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

I don't really need another project this winter but could anyone tell me if this BCS tiller is worth putting some time into? Right now all I know is that the cylinder in the italian (Acme) 8hp engine does not seem to move at all. There is what smells like diesel fuel on the top of the cylinder when you pull the sparkplug.  I checked the reviews on this web page and the new models seem to have satisfied owners.  I don't really need the snowblower part that came with it. Just the tiller. Any thoughts/comments/concerns are welcome. If you know the vintage of the unit that would be of interest to me.  The tires have a few very small cracks (where the wheels sat for a long time without much air)  but nothing that would concern me.  I don't have any information from the previous owner other than it's been in the family a long time, sat in a barn in VT, and the engine is siezed up.  It uses one of those oil bath air filters.  It has three forward speeds and one speed reverse. Would an inexpensive chinese (honda knockoff) 8hp bolt right on?

Congratulations.  Persistence has paid off.  I like that in a person. 

I'd probably go with a 15W40 Rotella in the summer.  If you use it for snow removal in the winter, I'd go with a 5W30 synthetic.   You might want to do a compression test just to see if it  may need a set of rings.  Otherwise, it looks/runs pretty good.  

     The tag I think said 40 summer/ 30 winter..   Multi-weight oil won't hurt anything,  It may use a little, (burn) if you use the multi-grade.    I would use a decent cheaper oil now with a oil change,  and air cleaner service,  then use it a bit  (hour or two),  then change to what you feel you like the best...  

     Looks like it tilled and killed a few mosquitoes,  I bet that muffler was full of oil and/ or  Marvel mystery oil...   Looks running it burned all out,  good...Did your neighbor call the fire department.

Well, at least Marvel oil smells beter than gear oil burning...

Might want to put a fuel filter on it and change the gas line at the same time....

Keep A eye on the Carb,   If it starts to drip you may need a needle/seat or a flush of the fuel system (grit in the gas)..

I would put a fuel shut-off on it if you are going to keep it in the Garage.   Just to perevent fuel spills and fire hazard.

You should post some pics  of the work it did.  I find with my Troy Bilt, I llike to keep the snow / dozer blade on all the time.  That way the tiller always is sitting level and the it makes a hell of a bumper. 

I use the Troy bilt to level dirt in the yard, and level a circlular drive that is gravel.  They work great..

Now go get some Gunk and clean it up,  Put the blade on and post a pic of or two of the kids siting on it like its a pony  (not running of course),  Name it and put it in the garage where your wifes car normaly sits. ( she will love you much more for that..)

Waiting for the pics.

Friiy