Hay JB your zip tie dip stick was a great idea. I made one and tested the fluids, all was well. Now I am sitting in my garage laughing my butt off with this new tool in hand. When I am gone in about a dozen year’s I would really like to see the look at the face of whoever is cleaning out my house and garage and finds this zip tie contraption in my toolbox. It will be a real WTF moment!!! I know I’m sick, but somethings just hit my funny bone that way. Thanks for the tip!
Hey old dude we think the same way. I always think who’s is gonna go through all my tools someday too. Lol! Some they’ll have no idea about. Thanks for watching
I watched several of your videos regarding Ariens snowblowers and they are soooooo helpful! I have now replaced the friction disk and completed all the maintenance boxes you have suggested. I am not usually mechanically inclined but not shy to work on stuff if I can find some great DIY videos and your's are some of the best!
Tool worked great. I never could get bolt to 80 inch lbs. ordered the washer you used and new plate (in case stripped). Naturally, it is snowing right now.
Thanks so much for this! You saved my Ariens Deluxe 30. Great idea for the DIY dipstick. New subscriber here! I’ll be watching all your videos eventually.
Dude I see my name!! Thanks for the shout out! 2.38 is 2.375 rounded up which is 2 and 3/8… also shitty they didn’t explain that lol. .63 is .625 is 5/8… good that you boiled it down for everyone! The manual was clearly edited by a non-engineer lol
RIGHT ON BROTHER! Had they put it in fractional form no one would need an additional tool. Although I have to hand it to ariens they give better maintenance info on their manuals than most other companies. Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear this is true. I’ll have to look at mine again and see if it has gear box info, I’m definitely curious. Yeah fractional form or 3 decimal places would be better. Not everyone is a woodworker or engineer who does measurements every day or has to mentally convert that stuff!
Your ruler is not a measuring ruler but an engineering scale ruler. It is used to scale distances on a set of plans. With that said, your tips are very helpful and insightful. Thank you.
You are correct Kurt! It’s my architect scale from when I was in high school. It’s the only one I could find. Got the job done! Thanks for watching my friend!
This was the last thing I had to do to my snow blower before winter, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I bought the torque wrench through your link, so I hope you get a little spiff for that .
Finally got around to checking the gear oil level and it goes way above the 2 3/8 - 2 5/8 mark, by about an inch. Haven’t touched it since I bought it. 😮
Super tips ! Hope I can get an answer if you please. Have a 6 yr old Ariens SHO 24". Gear case leaked out entirely over the summer sitting in the garage after very little winter use last yr. Purchased at-205 reseal and have proper L3 Ariens gear oil. If I were to put an amount of 205 in this steel gearcase do you recommend a quantity to use ? Thanks
Hey rogo. In my experience using a liquid to fix a liquid leak almost always never fixes the problem. It’s usually a bandaid at best. Sounds like a seal is worn and in need of repair. I would investigate the problem further or take it to a shop.
Another winning vid JB! Just watched and will have a look at end of this winter season. I’ll add this task to the rustproofing modules in your ebook. Cheers!!
"HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR GEAR BOX LATELY?" "WHAT SUITABLE DIPSTICK DEVICE WOULD THAT BE?" "... WHY DOES THAT SOUND WEIRD IN THE SAME SENTENCE?" Friends...how much do we love JB. His humor, his knowledge, his intelligence and his wisdom. And for sharing it all with us. Often just in time to avert disaster which could cost us thousands of dollars. I hope you hit that LIKE button as quickly as I smashed mine.
Love the dipstick idea! I was thinking if you didn't have a torque socket you could mark the bolt and the base with a thin line and count the turns to take the bolt off and then reverse to put it back on...
You’re awesome dude! I bought a used Ariens Compact 24. Needless to say, it needed much more than a tune up. Thank you for your videos. Keep up the great work
I watched this video when it came out, but I didn't have the Ariens gear lube on-hand nor did I have the dipstick so I put off checking my level until today. I made the dipstick with the two zip-ties (great idea!) and found that the level was just below the bottom mark. I do have a very slow leak somewhere on my gear case, I think it might be one of the seals on the sides for the auger shafts. I get a few drips on the cardboard I put below the gear case during the summer months. Just enough that I was worried that the level might be getting too low. So a big thank you JB for this video which helped me tackle this maintenance task!
Just grabbed a Honda single stage snowblower for $95. Lol. People didn’t think it would start and was leaving for Florida. Needed it gone. I bought it. Nothing wrong with the snowblower. Started first pull. I’ll be testing both my 1332 and this single stager next weeks nor’easter
I checked my oil level when the machine was new five years ago. I just stuck a small piece of thin wire into the case and I could tell the level was close to the top. Thanks for a “better way”.
Love your informative videos. Keep up the great work. I just recently purchased an Ariens Compact24. The Ariens quick guide and video state to remove the filler bolt and check the bottom of the bolt, and if there is gear oil on the bottom of the bolt, the level is correct. What do you say about that method?
I have the older vertically split aluminum gear case. They leak like crazy through the auger shaft seals. I replaced the seals two years ago. This involves splitting the machine, removing the entire impeller/auger assembly and pounding out various pins to get the shafts apart. The auger gears looked ok. After reassembly, I wanted to be a good boy, so I bought the latest ariens gear lube- the L3 stuff. Fast forward to two weeks ago. The gear case failed. Lube still full, shavings everywhere. Luckily the antiseize I used two years ago was still there and everything came apart ok. 3 hour job and the worm gear and impeller shaft kit is $100. Not happy with the ariens split case, seals or gear lube. I hope those cast iron cases last longer.
i have a platinum sho 30 and it drips oil from the gear case, How do you stop that , does it need a new gear case or can you change the seals in there.
Technically it's not a ruler, it's a drafting scale 😁 Don't ask what I went to college for 😉. Love the twist tie idea. You're right, for the cost of the blower, Ariens could've provided a basic plastic dipstick. Can't imagine how many owners have just "guessed" at a suitable oil level SMH.
I just made your handy little zip tie tool, and my case is like an inch over the full mark, so I need to get some out. But how bad can over filling be?
@@Northerner26 I would make sure the amount inside matches what’s in your owners manual. I think there has to be some space inside. You can get a cheap syringe and suck some out.
