Troy Horse Tiller Shaft Seals

[mikeinri]

Hey guys,

How long should tiller shaft seals last in an old school (1970s) Troy Horse tiller? I replaced mine about 2 years ago, used the tiller 2-3 times (before the engine died), and it has been sitting (outside) since last spring.

I have a replacement engine and am getting ready to install it, but I noticed that one of the tiller shaft seals is leaking again. What gives?

Thanks.

Mike

[k91]

Maybe the shaft is worn?

[met828]

Originally Posted by k91

Maybe the shaft is worn?

i could see that

[MF283]

Could be something as simple as grit upon re-installing

Ronnie

[mikeinri]

Thanks guys.

I don't know why I didn't think of this, but the reason the engine is dead (I think) is because I was trying to break new ground, and hit a rock. Something in the engine made a horrific noise (metal breaking), and that was all she wrote for the engine.

What kind of damage could this impact do to the tiller shaft or seals? What should I be looking for when I take it apart?

Mike

[WVdeerehunter]

I don't think hitting a rock with the tines could do
any damage to the axle shafts or seals.
How deep were you trying to till? New ground
requires very small till depth and many passes
very gradually going further down.
I know that when I'm tilling, if I hit something solid
all it does is violently throw the tiller up and forward.
It never stops the motor. My guess is that that 30
some year old motor just let go.

If you were going to deep, check the transmission
drive assy (gears and whatnot) on the power head
and tiller atachment. Check the dog clutch while your in there.

Steve

[mikeinri]

Thanks. It's been a while (2 years), so I don't recall that much detail, other than it wasn't going deep at all because of how hard the ground was.
Hit what I imagine to be a large rock, the engine stopped with that awful noise (unit did not try to run away).
All seals are leaking so when I swap the motor, I'll replace all of them and give it a good inspection.
Mike

[ehenry]

You more than likely sheared the key on the flywheel.

[mikeinri]

I will be throwing a HF Greyhound on it soon to get the garden done, then I'll take a look at the old Tecumseh HH60 to see if it can be saved.
Sadly, it had a new carb and was running great at the time it broke.
Mike