Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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tkrotchko
Location: Maryland
Joined: Feb 9, 2010
Points: 143
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #8 Jan 26, 2011 3:40 pm |
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That's not entirely true. the newer BMW's have actual oil level indicator in the dash that the driver can call up at anytime, even while driving The oil change interval is condition based, meaning it keeps record of how the car has been driven and lengthen or shorten the oil change interval accordingly. If you flog the engine a lot, the oil change will be sooner.
It's more than low oil light. The computer only allow the engine level to be 1 quart low before the oil alert is displayed. So when the alert is on, you add 1 quart and it the oil level comes up to appropriate oil level. No dipstick, simple, and clean.
The only time no dipstick is a pain is when you change the oil yourself, you need to know how much engine requires and fill it up. Then fire up the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil level sensor to update. Then add more oil if needed. Yes, you're absolutely right; my model is an "inbetweener" in the sense that it has a dipstick and a "low oil" light. When it turns on, I add a quart (I have very high mileage and I'm burning about a quart every 1000-1200 miles. Oil is cheaper than fixing it at this point). At first, I refused to believe the light, checking it as my dad had taught me. But the light is always right, so now I trust the light. And you know what? Its easier than a dipstick.
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edgenet
If you enjoy doing it, It's not work
Location: Toronto
Joined: Nov 27, 2010
Points: 84
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #9 Jan 26, 2011 4:41 pm |
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I was always a GM guy I decided to treat myself and bought a BMW X3 I better read the owners manuel all the dealer said was once the service engine light comes on, Call us for a service appt we will provide you with a loaner Bimmer and we will call you when the service is complete. Seems very simple Now back to the low oil shut-off switch for the B&S. I can't believe they have not added that feature on ther new series of engines.
If you are getting paid for what you are doing No matter how much you Enjoy it, It's a Job
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FrankMA
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #12 Jan 26, 2011 7:52 pm |
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Accord and Camry brands are introduced in the 1980's. Those brands are still here today...growing. GM opted to launch a new model in the same class every few years. Launch, then cancel, then relaunch a new brand... over that same time frame models like the Citation, Celebrity, Lumina all came and went. It was marketing over brand development. How does one remain brand loyal when the brand is constantly being discontinued.
Look at Ariens with snow blowers. I guarantee you that whatever model you buy this year will be replaced by a different model next year. Ariens Deluxe, Ariens Platinum, Ariens Pro, Ariens Prosumer, Ariens Deluxe Platinum, Ariens Sno-Tec...What would be wrong with say simply making the best 28" snow thrower that can be engineered. Maybe a wheeled model and a track model and standing them up against any and all competitors. Maybe there's a good reason for not taking that approach. I don't run an OPE company so that reason is probably over my head. Very well said and unfortunately 100% true. It's hard to believe that the "Powers that Be" at these US companies can't see the writing on the wall. They better shape up or get the hell out cause the competition will do it for them if they don't do it themselves! HELLO...ARE YOU LISTENING!!! You won't be around long ( and YOU know WHO you are) unless you smarten up and get on the technology train!!!!
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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FrankMA
Location: Merrimack Valley/Northeastern Mass
Joined: Jul 1, 2010
Points: 587
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #13 Jan 26, 2011 8:11 pm |
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Accord and Camry brands are introduced in the 1980's. Those brands are still here today...growing. GM opted to launch a new model in the same class every few years. Launch, then cancel, then relaunch a new brand... over that same time frame models like the Citation, Celebrity, Lumina all came and went. It was marketing over brand development. How does one remain brand loyal when the brand is constantly being discontinued.
Look at Ariens with snow blowers. I guarantee you that whatever model you buy this year will be replaced by a different model next year. Ariens Deluxe, Ariens Platinum, Ariens Pro, Ariens Prosumer, Ariens Deluxe Platinum, Ariens Sno-Tec...What would be wrong with say simply making the best 28" snow thrower that can be engineered. Maybe a wheeled model and a track model and standing them up against any and all competitors. Maybe there's a good reason for not taking that approach. I don't run an OPE company so that reason is probably over my head.
I believe this is the approach Honda has taken as your statement aptly implies, "What would be wrong with say simply making the best 28" snow thrower that can be engineered ". Make one hell of a snowblower and offer it in a wheeled and track version knowing that those machines will typically perform flawlessly if maintained and used correctly (just like most any OPE will). The Honda engines on my snowblowers and the Kohler Command 22 HP on my tractor perform and sound great. I wish that the type of engineering and commitment to excellence was provided and offered on more OPE but most folks (usually oblivious to quality) could care less!
Toro Wheel Horse 522xi GT, Honda HS928TA, Honda HS621AS, Honda HS520A, Toro CCR3000 (work in progress), Honda HS624WA (sold 08/23/2010), Stihl BR550 Backpack Blower, Stihl MS250, McCulloch MS1635, Honda EM6500SX Generator
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samdog
Joined: Feb 9, 2010
Points: 55
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #14 Jan 28, 2011 12:19 pm |
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I don't disagree about the cluelessness of American manufacturing (esp. GM and Chrysler) but anyone who doesn't check the oil before using their OPE deserves a failed engine. By the way; some of those electronic oil level sensors were malfunctioning and causing people to over-service their car engines. How is this smart ? A $5 dipstick with total reliability vs a complex, expensive, tempermental electronic sensor?
This message was modified Jan 28, 2011 by samdog
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aa335
Joined: Nov 29, 2008
Points: 2434
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Re: Shame on Tecumseh and Briggs and Stratton
Reply #15 Jan 28, 2011 1:17 pm |
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By the way; some of those electronic oil level sensors were malfunctioning and causing people to over-service their car engines. How is this smart ? A $5 dipstick with total reliability vs a complex, expensive, tempermental electronic sensor? It is no less smart than electric power windows. It is more complex but over the years, has become more reliable than hand crank windows. Let's name a few more, electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, direct injection, catalytic converters, ABS, DSC, etc... Everything new will be scrutinized and criticized, more so by those dyed in the wool who so ingrained in their ways. It's natural, we're comfortable with what we know. Some are even technophobic. Some day people who already know too much don't want to accept anything new. It's an old timer's disease, some get it, some don't. Electronic oil levels sensor will become common place real soon. Every car will have them, just like the mandated tire pressure monitoring system on all new cars. It's a federally regulated mandate to make cars more efficient.
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