Preventing snow thrower chute control freeze

[Vikas]

Sears Craftsman (MTD) with manual 4-way control chute aka joystick with release button freezes on me. I thought I had broken it today after I forced the release button but fortunately after the snow thrower sat in the garage for few hours, the button is working again. Peeking inside the mechanism, I see rust. I do not see any easy way to remove the assembly and bring it inside so I am limited to spraying chemicals inside. This is what I have
1) Kroil
2) WD-40
3) Lockease spray
4) Silicon Spray
5) White Lithium Grease
6) Slick50 One Lube
7) Primis Lube Gel
8) Ultra Lube 4x
9) 1Z Ultra Gel Spray Grease

I have got other greases such as SuperLube and Honda Shin Etsu and NAPA SilGlyde but those are in the tune format and can not be sprayed.

Most products don't list the temperature range, otherwise I would have chosen the one listing cold temperature operation.

Please suggest something which can resist the snow/water causing it to ice up and freeze.

 

[Vikas]

I started with WD40 as that seems to be the least "destructive" in the sense if it does not work, it won't leave much junk in the mechanism itself.

 

[Trav]

Does the release button operate with a cable?

 

[abycat]

I use fluid film on my Sears blower but I have manual everything on it so I'm just protecting points that slide or rub so I don't have the same issue. I do use the same grease I use on the nipples on the chute control worm gear.

 

[oilmutt]

Wd-40 every 30 minutes of operation.

 

[Vikas]

The release button is internal to the control which operates a small nub in the back to lock it on the slotted semi-circular metal plate.

May be I should make a contraption from bicycle inner tube to cover the joy stick base so the rubber will prevent snow from going in and still allow the joystick to move.

I also saw -40 C listed on the can of 1Z Ultra. I am now thinking of putting Kroil to take the rust off, then brake clean it and then sprat 1Z Ultra.

 

[NHGUY]

Fluid film,no doubt.

 

[Warstud]

With all the various lubricants you have... you should have some idea what would work best. Definately not WD-40.

 

[Vikas]

Unfortunately, I do not have fluid film. 1Z Einszett Ultra Gel seems to be next best thing given it works in a wide temperature range from -40°C to +220°C (-40°F to +430°F). It is supposed to be chain lubricant but should be ok for this application.

My problem was very similar to the one listed here

http://handymanwire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/150383/Sears_snowblower_lever_type_ch

 

[SumpChump]

A vote here for fluid film.

 

[3311]

What is snow thrower you speak of op? Is it something we can rent and have winter themed parties and make some snow down here in Fl?

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Sears Craftsman (MTD) with manual 4-way control chute aka joystick with release button freezes on me. I thought I had broken it today after I forced the release button but fortunately after the snow thrower sat in the garage for few hours, the button is working again. Peeking inside the mechanism, I see rust. I do not see any easy way to remove the assembly and bring it inside so I am limited to spraying chemicals inside. This is what I have
1) Kroil
2) WD-40
3) Lockease spray
4) Silicon Spray
5) White Lithium Grease
6) Slick50 One Lube
7) Primis Lube Gel
8) Ultra Lube 4x
9) 1Z Ultra Gel Spray Grease

I have got other greases such as SuperLube and Honda Shin Etsu and NAPA SilGlyde but those are in the tune format and can not be sprayed.

Most products don't list the temperature range, otherwise I would have chosen the one listing cold temperature operation.

Please suggest something which can resist the snow/water causing it to ice up and freeze.


Give the Slick 50 OneLube a chance. I use it on my guns during waterfowl season and it holds up well to cold, moisture, and even saltwater.

 

[Vikas]

Going with the German made 1Z Einszet; I think Trav will approve
I believe the design really is not well thought as when the wind blows the snow, it ends up in the joystick controller slot. They should have had it covered like how bottom portion of floor shift lever is covered to prevent gaping hole in the track of the shifter.

I put the rubber piece from the bicycle inner tube but I need to improvise and need to glue it on the slot. Of course I am assuming that the freeze is happening NOT inside as I have no way to reach there.

 

[andyd]

I ose a smear of whatever chassis lube I have in the gun.I've been tuning the chute crank since I replaced the Tecumseh flathead with a 212cc Predator. I think I made the final adjustments this morning.