ST323 Chain

[ML3 2,100]

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 11,077]

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 18,955]

, 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 2,100]

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?? 54,132]

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) 11,956]

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

[ML3 2,100]

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 9,667]

@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?? 54,132]

 

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 20 hours ago by WHX??

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,956]

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

[ML3 2,100]

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) 11,956]

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 2,100]

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 2,100]

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

 

Thanks everyone for all your help & advice

[peter lena 9,667]

@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?? 54,132]

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.