Seized Simplicity Snow Blower - Will It Run Again?

[@tedcorey3054]

Strange that we never have issues with snowblowers all summer .

[@stevehildreth1934]

It's pushing 100 degrees F here, I'm really glad it's not snowing. I can't imagine shoveling snow in this heat!😅

[@CrimeVid]

Probably best to find out before you get 2' of snow though !

[@hieyeque1]

He's the Bob Ross of small engine repair!

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Ya but he didn't have any happy leaves. Lol

[@coreybabcock2023]

He's the small engine whisper

[@0rangecray0n]

I was coming here to say the same thing whatever genre you could call this he is definitely truly the bob Ross

[@boondocker7964]

Very strange, I've watched lots of snowblower repair vids, but, this chap seems very able to impart his knowledge to the expert and the novice.

[@rameshp695]

​@@0rangecray0n br r rrrr r rrrrrr r rrrrrrrr🎉

[@RC-fu6hg]

What a perfect morning. I just grabbed some Dunkin coffee and now I see your video. Thanks for all you do and share with us.

[@frankcastle5294]

You Sir are a true craftsman and the quality of your work is outstanding. The way most people beat the living hell out of mowers, lawn tractors and snowblowers never ceases to amaze me.

[@ed6837]

Nice fix. You had your work cut out for you on that machine. Nice Job!!

[@tolydukhovny682]

i'm from california, and we do not have snow. last tome it had some snow 25 years ago. today i have learned alot from you. thanks for the show!!

[@leonardcrum6896]

James, I’m 78 years old and been a mechanic all my life. I have never touched a snowblower. We just don’t have much use for them in Fl! Your channel is one of my favorites!👍🇺🇸

[@jcondon1]

Not getting much snow up here the last few years either.

[@donnaber4918]

My back feels so much better every time you use the lift😊👍

[@eric_seguin]

Why in the world am I watching a snowblower video? I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ROFLOL. Oh yeah, they're mechanical and interesting. Watched all of Mustie1's and now I'm hooked. Call me a snowblower junkie if you want. You are very thorough. That thing will probably last for many a year the way it is now. Had two brothers up north. I'll take hurricanes and flooding over snow any day. Great video. Thank you James.

[@jcondon1]

I watch people watch all sorts of machines that I will never use. Still learn things you can use for whatever your project is. I love snow, but slushy heavy snow, not so much.

[@davidhollfelder9940]

There’s a distinct acoustic sound of a snow blower with fresh fallen snow. For a substitute shear pin, you can use a thin nail or cotter pin.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

What a beautiful neighbourhood.

[@loucinci3922]

Pretty snow. Good fix. Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@josephfine3394]

Only thing I didn't see you catch, was the augur shaft has grease fittings to keep it from seizing from rust. And, a common error most KZbinrs do, is use a Crescent adjustable wrench backwards, so the strain is on the weak floating jaw instead of the solid jaw. But you are a meticulous, patient mechanic. Thank you for sharing your hard-won experience with these machines.

[@Mike-ig2zq]

Great video and great repair James. I agree with the other commenter, that an impeller mod would be a great touch for that machine. Made all the difference to a couple Craftsmans I did here in Southern Ontario. Thanks for the excellent videos!

[@daveschroedersworkshop4479]

Nice work as always, James! A friend of my showed me a great trick for when the snow is like that. Spray the auger and the chute with some silicone lubricant. Helps stop the snow from plugging in the chute.

[@jkbish1]

I suppose somebody else could do what you do. . . . .but not many. There is no way I could troubleshoot and fix this machine. Basically, most people would just give up and buy a new one. Bravo !! You even used anti-seize on certain nuts.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Great job James! There is nothing simplistic about a Simplicity. Hated how they split the case in half. It's not like an Ariens or a Craftsman where the case splits on a hinge to make it easier. For sure you got very lucky that the parts did not fight you more when replacing that impeller bearing. Really enjoyed the video keep them coming!

[@jcondon1]

Lucky is right. I tried to do the same on my snow blower years ago and nothing came apart without a fight. Not a great design, but at least it came apart.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@jcondon1 agreed. I had to do all the work you did on my Ariens Platinum 30 a few years back.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Long but another great vid! Simplicity makes good products, they switched to Briggs engines when Briggs bought them out in 2004. I have the same Briggs snow engine in my garage hydro locked (I think)!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Ken.

[@DJSubAir]

I enjoy your displeasure with certain engineers and what they have designed.

[@brianallen9810]

Nice, a lot of work but probably good for another 12 years, provided the owner keeps mice away from it.

