I've bought a well used Masport chipper/mulcher, I believe 1994 model, with a 5hp B&S. The blade assembly is in need of repair (see photos), and the crankshaft oil seals need replacing, probably due to the blade condition. I'm wondering whether anyone has one, or is familiar with them. The three blades have been welded to two bosses, which in turn are keyed to the shaft with what I believe are standard B&S keys, half round in shape. These had long since failed, as had most of the welds. It's hard to believe these welds were OE, as they are so poor, yet I can't see any other means of attaching them to the bosses. I'm considering re welding the blade assembly, then using grub screws through the bosses, set into the shaft, perhaps two to each boss, and wondered what anyone's thoughts were. I'd be grateful to hear back.

Hello, Have an Ariens 7524 Snowblower. It looks like the Attachment/Clutch Brake cable has stretched and loosened up. This is the cable that connects the right hand handle bar squeeze lever to engage the Auger and Impeller. So, there is apparently not enough pull on the cable when the handle is squeezed to put enough force on the belt that connects the engine to the Auger/Impeller pulley drive to prevent its slipping during operation. Would like to tighten up the cable a bit. I do realize that when the handle is released, the cable needs "some" slack to make sure the Auger does not turn. Unfortunately, the cable is not the type with as threaded barrel which would make adjustments easy. Rather, for this model, they use the cable with the adjustment nuts on each end of it. The manual ([url]http://apache.ariens.com/manuals/00429300B_ENG.pdf[/url]) [pg 21] has a bit about adjusting them, but for someone without a PHd in engineering, it is really poorly written and hard to understand. Was wondering if anyone who is familiar with the procedure could perhaps walk me thru it, in excrutiating detail. Would be most appreciative. At my age now, this kinda "stuff" seems to be getting harder and harder. Would like to try, though. Thanks, Bob