Snow thrower blade replacement

After no joy via Google searches, I thought I'd ask here about tricks on replacing a blade on an old MTD snowthrower.

After a lot of fun and cussing I finally removed the spiral pins (52) in the shaft (11) only to find I cannot slide this impeller shaft out of the blower sleeve (51). Without any manual, it appears to be the only way to remove the left auger blade (64) for replacement. I can't imagine the whole housing has to be dismantled to replace the blades. The parts list and auger housing display helps a little but I'm at a loss.

Any clues on either a different approach or a trick to slide the impeller shaft out of the blower sleeve would be appreciated. I've drenched it with penetrating oil and it spins but there's too much friction or an unknown connection not allowing it to slide out with out substantial force.

http://www.partstree.com/images/diag...ilRO=0&ilSC=22

TIA

just start 'er up and put your fingers in there... The rest will take care of itself.

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Originally Posted by DoWork

just start 'er up and put your fingers in there... The rest will take care of itself.

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Well, that didn't work as expected.....now typing with my left hand. The Doc told me it was a 'very bad idea'. Thanks DoWork! I thought you were a 'hands on' guy and knew what you were talking about.

Have you tried heating it with a torch? Even a propane torch is worth a shot, thermal expansion and contraction can often free rusty parts. Don't catch the penetrating oil on fire.

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Originally Posted by Trainwreck

Have you tried heating it with a torch? Even a propane torch is worth a shot, thermal expansion and contraction can often free rusty parts. Don't catch the penetrating oil on fire.

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Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't tried heat yet. Along with a torch, I have a heat gun. I'm now considering setting up a 'come along' and boat straps to see if I can get sufficient, directional force (and save my back).

With snow in the forecast it's always a battle to get out for some turns versus dealing with snow removal issues. Getting this guy working is critical.

Can you get a gear puller on there?

For anyone else's benefit having to deal with a destroyed auger blade or two:

The shaft was bolted on the back side. The housing has to be removed, along with the belts. The spiral pin removal was an exercise in futility since it was not necessary. Apparently, that may be the proper approach for newer blowers.