[@brucemacdonald9351]

it was really nice of the subscriber to give you the Snowblower. makes a good video. it could have been run low on oil and seized and someone added oil. I would say you unseized it. good job. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@pattayperformance]

Don't ask me why but I feel like when Tapping/Chasing threads are an intimate act. I cringe at work when I see my coworkers slap a tap on a drill and send it, I believe in lots lube and slow strokes. I will go above and beyond to never split a machine, it is just a difficult task when alone. For the most part I will time it right for when the Mrs. comes home. Simplicity would benefit greatly from an impeller mod. I love those machines, well built and of course great job!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks Jason. I feel the same way with a drill and tap. Figured I could get away with it on a piece of sheet metal. Worst case I could weld a nut to the backside. Thought I was home free when the engine freed up. Luckily everything came apart for the auger bearing.

[@Good-Citizen]

Thanks Jim. We could never get a repair shop to do such fine work like you do.

[@matticus6339]

Love how thorough you are James, but I also like the fact that you know its not always a perfect world and are not afraid to make something work if you need to, such as bending the belt guide in this video cause you couldn't find another one. I think thats what its all about, you want as perfect as possible but sometimes have to do what it is needed. Props on the awesome videos.

[@RustyNail5856]

Snow the never ending battle. great video James.

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

Great job James, you make it look so easy. I think the heavy and slushy snow is why folks prefer the 2 stage blowers and large HP models

[@alfredocuomo1546]

That was a two stage, the single stage just has the one two sided flapper to expel the snow while the dual-stage blower, the auger gathers the snow and pushes it to a high-speed impeller which is the bearing he replaced. The engine speed usually determines how far the snow will be ejected.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Runs pretty good idling on its own after catb install and gesrs work it moves under torque and power nice @33:08

[@nhbountyhunter]

Simplicity! I have a 90's with a flathead Tecumseh. It's a big boy! The thing is a tank. The handles are C channel and bolted to the frame is 6 spots. Boy does that absolutely chew threw the snow. Awesome vid my man. Keep um coming!

[@dapperdave2090]

the shop ramp lift is the star of the show... 👍😎👍

[@Ottie193]

Hey James, I recently revived a Briggs and Stratton 1024LD 2-stage blower, decided to watch this video. This reminded me to get some shear pins, as well as told me that I shouldn't have the auger housing sitting all the way down

[@neverforget6063]

Such attention to detail , it’s admirable ! I can watch this stuff all day

[@davefangman379]

I have that same snowthrower. You can greatly improve the throwing distance by adding a rubber patch to each paddle to help it clear the snow they discharge to the chute. You want the rubber patch to close the gaps between the paddle and the housing. I attached the rubber to the paddles with self tapping screws. Great video! You found a new subscriber!

[@1jantheman1]

One of the best videos you put out James. Thanks!!! I use some Pam and spray it on the augers and chute when I get that wet snow, I think it works well and much less expensive than the other things they want to sell to do the same job.

[@jjock3239]

Yep, Pam is the answer for the wet West Coast snow on Vancouver Island.

[@Scottforyoutube]

Another great video James! I am in awe of the way you were able to stitch the scenes together and not miss a beat! It had to take a lot of patience to wait on mother nature to deliver the props you needed for the test scenes! Thanks for the great content!

[@larrycleeton]

Maybe it's just my OCD but I typically clean excessive rust from the outer surface of the flywheel before gapping the coil. That allows the coil to have a proper gap but be closer to the magnets like from the factory. Of course, it won't fix a bad coil. I've never measured the electrical difference but wonder if it induces a better spark.

[@woodhonky3890]

Rust does not stop magnetism.

[@probeteam9936]

James... I enjoy your videos and thank you for all the efforts you put into them. In response to your statement that "any snowblower" would have a problem with slush... I say... NOT MINE!!! ... lol. I watched a video from sixty five Ford where he put rubber paddles on the impeller blades to eliminate the distance between the blades and the housing... and it changed my life. I used pieces of rubber I cut from the sidewall of a tire and used self tapping screws. It turns the snowblower into basically a water pump. NEVER clogs... shoots snow like an animal. Look it up, check it out... the mod cost me the price of 6 self tapping screws... and it is awesome. Everyone I've told about this that has done the modification agrees... keep up the good work and thank you again...

[@jcondon1]

I will have to do that mod. Getting late in the year so had to wrap the video up. Hopefully no more snow this year.

[@billabernathy1541]

Superb repair, James. I especially liked you putting the new bearings in and making the auger and blower perform. Nice change from stators and rotors!!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

It's doing a pretty good job blowing that slush good working machine

[@jeromeschwartz3699]

Thank you for doing what you do! I’m learning lots of new stuff about doing mechanical work by watching you repair the various types of equipment!

