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Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

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Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:47 pm

I have a Bob-Cat snowblower made by Wisconsin Marine. It has a 7HP B&S # 170452 1403 01 78073112. I believe this is the original engine, which would date this machine at 1978. I bought it second hand and used it from 1988 to 2006 and it threw snow like crazy. I bought a new machine, since this one had some drivetrain issues and only had a 2sp transmission.
It sat for 5 yrs in a shed and then 2yrs outdoors. I just now dragged it out of the snowbank to resurrect it. The engine is not siezed, but needs some TLC. The hi-range chain is loose, and skips cogs. The chute was rusted solid and would not rotate.
Wish list: Engine tune-up/carb rebuild, change high range sprocket ratio to increase speed in high range, fix ball & detent thingy in trans so it stays in gear, new tires, fix chute rotator and add remote deflector control.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby StarTech » Wed Mar 05, 2014 8:06 am

I would think you might need check the valve clearances too with this older engine. Beware some of the parts are NLA.

I just rebuilt a 171000 series and it took several months of searching just to find a replacement rod. After I replaced the broken rod, the new oil dipper wanted to hit the crankcase which I had change the design of the dipper. After that I ended with up only 30 psi compression which was the valves and seats being pitted. After I went in a second time to do this I decided to get it over with and rebuilt it. It would have gone .010 over but the only piston still available was .020 over.

Good luck on the restoration.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:48 am

I don't want to spend a lot of money on the engine, since I may replace it if I like how the machine handles once I get it going again. I only use 2 gears most of the time on my new machine anyway, and to be honest I think the old Bob-cat may have more trouble free years left in it than the Simplicity.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Sun Mar 23, 2014 7:56 am

I have stripped it down to the offending chain. It looks to me like someone may have attempted to replace the chain without a teardown. I don't think anyone would deliberately install a chain this loose. I am going to replace the larger sprocket, as it is quite worn. I know I should replace all, but I do not have a lathe to cut them off of the unique hubs. Most of them are not that bad, and I will be replacing all chains.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby KE4AVB » Sun Mar 23, 2014 11:03 am

After some the rigged jobs I have seen in the last few years I just would not past someone. :lol:
But seriously it does look like it a link too much but can be just tooth wear too as right side look well worn from what I can see.
The truest measure of society is the how it treats its elderly, its pets, and its prisoners.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:29 pm

Today, I fixed the Fwd-Rev shifter which would not stay in gear. The bolt that holds the ball&spring in place had fallen out and mangled the low-range chain and dented the bottom of the case at some point previous to my ownership. The bracket that mounts the ball & detent setup was only fixed with two bolts, and could swivel away enough to lose the ball. Also the 1/8" thick flat bracket was bent, which could also drop the ball.

I added tabs and two more bolts and a gusset to keep the bracket from twisting or bending. I added another cotterpin farther down the shaft to lessen the wear on the original cotterpin. I am also going to drill and pin the bolt, once it's adjusted, that holds the ball in place so it cannot come out again.
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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:33 pm

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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:41 pm

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Re: Bob-Cat Snowblower Resurrection

Postby NOBLNG » Mon Dec 28, 2015 6:41 pm

Anyone interested in these machines can find a forum here;
http://www.snowblowerforum.com/forum/bo ... owblowers/
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