Rebuilding 2 Stage Snow Blower... Gear oil or Grease?

[1990Onan520-H 15]

Hey all, I'm rebuilding my 2 stage snow blower with all new bushings on the auger and impeller, as well as the rear impeller bearing. I'm thinking I will also do that thin bearing inside the auger/impeller gearbox as well since I'm in there. My question is what do you guys suggest for oil in that gearbox? The previous owner replaced it with grease at one point probably due to a leak and I was wondering if I'm better off going back to gear oil or should I put a specific kind of grease in the box instead?

 

Also anything else I should do while this is apart? I don't see anything else I could really do short of fresh paint which is on the list. The rear gearbox for the chain drive doesn't seem to have any play, so I guess I'm going to leave that alone for now unless someone thinks otherwise. I don't even see a way to check the fluid on that one, so is it safe to say that one is factory grease filled? If so should I replace the grease? That thing steams a bit while I'm blowing at times when I get a good deep snow and it heats up, so I do worry about it a bit. It takes me 2 hours at times to do my driveway, sometimes longer if it's really deep and heavy.

 

EDIT: I do have forward and back play in the impeller shaft. Does that mean I should be replacing the thrust washers also?

 

Also does anyone know the part number for the impeller bearing? The one right behind the lower chain sprocket. I don't see it on the part diagram on Jacks Small Engines. Is it part# 110569? If so yikes! $70?!

 

https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/toro/attachments/1995/79361-44-two-stage-snowthrower-300-series-garden-tractors-1995-sn-5900001-5999999/auger-assembly

Edited August 18, 2021 by 1990Onan520-H

[peter lena 8,588]

@19900onan520-H, did one of those over, used a polyurea (  recovering  )  grease, lucas  xtra heavy ,https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Oil-Ounce-10301-Grease/dp/B000IG20RW  get mine at walmart in stock for $ 5 . i cleaned out the existing mess in the box, and refilled with this . would also take the time to detail every possible lubrication and movement point. ;lubricate the chain and gear area , turn over by hand to verify your function . check that part #  on the net for a better price . pete

[squonk 41,040]

Ariens uses this grease in their gear boxes. Also available from aftermarket suppliers. "Ariens Knows Snow"

 

                                  

[1990Onan520-H 15]

Thanks guys. What do you think about the thrust issue? I don't see any metal or anything in the gearbox, but the impeller thrust seems excessive to me. Could there be wear or should I be adding a shim in to close up that thrust? Does anyone have a specific thrust measurement I should have?

 

Also as far as the grease, if I go that route, I can probably leave all the old oil seals and the gearbox case seal in place correct? No real need to waste money on that since the grease won't leak out like gear oil will?

[1990Onan520-H 15]

Hey guys does anyone know where I can get the seals for the rear gearbox from the belt drive? I can't seem to find them anywhere.