Yeah, I have the syringe and will suck some out, but does the level really matter since it's just gears, out of warranty, and doesn't really get hot? Also, on your recommendation in another video (and for a Brute snowblower) I bought a jug of the Super-S "00" Grease. Can't that be used in my 921051 with sealed gear case? TYA
Your series on the Ariens snowblower maintenance are extremely helpful. The presentation is very professional. You should market your video skills to Hollywood.
Great idea for a dipstick. I just used it on my machine. I ended up taking the gearbox out as I needed to do other repairs. With the gearbox out I was able to tip it over overnight to drain. With 10yrs on the machine the gear oil was just as black as red! So was good to drain and refill. When they say the fluid is life of machine, they just want it to break so you buy another!
If you're wondering, the bonded washer dimensions for a 24" Ariens Compact (2014 model 920021,Ariens part #06400920) are 3/8 x 3/4. This info should be handy for those who'd rather not spend $10 on shipping for a $0.50 washer when it's the only part required. 1:27
Yeah, I agree with you. Ariens could have made life a lot simpler for us. 2.38". For real? Good grief. Anyway, I just did mine. In addition to everything you said, they also should have moved tthe fill hole toward the front of the case, just for easier access. And thanks for the zip-tie idea!
You got it bud! I think a simple little plastic dipstick would be easy to produce and give with each snowblower. A fill hole up front would help too! Thanks for watching! 👍
Hello! Been watching and really enjoying your channel. Thanks for the great content. I have a new to me SnowTek 24” by Ariens. Doing the full service on it myself, but have ran into a snag. I don’t have local access to the L3 gear oil. Online I can pick it up for $58/bottle… which is absurd. Any suggestions on what else I may be able to use to top up the fluid level? I need a fraction of a fluid oz, and I’d rather not spend the $60+ with tax on a few drops. Thanks again! Richard
@@GarageGear Sadly yes, I’m in Vancouver Canada, eBay is worst than the Amazon prize. My only local dealer wants cost + 25 S/h, which is the same as Amazon. Absurd overall. I’m tempted to put in 90Wgear oil and take my chances given the cost or the recommended fluid.
Great idea to use tiewraps as dipstick. I will need to borrow some white ones from work. Lucky for me, I have not had more than an inch or so, yet. All easily done with a shovel. Great video, as always.
Great idea on the zip ties JB! Unless I missed it you might want to mention to get the top of the gear box as level as possible. Keep these great tips coming.
Hey David! Good to hear from you as always! I did mention in the beginning of the video to get the machine on a level surface to avoid any issues! Thanks for watching bud! 👍
On any snowblower gear case (or once your Ariens warranty has expired) it is safe to use just about any kind of 80/90 weight synthetic gear lube made for automotive differentials. Just about an brand will work. It's not so important what weight/brand you use, but the fact that it needs to be changed every couple seasons and kept up to the correct level. Those gears are spendy to replace!
Hey JB discovered your channel a month or so ago and think it is great. I have a 1 year old Ariens Deluxe 24 and agree with you 100% on the short comings of the manual. I use a zip tie like you. Question, how often would you change the auger gear box oil? Is that not a drain on the bottom of the gearbox? Also the manual recommends high temp grease, would it not be better to use low temp grease. Keep up the great work, from rural Ontario
Hey Barry! I have always left my gear box oil in. You’d have to syphon it out. There is not drain plug at the bottom. Just a funky weld. Does your manual call for grease or the L3 oil in the gear box?
My gear box doesn’t look like that, it’s aluminum and the fill bolt is front of gear box Ariens 7.5/24 Do I flip it over, empty oil, then fill till it drips out ?
@@GarageGear so I ended up doing just that, there was hardly any fluid left in gear box, that got me thinking when I refilled it. Filled it till it dripped out, then flipped it again just for a little fluid came out. Didn’t want to over fill and blow a seal just in case.
@@GarageGear one question, all is good just have idle speed When I raise my idle speed handle it doesn’t go to higher revs, just off and on Idle is ok just can use a little more revs Any recommendations ?
@@evangelosstefadouros1351 if you pull the engine apart from its covers you may be able to access a throttle screw possibly would allow you to turn it up a few rpm’s. Not sure if it’s possible on your model or not but it’s worth a look
I live in Maine. I thought 🤔 for years that Mainers were drinking more during Winter months from not able to enjoy the outdoors. Nope, drinking more do to owning Ariens blowers 😢. LoL., Thanks for all your efforts in educating others !!!! 😊
Ariens store has a 10% off, free shipping sale on now, including this gear oil. Bought a bottle but model 920001 - ST624E gearbox is different than here so dipstick isn't applicable. Thanks anyway for maintainance alert. Go Bills!
I used Lucas 75-w-140. Ariens 20+ dollars for 8oz is stupid. If you have a different Ariens model make sure you check your manual for the distance from top of gear box. Mine was different. Your vids are very helpful, thanks.
Great tips, especially the zip ties for the dip stick. It does seem expensive to have to buy a torque wrench, unless you already have one, just to properly tighten the plug. All these tips I’ll be sharing with my son and showing him these when the Buffalo winter is over…you know around July!! Awesome video JB! We’ll have to meet up again soon. Cheers buddy!
I have a very old ariens snow blower that I almost junked because it doesn't work....butttt watching all your videos, I think I will bring it back to life. It has old gas from the last owner still in it. It's gotta be 30 or 40 years old, though. I have to sum up the courage to work on it. If not, I'm gonna have to send it your way JB!
Thanks, JB! I'll send you some pictures of it on Instagram. It's got an awesome sturdy chute control lever that you can't find on newer models nowadays.
I agree Ariens should’ve provided a dipstick for checking the oil level on the auger. Why would they leave Somethings this small when you’ve paid more than $1000?
You can also convert 80 ft. Lb. Inch force to foot lbs and use a foot lb torque wrench set to 6.66 ft lbs. Of course my wrench only has setting down to 10 so I’m screwed. Lol.
Nice idea on the dipstick. I had made mine from a small piece of rigid cardboard.(actually made several at once) Used the vernier calipers as you did except I transferred the measurement direct from the caliper to the dipstick.......eliminating the need for the ruler. Think I'll make a new one using your zip tie method. 👍👍
Hey ECT! Awesome my friend! No wrong way to make it as long as the measurements are accurate! I used a ruler out there just so friends out there could make their own. Hopefully this video helps some people out! Thanks for watching!
Appreciate you bud! Ariens should definitely consider something here! The manual is loaded with good info. Ariens actually does a good job clarifying everything. Many other companies barely have a page on the maintenance.👎
@@Chris-lz7sx hey Chris! I have some videos on a craftsman I worked on last year. Did a number of videos with it. I also review some others in store. None on those older MTD blowers. Don’t see them around. I have some cub cadet videos coming soon.
The easiest and fastest way to check this lube level, Ariens should have installed a sight glass on the auger case that would show the lube level without all this nonsense.
For all you guys that don't have one buy or get a Decimal equivalent chart sometimes tool suppliers give them away for free they not only have the fractional sizes already converted to decimals but also have tap and drill sizes this chart is a must for any Man cave
Hey they get the job done right? Plus the little grooves on one side kinda hold it in place much like the threaded lines on a standard dipstick! The garage pops was onto something…
I have been watching you for a short while and I am impressed with content and way you explain your procedures. I have a Snapper 9266E snow blower when temperatures are above freezing everything moves when below freezing the impeller and augers do not move if you have any ideas as to cause would be happy to hear about it. There is no drain for the gearbox
JB just letting you know we gave the Chubby Butcher one of your spare stickers so he will be doing a shout out of your channel in an upcoming video. Hope that is ok with you.
@@GarageGear First time in 9 years that we serviced so many snowblowers in Nov, Dec. Jan that basically we caught up and can finally work on equipment we own and want to sell of flip. In some cases this equipment was purchased in 2018
Normally these are filled almost to the beginning of the threads so the cap can be threaded in without oil coming out and when changing oil you must pour the oil in very slowly or it pours out all over the place. There is a Techumseh dipstick 37884 that you can check out but do not think this is for your engine. You would need to provide the model number of the engine but it likely does not require a dipstick.The problem with adding an extension dipstick is ensuring that it remains stationary so it would need to thread in on the bottom and be mounted to the top area somehow or it will loosen off due to all the vibration. Most importantly if you did add an extension when running a lot of the oil would fly up the extension resulting in less oil staying in the engine for lubrication so do not make this change!
@@waynestefinashen239 hi Wayne. Thanks for your input and did what you said initially on filling the engine. Yes maybe I’ll not complicate things and stick to old school methods. Appreciate all the 👍suggestions
@@GarageGear No problem JB check out some of these livestreams Top Conker at 2pm normally i get on. Mostly non small engine repair stuff but i like to get discussion going on it
@@anthonyelectric6045 No problem and if you have not seen my son Jakes channel check him out at Eliminator Performance trying to get him to 100k subs before i see the big guy in the sky eh!
@@GarageGear I can't find one. Not a good design. I really don't want to try to add a drain and make a mess of it. I plan on picking up some fluid film and lubricating the augers as you recommended from previous posting. Great that you answered.
@@GarageGear I will double check, but I don't think it offers anything. I've had 3 mild winters use with no issues, but I am aware of the weak points of the machine and think keeping up on all the maintenance is critical. Fairly mild winter for snow here (Spokane, Washington).
I have a brand new 24" Platinum less than 1 month old. My manual describes the procedure you show. Airens TH-cam video th-cam.com/video/mbFCP1u0zBs/w-d-xo.html shows filled to the bottom of the fill bolt. My new machine was filled to the bottom of the fill bolt. A little conflict there on Airens part. 🙃
Hey Ralph I went by th he manual for my blower. Sounds like some changes have been made on newer ones perhaps. Do as your manual states then. Thanks for watching!
If you want a great homemade product check out bssmallengine on TH-cam go to his about section hit Etsy and look up his 2.0 updated cable removal tool. We just purchased a bunch of them a presents for our mower and blower flipper customers that purchase their parts from us. What was an aggravating job now takes literally 2 or 3 seconds.
@@GarageGear Pretty friggin cold buddy actually getting time to work on a YZ4500 riding mower we purchased this Fall may do a power steering style upgrade video on this one.
That looks like a lot of bother, probably why people don't do it. Me: stick in a piece of bailing wire, pull out, dump a little gear oil in, make a new gasket out of gasket paper, done.
Hi JB, I have a Craftsman Dual Stage snowblower Model C950-52126-0 , does my auger gear box take grease or oil. There is nothing in my manual regarding this, I would think that if they don't mention it in manual it is probably grease, gear box only has one screw plug , if so how much grease should be kept in gear box. Thank you. Love your videos , keep them coming...
Hard to say! Can’t find any good photos online of it. Put a q tip down the hole and see why you can get out. If it seems low fill it up with whatever it may need. Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel kevin
Hahaha funny you ask! For the video so people would know when it’s torqued, I actually turned the volume all the way up on that clip so viewers could hear something. That wrench doesn’t really have a click. More of a thunk. Lol! Thanks for watching sgt!
@@GarageGear I'm glad they're not broke! However I do think they're a bit off, because I unfortunately sheared one of the aluminum auger bearing bolts when snugging them down. I think I might be able to extract it out the other side, then go find a similar one that's color case hardened. You pay $1,600 for a machine and get junk hardware. What a shame!
Here Jeremiah! It’s got a gasket underneath. I imagine the frequent times on/off will ruin it. It’s also torqued down in all four corners and I don’t even know if they ever mentioned those requirements. All they say in the manual is not to open it. Thanks for watching my friend!
Hey blade runner! Did you watch this video of mine ? HOW TO LUBRICATE A SNOWBLOWER AUGER GEARBOX FOR BEGINNERS th-cam.com/video/nVZg3Kr4jM4/w-d-xo.html
No. Information about the washer with rubber seal. I did notice some web site sell the washer with the bolt. Your assistant on this classified information would be greatly appreciated
@@davidr.miller5171 hey David I don’t have specific part numbers of certain parts available to me. You can type in your model number and search the part on ariens website or other sites like ereplacementparts.com
Here is a LINK to the ARIENS L3 SYNTHETIC GEAR LUBE. Thank you for supporting the channel! amzn.to/3JEUHDw
Hay JB your zip tie dip stick was a great idea. I made one and tested the fluids, all was well. Now I am sitting in my garage laughing my butt off with this new tool in hand. When I am gone in about a dozen year’s I would really like to see the look at the face of whoever is cleaning out my house and garage and finds this zip tie contraption in my toolbox. It will be a real WTF moment!!! I know I’m sick, but somethings just hit my funny bone that way. Thanks for the tip!
