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(ET) The key to snowthrowing
Back in December I commented about losing the key that locked the
snowthrower drive sprocket to the motor shaft. As a result, I tried
several techniques to fix that problem. Until now, there hasn't been
enough snow here to warrant using the snowthrower, so the
effectiveness of those fixes has remained unknown. (The E15 with
plow was able to clear the driveway.)
Here are the fixes:
1. Install a new setscrew. (The old one looked OK, but why not use a new
one?)
2. Install a new key (3/16" by 1").
3. Install a second setscrew in the hole at 90 degrees from the first one.
4. Apply Lock-tite to the setscrews and key.
The sprocket hub appears to be too small in diameter to allow for an
additional setscrew that would lock the first one. I tried to
compensate for that by grinding a small indentation in the face of
the key where the setscrew touches it. The idea was that the
setscrew would then lock the key into place when tightened.
"Tightened" is probably a crucial consideration, as I had been using
a wimpy little 1/8" Allen wrench to tighten the setscrews. That was
difficult, with the Allen wrench on the bottom side of the hub, the
only way that there was clearance for the wrench, and doing the job
with a flashlight and mirror. Instead of the Allen wrench, this time
I used a 1/8" hex bit with a 1/4" hex driver, which gave a lot more
"purchase" on the setscrew.
At any rate, the snowthrower now seems to work correctly. The
sprocket has stayed in place. Of course, I don't know which fix (or
fixes) really did the job.
Larry Chace, Ithaca, NY I-5 (snowthrower) and E15 (plow)