[@lpconserv6074]

I really enjoy the improved view for us viewers now that you were lucky enough to get that lift. I noticed it immediately from your previous videos. They were all good so far, as I watch them. But it is MUCH improved view at the table level!! Great video, enjoyed it... even though, as retired and in the Philippines, I doubt I can translate much of the snow blower end here for any use here, but the unsticking of a frozen motor will certainly be remembered for use here.

[@danielbierwirth2190]

What you have there at the end is what we on the left coast loving call Sierra Cement. It's the norm around here. "Gotta love it". Thanks for another great video.

[@henrywit6147]

Great video. Especially good work diagnosing the various issues, and leaving no stone unturned so to speak. Your thoroughness is admirable and undoubtably has added many many years of life to the machine.

[@jeffreyanderson539]

I have a Simplicity 755E that I bought new in 1996 that is still in excellent shape because I take very good care of my equipment, truth be told there were some winters here in Reading, Pa. that I never had to get it out of the garage, but some winters we did get 15 to 20 inches of snow too!

[@bobrewer202]

I love how you clean everything, even if it cant be seen.

[@gudfarfar]

When you had the auger out, you should use the opportunity and mount some pieces of rubber mat on the inner auger to help with the throwing speed of snow. I did that to my own cheap snowblower and it worked very well. It threw much longer and that helped to clean up our wide driveway. Good program, and easy to see how things were handled.

[@larrypinter3321]

Well done. From what started looking like a terminal case, ended well without too much hassle.

[@1425race]

Apart from Mustie 1 and Tayrl Fixes All James you leave all other small engine mechanics for dead. Your diagnosis, attention to detail, full completion to almost new condition and comprehensive testing leaves nothing to be desired. We viewers just love it. One thing I think you should add to your shop toolset is a small bench lathe. If you can turn up a new pin or make an unobtainable shaft, drill and tap super accurately it would not only save you time waiting for parts but save you money as well. Just a thought from a Kiwi fitter & turner.

[@jameshedrick605]

I've never seen the outside of a snowblower carburetor get that dirty and i've worked on thousands of them before moving to southern Ohio and most of the time i can use my leaf blower to clear the snow. I use dawn dish soap in my ultrasonic cleaner and it does a pretty good job at cleaning carburetors

[@paulh6096]

Excellent video. Your calm demeanor and thoroughness is admirable. I really enjoy working on small engines and back 35 years ago took classes to be able to repair many types of small engines. Your videos bring back memories and are extremely interesting. Would love to see a mini bike repair or another go kart as those are way more fun!

[@jcondon1]

Dirt bike repair in the works

[@brianwood5220]

Great job James, no issue left unsolved. Thanks for sharing.

[@hoveycorbin5712]

Aloha James. You need to do the auger paddle upgrade by installing some flat rubber pieces onto the ends of the 2nd stage paddles. Some self tapping screws and 3 pieces of rubber that run very close to the outside of the 2nd stage cylinder where the paddles are, and you will be throwing that wet and slushy snow across the street! You won't have to clear out any clogs in the 2nd stage cylinder after doing the upgrade too as the rubber on the paddles will keep the 2nd stage cylinder clear of snow with little to no clearance between the ruber on the paddles and the inside of the 2nd stage cylinder. The way that snow blowers are made, there is some amount of clearance between the ends of the 2nd stage paddles and the inside diameter of the cylindrical drum, and slush and snow clog up the 2nd stage and prevent it from not throwing it out due to the clearance between the paddles and the inside diameter of the cylindrical 2nd stage. It is not hard to do this upgrade, and it improves the snowblower performance dramatically when dealing with wet and slushy snow. There are lots of videos on line showing how to do this easy upgrade to be able to throw wet and slushy snow back to where it came from.

[@wildefox1478]

That snowblower just needed a little tlc, it lives again, nice work James!

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@stevehildreth1934]

We live in Northern Idaho, quarter mile driveway! One walk behind snow blower, one 3 point hitch blower mounted on the tractor. Extra shear pins for both! Grease on a regular basis, chain lube for the drive chain.

[@woodhonky3890]

In my mind, that engine sat for a while with the intake valve open. That screen air filter can't be much of an impediment to humidity entering the combustion chamber if the engine stops with the intake open. The carb was practically a miracle how well it worked. Well done all around, and from the latest weather forecast you may need that machine!

[@1pcfred]

The mouse was pissing down that carb.

