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

I just received a new Ariens 28" deluxe model snow thrower with a 250cc engine. During assembly I checked the auger gear case oil level. It was 3.25 in. below the flat surface of the inspection cover. According to the owner/operator manual, it should not be lower than 2.63 in.  

I sent Ariens an inquiry and received a reply that they would send more oil, but they didn't acknowledge that the fluid level was low.  Their email reply was worded poorly and read like someone from the mideast wrote it (if you know what I mean).

Below is text copied from page 26 of my owner/operator manual regarding the auger gear case oil level;

1. Remove filler plug and seal washer
(Figure 28). Lubricant must be 2.38 in. –
2.63 in. (6.05 cm – 6.68 cm) from the flat
surface of the inspection cover.

Has anyone else had to add fluid to a new Ariens unit?  I figured I'd bounce this off the guys in this forum to see what you thought.  Maybe I'm overkilling this, but I wanted to get the opinion of people who know.  This is my first 2 stage self-propelled blower.
 
The recommended oil is Ariens L3.  Is that similar to a synthetic GL-5 oil?  I have some of that on hand at the house.

Thanks much,

JW

L3 isn't simple GL5 synthetic oil. You should wait for the good stuff. Also, put some cardboard under your gear case and make sure it isn't leaking.

Snowmann wrote:
OK, will do.

Thanks