"Pixel" (Improbcat)
12/02/2014 at 09:52 • Filed to: None
3
11|
"Pixel" (Improbcat)
12/02/2014 at 09:52 • Filed to: None | 3
| 11 |
In the continuing attempt !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I find myself back in the garage with a grinder in my hand.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
I ran a wire wheel or brush over the rust, trying to knock off the loose stuff, then gave the whole bucket & auger assemble a coat of Masterseries anti-rust paint.
I just slathered it on, as pretty is not among my goals here, just stopping the progression of rust so I can eek out as many years from this thing as possible.
During dis-assembly I did discover why it listed to one side. The skids were adjusted wrong, leading to some uneven scraper bar wear. Fortunately the other side is fine, so I can just flip it over and it'll be good to go.
I also discovered that the dry-rotted tires wouldn't hold air for more than a few hours. Not being able to find cheap tires locally, I stuffed some tubes in the old ones, which seems to have worked.
The next day the bucket got a coat of the finest in leftover Tractor Supply black enamel. I had to touchup some missed spots with the silver Masterseries, so the back of the bucket is still to be done.
At this point we were threatened with a Thanksgiving snowstorm, so I put the scraper bar & skids back on, only to end up getting monsoon rains for 6 hours instead.
Yesterday I changed the oil, which was thin enough I suspect it was 50% water. I think I'll change it again after the first storm where I run the engine for more than a minute.
davedave1111
> Pixel
12/02/2014 at 10:02 |
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Next, sell it and buy another, slightly better, junk heap. Then write a series of articles called The Art of the (Snowblower) Flip.
Tohru
> davedave1111
12/02/2014 at 10:21 |
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Then write articles all day long about how you can buy used high-end snowblowers for less than new midrange or value models.
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davedave1111
> Tohru
12/02/2014 at 10:24 |
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Hey, did you know that for $100 you can get a used snowblower instead of a new shovel?
CalzoneGolem
> Pixel
12/02/2014 at 10:25 |
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How do the belts look? Does it have a friction disc?
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Tohru
> davedave1111
12/02/2014 at 10:25 |
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I bought a used snowblower for the same price as a shovel, and I've had no problems with it. I don't understand you guys saying it was a terrible purchase.
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Pixel
> CalzoneGolem
12/02/2014 at 10:42 |
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Belts look worn, but not frayed, no clue on the friction disc. I'm waiting for snow to make sure there isn't any major engine/gearbox problems before I invest more in it(tubes were only because the tires wouldn't stay inflated).
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CalzoneGolem
> Pixel
12/02/2014 at 10:45 |
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That disc is your gear box. Jesus it looks like they stored this thing in saltwater during the off season.
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davedave1111
> Tohru
12/02/2014 at 10:55 |
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For the same price as a premium snowblower, you could have a holiday somewhere warm.
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Tohru
> davedave1111
12/02/2014 at 10:58 |
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You have to go back to the cold place eventually.
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Pixel
> CalzoneGolem
12/02/2014 at 12:26 |
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Judging by the sun fading I'm guessing it sat outside all year, and given I got it in a Coastal MA town there was probably a lot of salty moisture in the air. All surface rust though, found no rust through.
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CalzoneGolem
> Pixel
12/02/2014 at 12:32 |
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Ah so they did basically store it in saltwater during the off season.