Hey old dude we think the same way. I always think who’s is gonna go through all my tools someday too. Lol! Some they’ll have no idea about. Thanks for watching
No, I never took anything on my snug sorry
I watched several of your videos regarding Ariens snowblowers and they are soooooo helpful! I have now replaced the friction disk and completed all the maintenance boxes you have suggested. I am not usually mechanically inclined but not shy to work on stuff if I can find some great DIY videos and your's are some of the best!
@@mg062263 ROCK ON Mike! Appreciate the positive feedback 👍
Tool worked great. I never could get bolt to 80 inch lbs. ordered the washer you used and new plate (in case stripped).
Naturally, it is snowing right now.
Awesome my ride! You’ll be good to go
Thanks so much for this! You saved my Ariens Deluxe 30. Great idea for the DIY dipstick. New subscriber here! I’ll be watching all your videos eventually.
@@SeanVanDuzen you got it Sean! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Dude I see my name!! Thanks for the shout out!
2.38 is 2.375 rounded up which is 2 and 3/8… also shitty they didn’t explain that lol. .63 is .625 is 5/8… good that you boiled it down for everyone! The manual was clearly edited by a non-engineer lol
RIGHT ON BROTHER! Had they put it in fractional form no one would need an additional tool. Although I have to hand it to ariens they give better maintenance info on their manuals than most other companies. Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear this is true. I’ll have to look at mine again and see if it has gear box info, I’m definitely curious. Yeah fractional form or 3 decimal places would be better. Not everyone is a woodworker or engineer who does measurements every day or has to mentally convert that stuff!
Yeah the manual was written by a non engineer BUT remember it was a dipshit engineer that didn’t design a dipstick to begin with.
Your ruler is not a measuring ruler but an engineering scale ruler. It is used to scale distances on a set of plans.
With that said, your tips are very helpful and insightful. Thank you.
You are correct Kurt! It’s my architect scale from when I was in high school. It’s the only one I could find. Got the job done! Thanks for watching my friend!
This was the last thing I had to do to my snow blower before winter, but I wasn’t sure how to go about it.
I bought the torque wrench through your link, so I hope you get a little spiff for that .
Thanks for your business my friend! Appreciate you!
Finally got around to checking the gear oil level and it goes way above the 2 3/8 - 2 5/8 mark, by about an inch. Haven’t touched it since I bought it. 😮
@@NoamSayin be sure to check your manual to see how much should be in there. It can vary between models.
You are so right. For some reason, I thought I had the same measurements as in your video.
Turns out it’s 4.1 to 4.8 cm for the Ariens Classic 24.
Super tips ! Hope I can get an answer if you please. Have a 6 yr old Ariens SHO 24". Gear case leaked out entirely over the summer sitting in the garage after very little winter use last yr. Purchased at-205 reseal and have proper L3 Ariens gear oil. If I were to put an amount of 205 in this steel gearcase do you recommend a quantity to use ? Thanks
Hey rogo. In my experience using a liquid to fix a liquid leak almost always never fixes the problem. It’s usually a bandaid at best. Sounds like a seal is worn and in need of repair. I would investigate the problem further or take it to a shop.
Another winning vid JB!
Just watched and will have a look at end of this winter season. I’ll add this task to the rustproofing modules in your ebook.
Cheers!!
Awesome Apex! Definitely a good idea to check your gear box! 👍 appreciate you my friend!
"HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR GEAR BOX LATELY?" "WHAT SUITABLE DIPSTICK DEVICE WOULD THAT BE?" "... WHY DOES THAT SOUND WEIRD IN THE SAME SENTENCE?"
Friends...how much do we love JB. His humor, his knowledge, his intelligence and his wisdom. And for sharing it all with us. Often just in time to avert disaster which could cost us thousands of dollars. I hope you hit that LIKE button as quickly as I smashed mine.
Appreciate you Joe! YOU DA MAN! 👍👍
Love the dipstick idea! I was thinking if you didn't have a torque socket you could mark the bolt and the base with a thin line and count the turns to take the bolt off and then reverse to put it back on...
Good thinking over watch 👍
You’re awesome dude! I bought a used Ariens Compact 24. Needless to say, it needed much more than a tune up. Thank you for your videos. Keep up the great work
You got it my friend! Glad these videos are helping you out! Thanks for being a cool fan abello!
I watched this video when it came out, but I didn't have the Ariens gear lube on-hand nor did I have the dipstick so I put off checking my level until today. I made the dipstick with the two zip-ties (great idea!) and found that the level was just below the bottom mark. I do have a very slow leak somewhere on my gear case, I think it might be one of the seals on the sides for the auger shafts. I get a few drips on the cardboard I put below the gear case during the summer months. Just enough that I was worried that the level might be getting too low. So a big thank you JB for this video which helped me tackle this maintenance task!
Hey Andy glad this video helped you out! Thanks for watching bud!
Just grabbed a Honda single stage snowblower for $95. Lol. People didn’t think it would start and was leaving for Florida. Needed it gone. I bought it. Nothing wrong with the snowblower. Started first pull. I’ll be testing both my 1332 and this single stager next weeks nor’easter
Cool my friend! Good deal! Beat deals are from people moving away! Have fun with it!
@@GarageGear thanks I never used a single stage. Have you? Saw videos on it and impressed with throwing distance
@@appleztooranges used one a while back. Break for small snow storms. Easy to work on if cared for! Have fun with your new one!
@@GarageGear thanks
I checked my oil level when the machine was new five years ago. I just stuck a small piece of thin wire into the case and I could tell the level was close to the top. Thanks for a “better way”.
You got it Jonathan! Thanks for watching!
Love your informative videos. Keep up the great work. I just recently purchased an Ariens Compact24. The Ariens quick guide and video state to remove the filler bolt and check the bottom of the bolt, and if there is gear oil on the bottom of the bolt, the level is correct. What do you say about that method?
I say go with whatever the manual states. I went in accordance with my owners manual for this demonstration. Thanks for watching!
