I will be replacing the paddles on a Toro CR20e this weekend. Anybody got any input for this task? I sprayed the nuts and bolts 2X this week with PB Blaster. Im hoping it is a straight forward task. Thanks for any input.
I assume you have access to both sides and can replace the bolts easily? If so, save countless time and just tighten all of them until breaking. Then replace with new hardware. You will be many times ahead on time.
I do this on my old cars, used to try and mess with unbolting and penetrants, etc. Now just go with breaking them and replace. Unless it is a bolt that not easy to replace or some other reason to save.
Is that one of the old ones with the straight blade or one of the new one with the curved blade ? The straight ones are easy. The curved ones are a bit more difficult.
BEFORE you start, got to your local fastener store and buy STAINLESS STEEL replacement bolts and nuts ! It will be worth every penny when to have to do the job again !! (I maintain 3 of them for my extended family. Every nut and bolt has been swapped to SS.)
Another tip. Buy a straight inline fuel shut off valve (cheap on eBay; I think I paid $10 for 10). Some actually some with spring clamps. Cut the line at the bottom of the loop and you should be able to easily turn the fuel on and off. Best way to "summerize" your blower !
I have always used the Toro brand paddle (I get them wholesale) but there are a LOT of aftermarket ones out there for a lot less money. Last year, I saw that Toro came out with a two stage replacement paddle. It is a bit longer and has a second set of holes so you are effectively getting 2 set for a bit more than the price of one !
The scrapper needs to be replaced almost yearly. If not, you will start to wear on the side cover (been there, done that). Again, lots of aftermarket ones cheap on eBay. Buy them at least 2 at a time.
All 3 machine I maintain have the original plug and belt.