Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

well, i read the Ariens and the Tecumseh manuals, but could not find one that identified the location of the engine oil drain plug.  does anyone have any pictures?

also, what is the preferred oil?  is the engine broken in sufficiently at 2 hours to start using synthetic oil?  the oil chart shows 5w30 to -16C; would a 0w30 work just as well?  i know in my mower i shouldn't use 0w30 or 5w30, but instead 10w30.

is there a source for the stens grease other than the dealer?  online?  what about shear bolts?

thanks! 

oakville wrote:


This is the previous model of Ariens - an ST824. If you look right above the orange colored stud holding the handlebars on, on the side of the engine casting just above the frame there is a pipe tap. There is probably one on the other side, and back of the engine as well. The one in back may even have an extension pipe tbe that brings it to the back edge of the tractor. That allows you to simply tip the unit back to drain the oil.

Read the manual or Tecumseh FAQ, but 10/30 synthetic(Mobil One)  is what I use because it's used in all our vehicles. The capacity is a little less than a quart. You'll have no worries. Looks like you'lll have a chance to try it out this afternoon.

i gave her a good go this morning - had about 5 inches overnight.  it was like there was no snow there - just rocketed through it.  unfortunately only had about 20 minutes of run time - going to be a while before i hit 2 hours.

i did find the drain plug - on all 3 sides - confusing, but convenient. 

noticed something odd this am though - the drive belt would slip sometimes, especially in top gear, but only for the first 15 minutes.  then it grabbed well, and i had a hard time keeping up with the machine when travelling.

also noticed the deflector needed to be lubed (metal rubbing - jamming) and adjusted.  will get to that this weekend.

this was the most fun i've had in a while.  so glad it snowed.

oakville wrote:
"They all do that."