I have the older vertically split aluminum gear case. They leak like crazy through the auger shaft seals. I replaced the seals two years ago. This involves splitting the machine, removing the entire impeller/auger assembly and pounding out various pins to get the shafts apart. The auger gears looked ok. After reassembly, I wanted to be a good boy, so I bought the latest ariens gear lube- the L3 stuff. Fast forward to two weeks ago. The gear case failed. Lube still full, shavings everywhere. Luckily the antiseize I used two years ago was still there and everything came apart ok. 3 hour job and the worm gear and impeller shaft kit is $100.
Not happy with the ariens split case, seals or gear lube. I hope those cast iron cases last longer.
Thanks for sharing this JT! So far I’m on 10 years going strong with mine. Gear boxes are never cheap or quick to repair!
i have a platinum sho 30 and it drips oil from the gear case, How do you stop that , does it need a new gear case or can you change the seals in there.
You should be able to change the seals but is it still under warranty?
Technically it's not a ruler, it's a drafting scale 😁 Don't ask what I went to college for 😉.
Love the twist tie idea. You're right, for the cost of the blower, Ariens could've provided a basic plastic dipstick. Can't imagine how many owners have just "guessed" at a suitable oil level SMH.
It would probably cost them Pennies to make too! 👍
Great video!...really like the zip tie technique. Owning a CM ruler really made it easy. Thanks.
Thanks for watching! Glad it helped!
I just made your handy little zip tie tool, and my case is like an inch over the full mark, so I need to get some out.
But how bad can over filling be?
@@Northerner26 I would make sure the amount inside matches what’s in your owners manual. I think there has to be some space inside. You can get a cheap syringe and suck some out.
Yeah, I have the syringe and will suck some out, but does the level really matter since it's just gears, out of warranty, and doesn't really get hot?
Also, on your recommendation in another video (and for a Brute snowblower) I bought a jug of the Super-S "00" Grease. Can't that be used in my 921051 with sealed gear case? TYA
@ probably won’t hurt it given how it’s used. You could use that grease if you can get it in there
@GarageGear why would Ariens ever make a gearbox without a drain hole/plug?
*thank you so much for your timely responses on an old thread*
@ not exactly sure! No problem my friend!
Your series on the Ariens snowblower maintenance are extremely helpful. The presentation is very professional. You should market your video skills to Hollywood.
Appreciate you Michael! Thanks for the positive feedback my friend! 👍👍
Great idea for a dipstick. I just used it on my machine. I ended up taking the gearbox out as I needed to do other repairs. With the gearbox out I was able to tip it over overnight to drain. With 10yrs on the machine the gear oil was just as black as red! So was good to drain and refill. When they say the fluid is life of machine, they just want it to break so you buy another!
That is true! Thanks for watching!
If you're wondering, the bonded washer dimensions for a 24" Ariens Compact (2014 model 920021,Ariens part #06400920) are 3/8 x 3/4. This info should be handy for those who'd rather not spend $10 on shipping for a $0.50 washer when it's the only part required. 1:27
Thanks for sharing! 👍
Good tip & cheap fix, I used a old screw driver 3.25 inch long & marked it according to the user manual, and have been using it for last 10 years.
I was thinking of making one out of a screwdriver originally. Awesome my friend! 👍
Yeah, I agree with you. Ariens could have made life a lot simpler for us. 2.38". For real? Good grief. Anyway, I just did mine. In addition to everything you said, they also should have moved tthe fill hole toward the front of the case, just for easier access. And thanks for the zip-tie idea!
You got it bud! I think a simple little plastic dipstick would be easy to produce and give with each snowblower. A fill hole up front would help too! Thanks for watching! 👍
Hello! Been watching and really enjoying your channel. Thanks for the great content.
I have a new to me SnowTek 24” by Ariens. Doing the full service on it myself, but have ran into a snag. I don’t have local access to the L3 gear oil. Online I can pick it up for $58/bottle… which is absurd.
Any suggestions on what else I may be able to use to top up the fluid level? I need a fraction of a fluid oz, and I’d rather not spend the $60+ with tax on a few drops.
Thanks again!
Richard
Hey Richard! Thanks for being a cool fan! Crazy prices! Have you tried eBay? Where are you located?
@@GarageGear Sadly yes, I’m in Vancouver Canada, eBay is worst than the Amazon prize. My only local dealer wants cost + 25 S/h, which is the same as Amazon. Absurd overall. I’m tempted to put in 90Wgear oil and take my chances given the cost or the recommended fluid.
@@RichardT2112 25 is better but still a bit high! I think I paid 20 for mine back in the day.
@@GarageGear sadly the $25 is just for shipping and handling. Am tempted to put synthetic gear oil in there and be done with it.
@@RichardT2112 I would agree!
Great idea to use tiewraps as dipstick. I will need to borrow some white ones from work. Lucky for me, I have not had more than an inch or so, yet. All easily done with a shovel. Great video, as always.
Appreciate you John! Thanks for watching!
Great idea on the zip ties JB!
Unless I missed it you might want to mention to get the top of the gear box as level as possible.
Keep these great tips coming.
Hey David! Good to hear from you as always! I did mention in the beginning of the video to get the machine on a level surface to avoid any issues! Thanks for watching bud! 👍
GASP!!! Is that rust I see on the gear-box front plug, JB?!?!?!? Lol
Great idea for the dipstick my brother!! 👉👍
Hahahaha I knew someone was gonna say something about that! Ten years old! Bound to be some rust somewhere! Thanks brother! Any plans for the weekend?
Great video. Your channel sure is turning out to be a treasure of information for years to come! Thank you for all of your work with your videos.
Hey Michael! Appreciate your positive feedback! Thanks for being a cool fan!
On any snowblower gear case (or once your Ariens warranty has expired) it is safe to use just about any kind of 80/90 weight synthetic gear lube made for automotive differentials. Just about an brand will work. It's not so important what weight/brand you use, but the fact that it needs to be changed every couple seasons and kept up to the correct level. Those gears are spendy to replace!
@@PainterD54 appreciate this information painter👍
Hey JB discovered your channel a month or so ago and think it is great. I have a 1 year old Ariens Deluxe 24 and agree with you 100% on the short comings of the manual. I use a zip tie like you. Question, how often would you change the auger gear box oil? Is that not a drain on the bottom of the gearbox? Also the manual recommends high temp grease, would it not be better to use low temp grease. Keep up the great work, from rural Ontario
Hey Barry! I have always left my gear box oil in. You’d have to syphon it out. There is not drain plug at the bottom. Just a funky weld. Does your manual call for grease or the L3 oil in the gear box?
