cheesegrader 433]

Part #4 Quad Ring.

Got it.

Thanks!

[Ike 75]

I know it is an old thread but I picked up a mint 44” 79361 that looks like it has been rarely if ever used.  I noticed when I just ran the snowblower just to test it out it left a small drip about the size of a quarter.  Any words of wisdom from those who replaced that gasket that is leaking on the gear box. Also, anybody try thicker oil ?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

44 minutes ago, Ike said:

I know it is an old thread but I picked up a mint 44” 79361 that looks like it has been rarely if ever used.  I noticed when I just ran the snowblower just to test it out it left a small drip about the size of a quarter.  Any words of wisdom from those who replaced that gasket that is leaking on the gear box. Also, anybody try thicker oil ?

I haven't tried this but another member has stated that they uses this instead of gear oil ... https://www.amazon.com/Lubriplate-L0034-094-Motor-Assembly-Grease/dp/B000HZJFE0 ... When I rebuilt my 2stage it wasn't the gearbox gasket that leaked it was the "quad ring" seals on the at her and impeller shafts that was leaking even the new O.E. replacement s weren't the correct size IMHO but where I worked at had what I considered the correct size and after 3-4 seasons NO leaks as of yet.

[Ike 75]

I am willing to try anything to avoid splitting that gear box. Thanks for the suggestion!

[lynnmor 7,302]

Mine always did drip some oil even after gasket and seal replacement.  Since the chain should be lubricated often, and that will drip, I just put cardboard or newspapers under the entire dripping area.

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

6 minutes ago, Ike said:

I am willing to try anything to avoid splitting that gear box. Thanks for the suggestion!

@wallfish was it you that used the lubriplate grease? Anyways I'm with you on not splitting the gearbox... The only reason I did the impeller was bent from the PO and had sat outside its entire life

[Ike 75]

Here is the front view.  I just picked it up. Thinking I might just try it for a season before I go nuts with it. 

[Ike 75]

35 minutes ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

@wallfish was it you that used the lubriplate grease? Anyways I'm with you on not splitting the gearbox... The only reason I did the impeller was bent from the PO and had sat outside its entire life

That does not look like the same blower!  Nice restoration!

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

9 minutes ago, Ike said:

Here is the front view.  I just picked it up. Thinking I might just try it for a season before I go nuts with it. 

Looks like the quad rings seals are your leaks... If it were me I would just drain out the remaining oil and add the assembly lube grease, as your blower does look nearly unused.

[Ike 75]

Any suggestion on how drain?  Plastic tubing?

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

8 hours ago, Ike said:

Any suggestion on how drain?  Plastic tubing?

Unfortunately that would require unhitching from the tractor removing fill plug then "upending" the blower over a shallow pan unless someone else chimes in with a better plan of attack?

[peter lena 8,583]

just an idea , but how about  the j/d corn cob grease ?  its made for that type of gearing drive. if you have a lubricant that will not run out , why not try it ?  pete

[peter lena 8,583]

 

[Ike 75]

Great video and thanks all for the feedback!