Does anyone know how to disassemble the gear box on a Bufalo forge hand-crank blower? I acquired one that was quite grimy and wanted to clean it up so it would work smoothly. I have the fan off and the gear box removed from the fan housing but can not figure out how to remove the individual gears. Also, when I put it back together, is it better to use grease or a thick oil like transmission fluid?
thanks for any and all help.

Also, when I put it back together, is it better to use grease or a thick oil like transmission fluid?
thanks for any and all help.

I assume you mean "Gear Oil" rather than "Automatic" Transmission Fluid.

That being the case, ... Yes, a "heavy" ( #140 ) Gear Oil would be a good choice, ... and coat everything with a graphite paste, like "Never-Seize" when you re-assemble.

I use ATF in my Champion. Just 1 squirt when I start, and 1 squirt after 4 hours (which almost never happens) Light oil lets the blower coast more easily than heavy oil. Feel free to experiment though. Some people like chain bar oil.

Put the gear box in a stout plastic bag. Add just enough kerosene (or diesel, or thinner), close the bag. Come back in a couple days and use a stiff, small nylon brush to get the nooks and crannies, then swish it out with fresh kerosene.

The plastic bag lets you use much less kerosene than using a bucket. If you have a parts cleaning tank, then life is a whole lot easier. I do not recommend full take down as the risk of damaging a part that cannot be easily made, and no replacements exist can destroy the blower.

Phil