@@GarageGear L3, thanks for getting back to me, keep up the great work
@@barrypettit3668 oh ok! For the grease, are you referring to the auger grease?
My gear box doesn’t look like that, it’s aluminum and the fill bolt is front of gear box
Ariens 7.5/24
Do I flip it over, empty oil, then fill till it drips out ?
@@evangelosstefadouros1351 you could do that! 👍
@@GarageGear so I ended up doing just that, there was hardly any fluid left in gear box, that got me thinking when I refilled it.
Filled it till it dripped out, then flipped it again just for a little fluid came out. Didn’t want to over fill and blow a seal just in case.
@@evangelosstefadouros1351 sounds like you’re good to go.
@@GarageGear one question, all is good just have idle speed
When I raise my idle speed handle it doesn’t go to higher revs, just off and on
Idle is ok just can use a little more revs
Any recommendations ?
@@evangelosstefadouros1351 if you pull the engine apart from its covers you may be able to access a throttle screw possibly would allow you to turn it up a few rpm’s. Not sure if it’s possible on your model or not but it’s worth a look
I live in Maine. I thought 🤔 for years that Mainers were drinking more during Winter months from not able to enjoy the outdoors. Nope, drinking more do to owning Ariens blowers 😢. LoL., Thanks for all your efforts in educating others !!!! 😊
Hahaha now you have the know though! 👍
Ariens store has a 10% off, free shipping sale on now, including this gear oil. Bought a bottle but model 920001 - ST624E gearbox is different than here so dipstick isn't applicable. Thanks anyway for maintainance alert. Go Bills!
You got it broken arrow! Thanks for sharing and watching!
I used Lucas 75-w-140. Ariens 20+ dollars for 8oz is stupid. If you have a different Ariens model make sure you check your manual for the distance from top of gear box. Mine was different. Your vids are very helpful, thanks.
@@Ryder300b good tip Ryder! Thanks for the positive feedback 👍
Quick measurement chart for decimals to fraction:
.125 =1/8
.25= 1/4
.375=3/8
.5=1/2
.625=5/8
.75=3/4
.875=7/8
@@NorthWoodsRestoration1 appreciate you sharing this with the community my friend! 👍
Great tips, especially the zip ties for the dip stick. It does seem expensive to have to buy a torque wrench, unless you already have one, just to properly tighten the plug. All these tips I’ll be sharing with my son and showing him these when the Buffalo winter is over…you know around July!! Awesome video JB! We’ll have to meet up again soon. Cheers buddy!
Thanks Jay! Buying the torque wrench was a necessary evil but it didn’t cost much. How’s everything on your end of town?
Aaron’s 24 inch snowblower 920402 states hits 1.63 and 1.88 all videos I’ve seen on TH-cam states it’s 2.63 and 2 3/8
You’ll have to check your owners manual for your models specific measurements!.
I have a very old ariens snow blower that I almost junked because it doesn't work....butttt watching all your videos, I think I will bring it back to life. It has old gas from the last owner still in it. It's gotta be 30 or 40 years old, though. I have to sum up the courage to work on it. If not, I'm gonna have to send it your way JB!
You got this Martin! Just work on it a little every weekend! I’m planning on doing a little work on mine throughout the summer. 👍
Thanks, JB! I'll send you some pictures of it on Instagram. It's got an awesome sturdy chute control lever that you can't find on newer models nowadays.
@@martinp.9853 cool my friend send them on over
I agree Ariens should’ve provided a dipstick for checking the oil level on the auger. Why would they leave Somethings this small when you’ve paid more than $1000?
I’m sure they could fabricate a piece of plastic with ease for this procedure! Thanks for watching!
You can also convert 80 ft. Lb. Inch force to foot lbs and use a foot lb torque wrench set to 6.66 ft lbs. Of course my wrench only has setting down to 10 so I’m screwed. Lol.
Same with my other wrench! Thanks for sharing er!
Nice idea on the dipstick.
I had made mine from a small piece of rigid cardboard.(actually made several at once)
Used the vernier calipers as you did except I transferred the measurement direct from the caliper to the dipstick.......eliminating the need for the ruler. Think I'll make a new one using your zip tie method.
👍👍
Hey ECT! Awesome my friend! No wrong way to make it as long as the measurements are accurate! I used a ruler out there just so friends out there could make their own. Hopefully this video helps some people out! Thanks for watching!
Well done JB especially since most snowblower owners never read the manual all Ariens owners should watch this video.
Appreciate you bud! Ariens should definitely consider something here! The manual is loaded with good info. Ariens actually does a good job clarifying everything. Many other companies barely have a page on the maintenance.👎
Are all your videos on ARIENS snow blowers? Whatn about some older ones like MTD. I have a 12 HP 33" scoop MTD do you have any vids on those babies?
@@Chris-lz7sx hey Chris! I have some videos on a craftsman I worked on last year. Did a number of videos with it. I also review some others in store. None on those older MTD blowers. Don’t see them around. I have some cub cadet videos coming soon.
The easiest and fastest way to check this lube level, Ariens should have installed a sight glass on the auger case that would show the lube level without all this nonsense.
There’s an idea! 👍
Great idea I agree ariens should provide a tool already marketed like a oil dip stick … thanks for the advice..
You got it! Thanks for watching!
Great video. Thank you. Your tips make a difference around the garage.
Glad to hear! Appreciate you, my friend!
For all you guys that don't have one buy or get a Decimal equivalent chart sometimes tool suppliers give them away for free they not only have the fractional sizes already converted to decimals but also have tap and drill sizes this chart is a must for any Man cave
Good thing to have! Thanks for sharing
Zip ties, brilliant! So simple yet so effective.👍
Hey they get the job done right? Plus the little grooves on one side kinda hold it in place much like the threaded lines on a standard dipstick! The garage pops was onto something…
Another excellent video! Thanks JB!
Appreciate you Joe! Thanks for watching!
The zip tie dipstick idea is pure genius! Thanks for the videos, one of my favorite channels!
Appreciate you Matt! Thanks for the positive feedback my friend! 👍
The only thing I would add would be to note the date you changed the oil and with what kind of oil written in Sharpie pen on the gearbox.