[@butler386]

Man that was quite a job but you got it all up and running perfectly. Way beyond my abilities now. Thanks for the videos.

[@FabricationStation36]

Just a small note on Anti-seize use . a very ,very thin film is all that is needed , over applying it usually makes the dried antiseize stick the parts in place more so than the rust that would form . the amount you applied on that pulley shaft was equivelent to the amount i have used on my last 30 brake jobs . Less IS more .

[@1pcfred]

The bigger the glob the better the job!

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

Nice job on bringing that back to life. Just one suggestion though, to get more light from the machine, consider mounting an old kerosene lantern to the left side handlebar to get a 500% increase in light.

[@YukonHawk1]

Don't you run the risk of a fire??

[@running_rich]

James split the unit to replace the bad bearing. You don't need to split the machine just to replace either belt. You get access from the removed belt cover and the belly pan. The user manual explains it. I have the 1280E 32" I bought in 2004 and it is definitely built to last.

[@jeremymcauliff8485]

As soon as I heard the auger engaged, I knew the carrier bearing was shot. Just went through the same repair on my 2004 model Toro 828 blower.

[@noelcastle3986]

Great vid as always watching you methodically diagnose and repair so many issues on that machine was satisfying and educational. Thanks again James. As I watch your videos and see your house go through all the seasons I get a appreciation of how much the seasons effect the lifestyle in your state .

[@steveh8482]

You are amazing! You touched almost everything on this snowblower to get it to run. You have the perfect tools to do the job too. Just love your patience and that lift. I would be scared to take apart since I would forget what goes where. lol Excellent video!

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Glad that the engine came back to life easily. I also hate heavy wet snow. The chute blocks up easily. Not fun. Thanks for the video. Well done.

[@jcondon1]

Definitely not fun. Seems like every storm I have had in the last 5 years is this heavy wet stuff. Might need to get a plow.

[@MazichMusic]

I only have single stage blowers, but I spray the paddles and chutes with WD-40 before doing a wet snow.

[@dave6251]

jim , one of the best things i have ever done , get some old mud flap and cut and screw it to your 2ed stage auger , keeps the opening clean and will throw the slush & snow farther

[@billiehydrick6417]

Luv your lift a back saver

[@lewiemcneely9143]

FINE fix, Pl nd that's why I like my hoist hung from the roof. I can let pieces ease down on each other and can do 2 at a time if needed. Never had a problem with a Magnetron but it's not over yet. Keep on wrenching and God Bless! Good assistant too!

[@MarkMarvin1983]

Well I have to thank you sir for all of the knowledge!! Thank you very much. I have a snowblower that needs a lot of work; but now I have the knowledge to understand what I need to do. If I can’t get the auger to work then I will use it for a go kart for my son. 😊

[@tkskagen]

I used to watch "Mustie", but he tended to talk way too much... Now I found another garage mechanic for whom I like a lot better!

[@Bkwld_]

Thank you So much! Learing so much from you from Seattle!

[@chriscampbell8149]

You are so entertaining to my brother and I. We love to see what problem you got this time. You do always make it seem easy. Rock on dude!

[@ralphbarker7791]

You did an excellent job on the beast. You are lucky to get so many freebies.

[@JoeHamRadioGuy]

Nice work restoring that machine. We had a simplicity they are good machines.

[@dalee.mccombs8571]

I know this video is 5 months old. But; due to your advice about degreasers possibly damaging rubber seals/seats i have been using hot water and dawn dishwashing liquid with very good results. I do spray off dirty carbs with carb cleaner or wash them off a bit with diesel fuel, kerosene, or mineral spirits.

[@joshsteiner2760]

Great job, guys . Got the book in the mail . It is awesome. Job well done to everyone involved. Have a good one.

[@martyb3783]

Great video as always. Wow that lift really has come in handy hasn't it?

[@generessler6282]

Haha. James joins the "strangely satisfying" crowd of lawn carers, pressure washers, etc. Snow blowers unite! Seriously, really nice work as usual. Nice change-up.

[@michaelmathews295]

I did a mod to my Honda snowblower a few years ago for dealing with slush/snow. On one of the blades for the secondary stage you attach a rubber flap that rubs against the inside drum of slinger. It keeps the ice from building up and clogging the machine. It doesn't fling it very far but keeps you from jamming up.

[@FeralPreacher]

Nice work, James. In early '80 I got a promotion and transfer to MN to home office. My first purchase in mid summer was a snow blower, 12-15 HP as I remember. My driveway was almost 1/8 mile to the street. Fond memories clearing my driveway and my neighbors. In '85 I moved again and sold it to my neighbor for almost what I paid for it, much less than a new one would have cost him. I think your blower is running too slow, RPM wise. It should throw snow much farther than yours shows. Congrats on your acquisition and thanks for sharing.

