Had something odd just happen

[jeff lary 171]

I was just now blowing snow with my 1995 3-12-8 nice dry fluffy snow and I knew the blower belt was pretty worn out. So when it stopped blowing snow I was not shocked, I have a brand new spare on the wall so I put it on. Took about 10 minutes I was pretty happy about that , they always break when you need them the most right.

 Anyway I start her up go back to begin where I just left off and nothing... no auger spin no sound at all. So I get out and look and dammed if the drive chain didn't break at the same time the belt did. Never had both break at the same instance what are the odds of that I wonder?

 I took the chain to the shop and lay it out to measure and it looks like the master link is broken off / gone. Without this link on the chain it measures 51 inches exact,... I wonder if that is the only thing missing? What I am wondering if a new master link is all I need? If so maybe I can find one at Tractor Supply tomorrow.,,, Blower Model 79360 Single Stage 

[pfrederi 17,672]

You might pick up a couple of make up/connecting links...might save a second trip to the store

 

 

[WHX?? 48,790]

Tractor supply should have them unless you have my luck and the shelve is empty! #40 master link. Check the condition of the  chain they will have that also. #40 again. Not sure what they should measure in length as chains do stretch. Should go by link count which I don't know either. Hopefully someone will chime in with that. 

[jeff lary 171]

well this was new 2 winters ago. Also I have never seen a link like the third link or the far right link before. The adding and connecting link one. Is this the one you think I should get a couple of ? I am going to get a new master link for sure.

Edited December 3, 2019 by jeff lary

[SylvanLakeWH 25,493]

31 minutes ago, jeff lary said:

well this was new 2 winters ago. Also I have never seen a link like the third link or the far right link before. The adding and connecting link one. Is this the one you think I should get a couple of ? I am going to get a new master link for sure.

 

I would keep a couple of each on hand - adding, connecting and master - cheap insurance...

 

[jeff lary 171]

good idea I will stop by TSC tomorrow.

[Lee1977 6,647]

Braking both at the same time. Did you check to see if blower turns free.

[jeff lary 171]

No I haven't but I will I had the same thoughts shouldn't be anything in there,just blowing off my hot top driveway.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

1 hour ago, jeff lary said:

Without this link on the chain it measures 51 inches exact,... I wonder if that is the only thing missing? What I am wondering if a new master link is all I need? If so maybe I can find one at Tractor Supply tomorrow.,,, Blower Model 79360 Single Stage 

 

51" should be 102 links if you measured center of the pin to center of the pin. Count them and see how much it has worn/stretched.

 

When the 1/2" pitch increases from wear the rollers must run higher on the sprocket teeth and that is what wears out the sprockets. A new chain will put the rollers back in the bottom of the teeth where they belong for long life.

You can get 10 feet of chain for a reasonable cost and get 2+ chains out of it.

 

A roller chain tensioner is a very handy third hand for installing chain. It can also hold a length of chain installed to determine where it needs to be broken for proper length.

When the U-shaped retainer is installed in the master link do so like the illustration. Arrow shows the direction of chain travel. If put in backwards a piece of ice can knock it off.

 

Garry

 

[jeff lary 171]

I am thinking I put the chain and sprockets on new either last Fall or the one before,... I think it was last winter. I measured from end of inner link to the other end of the other inner link. 

I never thought about the travel direction of the "U" clip I may have had it on facing the wrong direction maybe. The chain tensioner would be a big help but of seldom use for me anyway. I wonder where I can get one,,,, love a new tool ya know.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

We have a supply company across Canada named Princess Auto. From what I have seen Northern Tool is similar. If they stock 10 foot lengths of chain they likely have the tensioner tool along with a tool to press the pin out when breaking a chain. Always good to have a couple of 1/2 links in case one is needed.

Don't forget to back off the adjuster sprocket before selecting the chain length.

 

Garry

[jeff lary 171]

yes I will remember that.

[Achto 27,509]

3 hours ago, jeff lary said:

Also I have never seen a link like the third link or the far right link before.

 

The 3rd link is what is commonly called a half link. It is used to take up a small amount of slack when needed. A regular connector link is also required with one of these to complete the connection.

[jeff lary 171]

yea I like the 1/2 link idea.

[wallfish 16,985]

I'm guessing the chain failed and bound up so the belt went too.

Since you just recently changed that chain, if it keeps throwing master links, check the teeth on the auger sprocket for excessive wear.

[lynnmor 7,302]

Be sure to pick up a can of chain lube and use it every time the snowblower is operated.  Those chains are operated in an extremely wet and dirty environment and need all the help they can get.  If you lay the chain on a flat surface then push and pull, you can judge the amount of wear.  A worn chain will waste a sprocket and vice-versa.  If you wrap a chain around a sprocket, you should not be able to lift the chain away from the sprocket more than one half the tooth height. 

[jeff lary 171]

I went to TSC and got 2 packages of each ( Repair and Connecting) 4 in each package $9.27 for everything. It is all back together I think in the spring I am going to try removing one link even as tight as I can get it with the slack adjuster ,it is still sloppy.

 I gave up spray on lube many years ago I use a pump oiler with winter grade bar and chain oil lasts much longer I think. I replaced the drive sprocket and the idle sprocket  and maybe the other bottom small sprocket too? 2 falls ago, but I did not replace the large auger shaft sprocket, it looked like too much work at the time I will look again this spring it is the original one been on there since 1995 and blown every storm 2 yards every year since. So it is time for new I am sure. Thanks for the heads up on the 1/2 links I now own some myself.

[jeff lary 171]

Nothing new to add just wanted to say Thank you and Merry Christmas to everyone who responded.