Good tip Steve!
I have been watching you for a short while and I am impressed with content and way you explain your procedures. I have a Snapper 9266E snow blower when temperatures are above freezing everything moves when below freezing the impeller and augers do not move if you have any ideas as to cause would be happy to hear about it. There is no drain for the gearbox
Hey Ray! Hard to say without looking at it with my own eyes. Are your belts ok? Does it make any noise in lower temps?
I like the zip tie dip stick! 👍
It’s a winner! Gets the job done! 👍👍 Have a good week my friend!
JB just letting you know we gave the Chubby Butcher one of your spare stickers so he will be doing a shout out of your channel in an upcoming video. Hope that is ok with you.
Totally cool with me Wayne! Appreciate you bud! Seeing any lawn equipment rolling into the shop lately?
@@GarageGear First time in 9 years that we serviced so many snowblowers in Nov, Dec. Jan that basically we caught up and can finally work on equipment we own and want to sell of flip. In some cases this equipment was purchased in 2018
@@waynestefinashen239 cool my friend! I imagine mowers will be rolling in soon to your shop!
@@GarageGear Hope so just cleaning up on service to equipment we own presently. No snow no snowblower repairs that is how it is eh??
@@waynestefinashen239 have you guys got a lot of snow your way? We had out two storms earlier in the season and hardly anything since. Weird season!
Great video very helpful and thanks for the tool tip !👍
You got it my friend! Thanks for watching!!!👍
Another great how to. Thanks JB.
Appreciate you Chuck. Hopefully it helps some people out! Thanks for watching! 👍👍
I think I voided my warranty on my 1981 model Ariens snow blower, I just added 80w90 gear oil to the diff.
lol! You got an oldie there!
I say my man what would I do without your skills? Exceptional knowledge, thank you!
Appreciate you Vincent! Haven’t seen much snow here in Buffalo since Christmas. Crazy!
Speaking of oil levels, can I add a extension dipstick to a tecumseh 5hp older engine? It just has a standard cap screw on it now
Normally these are filled almost to the beginning of the threads so the cap can be threaded in without oil coming out and when changing oil you must pour the oil in very slowly or it pours out all over the place. There is a Techumseh dipstick 37884 that you can check out but do not think this is for your engine. You would need to provide the model number of the engine but it likely does not require a dipstick.The problem with adding an extension dipstick is ensuring that it remains stationary so it would need to thread in on the bottom and be mounted to the top area somehow or it will loosen off due to all the vibration. Most importantly if you did add an extension when running a lot of the oil would fly up the extension resulting in less oil staying in the engine for lubrication so do not make this change!
Thanks for answering this question Wayne! Appreciate you bud!
@@waynestefinashen239 hi Wayne. Thanks for your input and did what you said initially on filling the engine. Yes maybe I’ll not complicate things and stick to old school methods. Appreciate all the 👍suggestions
@@GarageGear No problem JB check out some of these livestreams Top Conker at 2pm normally i get on. Mostly non small engine repair stuff but i like to get discussion going on it
@@anthonyelectric6045 No problem and if you have not seen my son Jakes channel check him out at Eliminator Performance trying to get him to 100k subs before i see the big guy in the sky eh!
Great video. How do you check and add gear lube to a Husqvarna st-230p snowblower? Thank you.
Hey Howard! That gearcase looks fully sealed! Is there a drain or fill plug anywhere on it?
@@GarageGear I can't find one. Not a good design. I really don't want to try to add a drain and make a mess of it. I plan on picking up some fluid film and lubricating the augers as you recommended from previous posting. Great that you answered.
@@howardkoppe5003 no problem my friend! Does your owners manual say anything about it?
@@GarageGear I will double check, but I don't think it offers anything. I've had 3 mild winters use with no issues, but I am aware of the weak points of the machine and think keeping up on all the maintenance is critical. Fairly mild winter for snow here (Spokane, Washington).
@@howardkoppe5003 got it! If you find anything let me know. Keep those augers lubed up in the mean time. 👍
Another great video JB, thanks. Any info on a Craftsman blower would be appreciated.
Thanks Mike! Considering getting one next year to do some content on. Could do a lot of videos on those too. Thanks for watching!
You are a wealth of knowledge that keeps our machines running in top shape! THANKS!
Thanks for your kind words D Tom! Appreciate you!
great video, I have a a newer aliens, couple years old, I would like to add a headlight to the front of it , above the auger , any ideas?
I’ll be working on that in the future hopefully, so stay tuned for more videos!
Ariens L3 gear lube looks exactly like automatic transmission fluid...
@@moochythecat3435 it’s a bit thicker though I believe. Perhaps I should do a comparison video
I called Ariens this morning……Absolutely ridiculous that a customer has to build his own dipstick on a $1500 product. BUT THANK YOU for the video.
You got it my friend! They should give you some to test it with! 👍
What other gear oil can you use if you are outside the warranty? Ariens gear oil must contain Unicorn tears because it's $28 CDN for a small bottle.
Hey Jason! You really can’t go wrong using 75w-90 gear oil! I know this stuff is expensive for a small bottle!
@@GarageGear thanks JB. Is there a good Ariens dealer in Buffalo/ Niagara Falls NY For parts?
@@jasoncharbonneau9588 heard good things about wegman motor works in kenmore. 👍
Outstanding video. New fan, new subscriber. Thanks for taking the time to put this together!!
@@ChrisK-d7m you got it Chris! Thanks for being a cool new fan!
@@GarageGear … worked out perfectly, all thanks to you!!
@@ChrisK-d7m ROCK ON CHRIS!
Hope you don't mind I saved some of videos for future reference gear box dip stick idea excellent
Don’t mind at all! 👍
I have a brand new 24" Platinum less than 1 month old. My manual describes the procedure you show. Airens TH-cam video th-cam.com/video/mbFCP1u0zBs/w-d-xo.html shows filled to the bottom of the fill bolt. My new machine was filled to the bottom of the fill bolt. A little conflict there on Airens part. 🙃
Hey Ralph I went by th he manual for my blower. Sounds like some changes have been made on newer ones perhaps. Do as your manual states then. Thanks for watching!
Maybe you could market those home made dipsticks, JB! Another item of quality GG merch!
