ST323 Chain

[ML3 2,185]

Went out to do some cleanup w/702. Before I even got into snow chain broke when snowblower engaged. All sprockets are spinning free & chain isnt bound/kinked at all. Rerouted it & it appears the master link failed?? Trying to figure out what size chain so I can get a master link or likely just replace the entire chain. Have master links in garage for #35 & #40 chain but neither is correct. 

 

From prior posts here I been told that the snowblower is the ST323?? It has the belt to adjust chute.

[ri702bill 11,556]

Yup, that certainly looks just like my ST-323. I added the non-OE side wings. It uses #40 roller chain for the auger drive. I did an upgrade to mine to give more chain wrap on the auger, using a fixed idler sprocket above the lower one, a longer length of chain is required...

[wallfish 19,500]

, should be #40 chain. Possible someone changed it to a #41. If your #40 link is bigger than that chain, it's a #41 chain. Change the whole thing since you're in there anyway and go with #40. Like Bill posted, adding a top idler will give the chain a lot more engagement with the auger sprocket. 

I've blown the master links off on my 2 stage blower quite a few times. Typically it's the DOT road piles that put the most heavy stress on that thing.

[ML3 2,185]

I know its not #40 cause the #40 master link kit I have is too big. I found some #35 chain in garage & its definitely too small for sprockets. Also had a #35 master link kit. It almost fits....the link isnt wide enough to allow the clip & link to attach. Only the clip will fit. I think.the chain might be #41???

 

How could something so simple be such a pain?? 🤣🤣

[WHX?? 55,749]

I'll third the #40. Just bought a spare today. Not to jinx here but hopefully running the wrong chain didn't mess up the sprockets.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,078]

(Uses #2175 - # 41 chain Pitch 1/2" and roller width 1/4")

[ML3 2,185]

6 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

(Uses #2175 - # 41 chain Pitch 1/2" and roller width 1/4")

I did see in the parts original listing that chain is p/n 2175. After a little more research I'm pretty confident its #41

 

Guess I'll be stopping at tractor supply on way home from work today.......

 

Thanks!

[peter lena 9,798]

@ML3   NAPA , MACS , CHAIN / CABLE LUBE , never let that  auger chain get  dry , spray after  / before  any  usage , also  note the small idler  belt pulley on the pto MUEL  DRIVE SET UP ? typical  dry / rusty bearing  failure ?   =  increased  belt drag , related  clutch  wear . is this adding up ? another thing   , like a SNOW SLIDER  vinyl  gasket  UNDER  the chute swing base ? pam cooking spray , =  smooth easy swing ,  REPEDITIVE, COLLECTIVE    FAILURE , is showing you the way  , apply  this thought to any related tractor  problem .  only a suggestion , pete

[WHX?? 55,749]

 

10 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

(Uses #2175 - # 41 chain Pitch 1/2" and roller width 1/4")

 

3 hours ago, ML3 said:

pretty confident its #41

You guys sure? I coulda swore it was 40. Could it be 41 for the older ones and 40 for the newer? 

 

Edited January 29 by WHX??

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,078]

They went to #40 chain in 1971 for the 32" snowthrowers.

[ML3 2,185]

2 hours ago, WHX?? said:

 

 

You guys sure? I coulda swore it was 40. Could it be 41 for the older ones and 40 for the newer? 

 

I can assure you that the #40 chain I had in garage did not fit on the sprockets. And....the #40 master link I had didn't fit either. 

 

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,078]

You may already know this but the U-shaped clip to retain the link must have the U-end facing the direction of chain travel. If not a piece of ice can easily push the clip off never to be seen again.

[ML3 2,185]

9 hours ago, peter lena said:

@ML3   NAPA , MACS , CHAIN / CABLE LUBE , never let that  auger chain get  dry , spray after  / before  any  usage , also  note the small idler  belt pulley on the pto MUEL  DRIVE SET UP ? typical  dry / rusty bearing  failure ?   =  increased  belt drag , related  clutch  wear . is this adding up ? another thing   , like a SNOW SLIDER  vinyl  gasket  UNDER  the chute swing base ? pam cooking spray , =  smooth easy swing ,  REPEDITIVE, COLLECTIVE    FAILURE , is showing you the way  , apply  this thought to any related tractor  problem .  only a suggestion , pete

Thanks Pete.....

 

All pulleys, sprockets, & bearings are moving free & I do keep them lubed, probably more often than needed. 

 

Will probably take your advice on the gasket under chute to help turn better.  

[ML3 2,185]

For the record.......its #41 chain for my application. 

 

Thanks everyone for all your help & advice

[peter lena 9,798]

@ML3   if you can pick up a , SNOW SLIDER , roll up  slider  , the material is very tough  and easy to cut out a round gasket , probably  find one at  walmart , similar . thanks for the response , pete

[WHX?? 55,749]

11 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

They went to #40 chain in 1971 for the 32" snowthrowers.

Good to know I have some round hood & sixties ones I need to get at some day. 

[wallfish 19,500]

40 and 41 chain have the same pitch. But 40 is wider than 41

40 sprockets can be made a bit wider than ones made for 41, so sometimes 41 chain can be too snug on some 40 sprockets. But 40 chain will always fit on 41 sprockets (as long as there isn't any obstruction very tight to the sides of the sprocket) but with some side play. Many are made as 40/41 sprockets.