Snowblower axle repair
 

I'll put this here, mods can move it.

I have a 1961 Simplicity 23" snowblower - #990255 and I'm finally getting around to restoring it. Don't worry, it won't be a garage queen. It saved me this past winter when my newer snowthrower decided it didn't want to deal with 2 feet of wet snow... A 55 yo machine did what a 10 yo machine couldn't...

So I figure I owe it. Most of it is simple and I got lucky and found an NOS gear to replace the only chipped / worn gear in the transmission. The problem I have is the axle is badly worn. ~.040" under sized. It's an 1-1/4" axle with a gear welded on. It rides in bronze bushings.

After a search for NOS or good used ones turned up nothing I'm looking for ideas. I'll include an exploded view to show everything as I haven't downloaded pictures from my phone yet. It's parts "B" and "D" that I need to replace / fix. I was thinking of finding a machine shop to turn the axle down to approximately 1" and press on a piece of .120" wall 1-1/4" DOM tubing. Couple of plug welds and it should be good. Then I just have to get some new bronze bushing material installed.

I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I didn't flinch at $50 for the new pulley gear... She's definitely earned some attention. I don't expect it to be much to turn the axle and sleeve it and replace the bushings, but if anyone has any ballpark ideas on cost that would be great.

Also, if anyone has any sources for Simplicity orange paint... :) I know it's cubs only, but I have to get the simplicity out of the way so I can work on my 124 over the winter... :)

Thanks,
David

Oh, BTW, I'm in SE PA not too far from Kinzers / Gap area if anyone knows any good machine shops. Or even how to go about finding one that would do something like this...

I make parts ( I'm a machinist by trade ) so if you have either the part to copy or a print/drawing, I can make it.

Here's my parts thread so you can my work http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=20875

I'll probably be out at Rough & Tumble this saturday morning.

Jeff

Sent an email to you.

Here's the pictures.

Looks to be easy enough to make from the pix.
Chuck the axle in the lathe, cut the weld on one side, as it appears to be only on one side and push it out of the gear.
Make a new axle, duplicating the old one and tack weld it in 3 places, chuck it and indicate it square.
Then weld it solid, and while hot, re chuck it to check for any wobble and correct it.
After it cools, check again. :beerchug:
(Well that is how I would do it)

Another approach would to weld up the worn areas and re machine, but to me, that would be a lot of work and prolly more warpage to correct.

I'm going to agree with George. New axle would be less expensive than welding and machining.

Jeff

Nice meeting you today Dave :beerchug: Also a big thanks for joining Rough and Tumble and volunteering :beerchug:

Got started on the axle. Had to get the gear off to measure overall length of the axle.

Jeff

Looks like you can have it back Saturday at R & T. All that is left to do is finish cutting the thrust washer recess to final depth. I'll borrow a tool from work to finish cutting the major diameter.

Another tool to purchase :beer2:

Jeff

If you don't have it you must need it! :biggrin2:

I need a left handed number 3 Top Notch grooving / threading tool. Let's see, spend $125+ for the bare tool from the distributor or patiently wait for a deal on ebay? :bigthink:

So true, Sam. :beerchug: