Well thanks to everyone and all the help from the forum I got the blower put back together about 10 days ago and to work to use for the winter.

Here is my original post: https://www.snowblowerforum.com/forum/john-deere-snowblowers/27241-1980-john-deere-826-general-questions.html

A huge thanks to everyone who commented, gave tips, and helped out. It wouldn't of gotten 'went through' as thoroughly as it would have if it wasn't for everyone posting with suggestions.

Here is what I all did to the blower:

- Installed new belts
- Freed augers from shaft as they were seized to it
- replaced impeller bushing
- repainted parts of the blower that need it, painted inside of chute
- new scraper bar/bolts
- Installed impeller kit
- Service auger gearbox (new gasket/oil)
- Greased auger shaft
- Tapped and installed grease zerks on auger's
- Disassembled differential and cleaned old grease out, put new in
- New roller chains
- Installed new bushings on drive axles
- Lubed shifting linkages
- Drained fuel, installed new gas line and filter
- Waxed and wiped down with Silicone Spray, cleaned with degreaser where need.
- Installed drift kit on one side

The disappointing part is I tried it out the other day in the wet heavy snow we got and it worked perfect, was more then happy with it. But I snugged up the bolts that hold the chute but not super tight and they rattled loose. So ordered 1 to replace the 1 screw I lost, and am going to loctite them, as if to tight you can't turn the chute!

Also, on the front auger gearbox I replaced one of the oil seals where the welding got nicked it getting the shaft unseized, should of probably did all 3 while right there. But got it together and ran it a few times and it was fine but now all of a sudden it's leaking. So I have the other two seals so plan to put them in this weekend.

I put Amsoil 5w20 in the front gearbox, do you think I'm best with a convential oil vs synthetic in there? I am thinking after I put new seals in I will put the oil back in and it should be fine.

As everyone likes pictures and video's here is a link to some, hopefully it works!

John Deere 826 Snowblower Photos | Photobucket

Thanks again for all the help and if anyone working on a JD has questions please let me know. I did order a digital tach thing I seen another member had to going to check that tonight too to see where it's running at!

Good job. Lotsa pics

Nice job. Looks like you did not waste ant time digging into the the Green Machine. Congrats.

Where "about" in MN are ya? Then again with your ID name, maybe your just across the boarder from MN (into 'sconny) as I saw a MN plate on the car,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

if you used sin oil in the gear box. the seals more than likely are not made to hold sin oil. and that is why they are leaking.

Why 5w20 and not something like an 80w90 gear oil?

+1 on this...5w20 way too thin. You need gear oil like shryp said. Probably why it's leaking too.

I like digging into my 'John Deere Projects' and the snowblower was a random one but a fun one! I am from SE MN - closer to Iowa then Wisconsin. It's snowing out right now!

Operator's manual calls for 5w20 - that's why. I'll pull the manual and post it.

Here is what manual says? Agreed or disagreed? As I am open to options.

Attached Thumbnails

 

I may be less experienced than others...But, your manual stating 5w-20 sure seems like an error...or maybe only for Santa at North Pole...Hard to believe 5w base oil would have any cushioning properties for the gear mesh...WD-40 is 5w..if I recall..! On positive note, sure wouldn't have any HP [torque] loss !

Don't worry - growing up on the farm and around equipment I to thought it was a little off. But the tech manual states the same thing? I had my doubts and thought of a 30 weight or something. But then figured who knows better then Deere and all there testing afterall.

Let me ask this. What do other brands call for? Ariens, Honda, etc?