Biodegradeable Gear Oil

[natenkiki2004]

Can't be that big or expenstive of a job to install new seals or are the shafts shot?

That's the problem, I rebuilt the gearbox last year and luckily found new seals. You can't find them on eBay or anywhere else. The Montgomery Ward parts just simply don't exist anymore. I found a guy on eBay that was selling a few parts, sent him a message and he happened to have a new kit. Anyway, it didn't leak last year but it seeped this year. I don't know if the shaft has larger gaps now from rust or just being worn or whatever. I'm not going to buy any new parts for the gearbox, it will get expensive since they're rare and I would be buying someone else's used parts. Plus, I would rather put money into the flathead engine that can be taken off and sold or used for another project.

 

[reynoldston]

A little lesson on buying parts. Never buy bearing or seals from the dealer unless you have to. The prices will be about five times higher. On most bearing and seals you will find a number on them and if you can't find the number measure them. Measure the OD, shaft size, and width. With the measurements you can get the parts number. You can buy these from most Auto parts store, bearing sales business, or my favorite place E-bay. They will be new and a lot cheaper. Now if your seals are loose on the shaft you should be able to buy a seal that is a little tighter with the shaft size measurement. Now you should be able to make most of your gaskets or use the newer sealants that don't need a gasket. Now a company made this unit for Wards and if you can find out that company it can also help finding parts.

 

[natenkiki2004]

You know, I've purchased a bunch of Briggs parts on eBay, just using the part number. It never crossed my mind to look for generic seal replacements. This is exactly why I come to this forum. I came here all upset that my money in the rototiller was wasted and that I would have to find a substitute grease or veggie oil but here you are with the great idea to just try other seals

I don't really want to take apart the gearbox right now since I'll want to use it somewhat soon for the garden. But I'm definitely going to keep this in mind for later this year when I can take it apart and have it in pieces for a while. Thanks for enlightening me