Forums Archive Index > Outdoor Power Equipment > How to adjust the transmission control on an old Ariens
Date: 15 Dec 2005 8:26 pm
Have an early 70's Ariens 7HP which has been great over the years.
Having a problem engaging reverse. Sometimes it takes real persuasion to get it to engage reverse, usually I just pull the snowblower backwards. Neutral isn't a positive setting either - sometimes it still travels and yes, I never leave it idling unattended. Going forward is fine at any speed.
My guess is that there's a way to adjust this by making the length of the rod connected to the shift stick longer. I can experiment with it, but is there a standard setting to use?
Also need some help loosening the threaded adjusting rod. Can turn the locking nut, but the threaded assembly is stuck. Tried WD40, later some mild heat, have it bathing in WD40 now. Am trying to turn it using two vice grips, and the rod is detached at the upper end. It hasn't been touched in 35 years. The rubber assemblies inside the machine look excellent. Suggestions welcome to how to free the adjusting rod.
Also, is there a detailed service manual for this model online?
Date: 15 Dec 2005 8:29 pm
you mean it wants to move even in nuetral.
can you tell me the model number of this machine .
ill look in the service and see if i can help.
chris
Date: 15 Dec 2005 8:50 pm
gosh it's cold out there now...
Tractor is 10962, serial 005?89 and blower assembly 10995
I see now looking at the Ariens parts radar the part I'm trying to adjust is called a Shift Rod. Also looks older than I thought based on Googling the numbers, perhaps from the late 60's. Wow.
Date: 15 Dec 2005 9:20 pm
if you can remove the rod from the tractor and put it in a vise you can sometime tap the nut part with a hammer (no abuse please) and loosen things up.
i will look in the service tommoror and see what else i can come up with.
chris
Date: 15 Dec 2005 9:44 pm
Nut's loose, it's the threaded shaft adjustment I can't budge.
I don't think removing the rod would help. I'd be afraid to use more leverage on it than I have from fear of shearing the rod in two.
Date: 18 Dec 2005 7:24 am
inquiring mind wrote:
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Also, is there a detailed service manual for this model online?
No, but you can buy the "Parts & Repair" manual from Ariens. I think it was $6. "PRM-10000 1964 through 1974 inclusive PN 000136."
I bought an old dealer service manual on eBay just to get the Sno Thro stuff.
Most of those old 7hp machines have a differential so folks don't let them go.
Taking it off and marinating it in penetrant may help, or some heat on the outside.
Date: 18 Dec 2005 6:29 pm
Mr. mind,
Before you get too much further along you may want to be sure the sliding (shifting) fork can travel easily throughout it's entire range. Some cleaning and light lubrication may be helpful at this time. You'll have to remove the bottom cover and tip the machine up a bit to see everything better.
Squeeze the clutch lever and stick a wrench or something between the throw out lever and the frame so you can let go of the clutch lever and keep the drive disengaged. Clean up and lube the the fork shaft and the hex shaft get the fork moving freely. Check the fork shaft bushings for slop and check the holes in the frame that the shaft passes through for elongation. Excessive wear in both areas could cause the friction disk travel to be non-parallel to the face of the drive plate, causing a problem similar to the one you have described. Also check the neutral catch. Once you are sure that everything is moving right, you can adjust the shift rod with some confidance (sp?).
I have had good luck using "Deep Creep" and/or a torch on those shift rods and I also broken my share.
Date: 18 Dec 2005 6:45 pm
Welcome firepaw. Real glad to see you made it.