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An Easy Mechanical Aside: Sears snowblower retrofit

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Sometimes you have to leave the house, and where I live there tends to be a inconsistent amount of snow. Well, I purchased an old Sears Eager-1 5HP 22 inch snowblower (model 536.909400) from a good friend of mine last year, and never got to use it.



Needless to say, it was a bit hard to manage the snow this year, as it's got bad tires (no chains either) and a bad muffler (ouch).  It's got plenty of power, but it doesn't push so well.  Here's why:



Trying to replace these terribly round things proved difficult.  Not available from Sears Parts Direct.  Ebay it is.  Eventually, after much searching, came across these beasts:


11 x 4.00 - 4 Wheel, 2 Ply Tractor Tread, 3/4" ID w/ 2 Crossholes x 3-1/8" Symm
They might look a too big, but the originals (with no tread) are 9.5" dia, and these are 11".  I don't care.  The width is just about right, bore is 3/4", and they've actually got tread!  I won't have to utilize ramming speed anymore.

Then I needed a replacement muffler and gasket.  My elderly lady neighbor will be pleased.  Locating parts wasn't too hard, as the engine is a Tecumseh 143-687022.  Here's the beautiful parts diagram and PNs listing: http://www.partstree.com/parts/?lc=tecumseh&mn=143-687022+Craftsman&dn=1029167169B-EN
Sorry for the blurry muffler.  You can see why it's a bit loud.
The muffler is number 141 in the diagram, and scrolling down...  Tecumseh 33697A
Muffler (Front Discharge).  Shoot.  Not available.  Once again Ebay to the rescue, for both muffler and gasket: http://www.ebay.com/itm/350735034005

Tecumseh muffler and gasket combo.

I should be good to go (crossing fingers).  If there are issues, I'll post an update.

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