[@jcondon1]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@pauljefferies9087]

You might have started a side career as a weekend Snowblower, for your neighborhood. Pays for the maintenance on your machine.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Even with the minimal amount of tension on the belt it still spits snow awesome to see it back up running and doing work great repair as always @James Condon

[@nealrehm6900]

Verry surprised the engine wasn't broke inside! Also wondering why you didn't clean the rust off the flywheel magnets. Now I'll have to look at my skid plates and auger Berring. You're right about that wet snow clogging up the auger output chute, I have to carry a pointed flat piece of wood to clear it. I have some steep grades on my driveway and need tire chains, if you ever get more than ten inches you may need them too. As far as snowblowers go mine is an Airens about twenty five years old, the Cadillac of snowblowers, in my opinion. Its only a 5 HP Tecumseh engine. If the snow is not too heavy it will launch a steady stream of snow twenty feet, and further with wind component. I enjoy you're channel, James and let me say Let it snow! NWR.

[@davidmonteil6340]

I was looking forward to see another hidden critter quickly exiting and a flame or 2 afterward on the 1st fire up. Oh well. lol Excellent use of the lift to help you get the blower assy. aligned to the frame. I don't think I've ever seen you drop a nut or bolt in all of you videos. That's some skill! I hardly ever see you clean up the magneto magnet or the ignition coil a bit. Maybe it's because the rust is conductive.

[@trufix72]

Great video James, Always enjoy the way you break things down. Thumbs up.

[@Dstromb232]

I always sprayed silicone spray on the inside of the shoot and in the auger to keep the snow from sticking. Prevents rust too.

[@Happymacer_P]

Hiya, thx for the trouble to do the video! Was interesting! I had a similar problem with my Hyundai Santa Fe - it turned out to be a bit of carbon or dirt trapped between the piston and the head. I suggest it’s likely also happened to that snow blower from the mouse nest, similar to your thoughts.

[@andrewgrace4410]

Thanks James 😊

[@eastcoastwatch672]

I really enjoy your videos and that you are so meticulous and precise with your work and I can’t imagine you let the garage door maintenance lack and sound so terrible.🤷🏼

[@CarnivoreCurin]

This was the best of all the videos I have watched. It held my interest from start to finish. I was hoping, however, that you would have to tear down the engine to it's bones

[@THEFALCON58]

Hi James , great job

[@jbuchan8114]

Pleasure watching you work James

[@r8118830]

Thank you James.

[@kiplandingham322]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing these. I always learn something useful watching them. I have an old, small Ariens which I overhauled last summer (similar to what you did, bearings, etc.) Ever since I bought it it has started on the first pull almost every time. But after it's been running a while and fully warmed up, if you kill it then it refuses to start again. Always wondered what caused that. After watching this video, now I have a clue: vapor lock in the carb. Thanks again.

[@lnk4328]

Had a lawn mower do the same thing. Found that the coil was gapped too tight resulting in the no start when it was hot. Re-gapping cured it.

[@larrykelly2838]

Great diagnostic work. Now ye have a good snowblower.

[@kenmitchell3784]

May all your snow be fluffy, and the sun shine

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Thanks 🙏🏻 again for all the detail you put in your videos. After u get done with a machine it’s probably better than when it was new😎😎😎👍👍

[@MazichMusic]

Nice job on the snowblower, James. I see you, too, have a Chrysler Pacifica. I bought my 2020 used 6 weeks ago and I love it.

[@jcondon1]

It’s a nice car, but have had a few issues. The most recent was replacing both heads :(

[@YukonHawk1]

Great job as always James. It needed a lot of TLC. Glad you gave it a second lease on a useful life 🙂

[@christophermarshall5765]

Good fix. Worked out well. My theory is that some deposits locked the exhaust valve shut, & when you pressed on the valve, you freed up the engine.

[@raymunger2260]

Encore un travail professionnel, méticuleux, merci. Wieder eine professionelle, akribische Arbeit, danke. Another professional, meticulous job, thank you.

[@thebeardedstork432]

Great video James! Okay...........enough with the snow! I am so done with it.......but unfortunately there is more in the forecast, so it ain't done with me!

[@jesterr7133]

It has a Failtek engine, and those things are hit or miss when they are new. Good luck with this one.

[@ibanson]

I can spend hours and hours watching your videos. I learned a lot, thank you ! 😊