The best products come from having a need for something right? Thanks for watching Mace! Have a great weekend bud!
If you want a great homemade product check out bssmallengine on TH-cam go to his about section hit Etsy and look up his 2.0 updated cable removal tool. We just purchased a bunch of them a presents for our mower and blower flipper customers that purchase their parts from us. What was an aggravating job now takes literally 2 or 3 seconds.
@@waynestefinashen239 very cool my friend! Thanks for sharing! How’s everything up north?
@@GarageGear Pretty friggin cold buddy actually getting time to work on a YZ4500 riding mower we purchased this Fall may do a power steering style upgrade video on this one.
@@waynestefinashen239 I hear ya on the temps my friend! Looking forward to it! 👍
That looks like a lot of bother, probably why people don't do it. Me: stick in a piece of bailing wire, pull out, dump a little gear oil in, make a new gasket out of gasket paper, done.
PS I get the gear oil at Walmart.
Thanks for sharing Jerry!
Hi JB, I have a Craftsman Dual Stage snowblower Model C950-52126-0 , does my auger gear box take grease or oil. There is nothing in my manual regarding this, I would think that if they don't mention it in manual it is probably grease, gear box only has one screw plug , if so how much grease should be kept in gear box. Thank you. Love your videos , keep them coming...
Hard to say! Can’t find any good photos online of it. Put a q tip down the hole and see why you can get out. If it seems low fill it up with whatever it may need. Thanks for being a cool fan of the channel kevin
Thank you for reply JB. It does have grease in gear box, but I have no idea how much should be in it. @@GarageGear
@@Kevin-y8c4u I would probably fill it close to the top leaving just a little room.
Ok will try that.. Thank you very much..
Great vid!! Did you say you had a link to that specialized washer as well?
Hey Steve I put the link in the video description. Should be about half way down or so! Thanks for watching!
@@GarageGear TY. Greatly appreciated!
Added gear oil today and the tyrap trick was great 👍 thanks
Awesome my friend! They really should give all of us dipsticks for checking this!
And yet another awesome video, hands down one of the best channels on You Tube.
Appreciate you brew! Thanks for being a cool fan!
I have the same torque wrench but mine doesn't click at all.
Should I return or am I doing something wrong?
Hahaha funny you ask! For the video so people would know when it’s torqued, I actually turned the volume all the way up on that clip so viewers could hear something. That wrench doesn’t really have a click. More of a thunk. Lol! Thanks for watching sgt!
@@GarageGear I'm glad they're not broke! However I do think they're a bit off, because I unfortunately sheared one of the aluminum auger bearing bolts when snugging them down. I think I might be able to extract it out the other side, then go find a similar one that's color case hardened. You pay $1,600 for a machine and get junk hardware. What a shame!
@@sgtstedanko7186 thanks for sharing this bud! I’ve also seen junk hardware on the toro timemaster! Bolts shearing off! Some stuff is junk nowadays!
I think you found Ariens a cheap solution- just include two white zip ties with every purchase 😅
Hahaha free with your next purchase of $3400 or more lol
Me thinking this was unnecessary on my brand new thrower and mine was overfilled by about a 1/4".
Hey Powell! These fill levels can vary by model. It’s a good idea to check your owners manual!
JB-you r now my owners Manuel, another job well done!
Hahaha appreciate you Yale! Stay awesome my friend!
Awesome video my gear box didn’t have a drain so I just filled it
Thanks glitch! Crazy these gear boxes don’t have a drain plug! Thanks for watching!
Thank you so very much! Great video. Regards from Longueuil Beach!
Thanks for watching junvalois
Great info. I have one of those, and that's a spec I missed.
Thanks for watching jerry
Why can't you take the top plate off to check the gear oil ?
Here Jeremiah! It’s got a gasket underneath. I imagine the frequent times on/off will ruin it. It’s also torqued down in all four corners and I don’t even know if they ever mentioned those requirements. All they say in the manual is not to open it. Thanks for watching my friend!
Great idea!
Thanks shedder! Thanks for watching!
Nice!
Thanks for watching Jay!
I don't see a link for the seal washer.
@@sam-wz8tu www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/part/ariens/06400920 this should be the one
I over filled mine .will I be looking at any problems.
I would definitely recommend getting an extraction pump and getting it out and then refill it to the right level. I wish these had a drain plug.
@@GarageGear A drain plug! Who'd-a thunk? ;-)
I use a 90° bent nail, then mark it with a chisel or hacksaw
Thanks for sharing barnett
Turkey baster with a piece of clear hose on it will suck that oil out.
Like that idea!
I got 2002 , ariens 1028 , my drain plug is in front , middle , of gear box , how can i check that 😑
Hey blade runner! Did you watch this video of mine ? HOW TO LUBRICATE A SNOWBLOWER AUGER GEARBOX FOR BEGINNERS
th-cam.com/video/nVZg3Kr4jM4/w-d-xo.html
How do you drain it? There's no drain plug, just tip it upside down and use the fill plug?
@garagegear
Hey Joseph! In that case it’s full only. Just add oil to where it needs to be filled to.
Great video. Was sorta weird for a second. Lol.
Hahaha never a dull moment in the garage! Lol thanks for watching bud!
Comment
Appreciate the “comment” WHITIE!! How’s life treating you lately bud???
@@GarageGear I'm cold. It's -19 here in Vermont. What's the temperature in New York where you are?
@@WhitieInVermont temps are on the way up today bud! Last few days were cold! Single digits. Wind chills about -10 to -15. Dominating the driveway?
Does the gear washer work on deluxe 28 # 921046????
Please reply
@@davidr.miller5171 hey David does your owners manual give any part numbers for this.? Let me know!
No. Information about the washer with rubber seal. I did notice some web site sell the washer with the bolt.
Your assistant on this classified information would be greatly appreciated
@@davidr.miller5171 hey David I don’t have specific part numbers of certain parts available to me. You can type in your model number and search the part on ariens website or other sites like ereplacementparts.com
Just measure in metric, between 61mm and 67mm, it's not that hard.
Thanks for sharing
How do I check my 1995 MTD gear box level?
Hey Roger! Did you watch this video? HOW TO LUBRICATE A SNOWBLOWER AUGER GEARBOX FOR BEGINNERS
th-cam.com/video/nVZg3Kr4jM4/w-d-xo.html