Jalousie Window Gearbox Replacement

Written By: Jewells1

Comments: 18

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 hour

Introduction

Jalousie windows are a mainstay in older mobile homes. Replacing windows is expensive, so I'm replacing my non-functional gearboxes with new units. In most cases, replacing the gearbox will enable the window to crank fully open and closed again. It's simple in theory, the hardest part is maneuvering in the limited space to replace one, but I'll show you how to get it done!

Tools

Parts

Barton Kramer operator 268

Step 1

Before you begin, crank the window open an inch or two.
After the crank is removed, you won't be able to open the window for extra room to use your screwdriver in here.

Step 2

To get to the gearbox, you must remove a few parts.
Remove the crank handle screw.

Step 3

Remove the crank handle by pulling it straight out.
Notice in the picture that the window frame is still in front of the gearbox. You will need to either remove that side of the frame or shift it out of the way.

My crank handle will not come off by just pulling out on it how would I fix it

Brad -

Step 4

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws from the gearbox.

In my case the gearbox doesn't have screws it has I guess rivets but with the smooth round head I'm still trying to figure out how to get it off.

David Stewart -

That is my dilemma. A smooth screw thing that i cant figure out how to remove.

Ramona Golec -

Step 5

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws from the mount at the opposite end of the bar.

My window frame has no screws at opposite end of the bar so how do I get it apart?

Phyllis Pecile -

I also don’t have screws here. What do?

Brandon Cole -

Step 6

Lift the bar up slightly so that it pivots and the gearbox will roll about 30 degrees back.
This allows you to clear the lower window frame and pull the bar clear of it.
Angle the bar as you're bringing it forward so that the gearbox clears the frame first, then the mount side can be brought forward too.

Step 7

Pry the gearbox from the end of the bar using a flat head screwdriver.
If it seems stuck, work the screwdriver around the gap gently. You don't want to bend anything.

Step 8

Place the new gearbox onto the end of the bar. Be sure to line up the slots in the bar with the two ridges inside the sleeve of the gearbox.
You do not need to remove the mount on the other end unless it is broken and also needs to be replaced. Both of these parts need to be securely fastened to the window box for the window to work.

Step 9

With the new gearbox in place, angle the bar back into place with the mount end going in first. .
Keep the bar slightly rotated so that the gearbox will clear the window frame.
The gearbox angle you see in the picture is important.

Step 10

Swing the gearbox and the mount into their original positions, matching the screw holes is a good reference.
Reinstall the screws in the gearbox and mount.

Step 11

After you have screwed the gearbox and mount into place, test the gearbox with the crank to be sure it opens and closes.
If everything functions well, put your frame and crank handle back on.

Conclusion

Mission accomplished!

Author

Jewells1

Member since: 17/01/18

400 Reputation

13 comments

thank you , so simple and effective

tehillimsong - 30/03/20

thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience in this DIY project. I have several windows like this I need to fix.

Cecilia Andrus - 27/08/20

Thanks for this. One of mine seems to have stripped out. Opens fully, but won’t pull the window fully closed. I’ll replace the gear box.

Mic - 30/10/20

Where do you buy the gear boxes from?

dixietraders4 - 04/01/21

Ace hardware they have all kinds

Paul Busby - 25/03/21

Ace hardware has a lot of different kinds. Barton Kramer mobile home window operator. They have the handles too.

Paul Busby - 25/03/21

Great tutorial however; 4 out of the 10 I bought all broke. I'm returning the 6 I haven't even tried yet. One is working right now but I doubt it will hold up for long. Suggestions for a sturdier gear box?

Anne - 22/04/21

Paul, I bought the Barton Kramer 268 as I have the same exact windows that you showed in your tutorial. They are incredibly cheap compared to the very sturdy original ones that held up for 54 years until 10 of the operators starting braking one after the other last year. I have some weight on some of my windows so I need something stronger for the 3 and 4 pane windows. It might hold up for the 2 pane but I don't have high hopes for those either.

Anne - 22/04/21

Update: I discovered something… If I don't install the bottom screw and allow the gear box to rotate to the rear slightly, instead of being fixed in place by that bottom screw, it won't break. It seems to get hung up at a certain point, over (perhaps?) and then you hear the crack and rotation either stops completely or will only turn about a quarter way. Just wanted to post this in case others run into the same problem.

Anne - 23/04/21

I live in an older mobile home which has jalousie windows. Some of the gear boxes operate while some others don’t. The gear boxes are located in the middle instead of on either side. How do I replace them?

wildd0926 - 05/05/21

I am needing to replace mine completely but this particular 1973 MH does not have the multiple screws on outside frame to release the window. Does anyone have video or knowledge how to remove completely to replace with updated windows?

Wendy -

My 2 pane bath jalousie window has 2 screws in the right hand Philips crank, no problem…. but I am not seeing any screws or rivets in the left side nylon bar bearing/holder and the darn thing doesn’t seem to want to budge ..Help please, please

Diane A -

My crank handle unscrews from a plastic piece that looks like it's an extension down to the gearbox and it's hollow is there a screw at the bottom of that whole plastic piece that holds it to the gearbox

Brad -