[akaothermick]

If your land is flat and no slopes its good to run it a the marks, but if you run on a lot of slopes, whadda ya think maybe high is better, beats running dry cause the oil isn't where the pick up is.

 

[knottyrope]

oil goes up the tube because once the expanded heated air cools, it will suck oil up

My truck and van does this too. I remove stick and wait a min then put it back in to check level.

 

[shadetree]

Thanks Mr. Rope

I have never noticed that on any of my other vehicles. I like to check the oil when the engine has been cold for several hours and had time to drip down. The Onan has a larger tube than my others.

Mr. Lampman

The Honda GX670 manual calls for one and a half quarts of oil with a new filter. I wonder if the Predator rounded up to get the two quarts? Might be worth calling HF technical for an answer?

 

[gjlamp]

Thanks Shady, that is interesting info. I have not removed any oil yet. Here is a drawing I did to show how the tilt changes the excess of oil when the dip stick reading shows it just a little above the full mark.

 

[shadetree]

Was it necessary to tilt to connect to the drive shaft? I believe if the engine was level it would show a higher oil level. When I saw the 2 quart capacity for oil I was surprised then impressed. The engine I have on back order should be shipping in the next week or so. Maybe I should say could be shipping anyway when I add oil to it I will watch the dip stick closely.

 

[gjlamp]

Had to be tilted to connect driveshaft and keep front belts tight on the pulleys.

 

[gjlamp]

On another note I did fight with my MCS and finnaly got it attached with the help of my wife. Have not had it attached to the tractor for two years. Kawasaki engine started with fresh gas after two pulls. Went looking for the chute and hose and can't find them. Just ordered replacements. Will be few more days before I test it out and it is supposed to be snowing by then. Hope I can collect some leaves before the snow accumulates.
Here is a link to my MCS mount fabrication.

http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/30367

 

[shadetree]

I got a 404 not found error for that link???

 

[gjlamp]

Sorry, try this

http://www.wfmachines.com/discus/messages/335/30367.html

 

[shadetree]

Thanks
Sounds like installation of your MCS is still a bear. I have never done it but most things I do are solo. I don't have a chain fall. Harbor freight has a rope type. I have two that I don't remember where I bought so they may be a little different. I have used them to totally lift a 318.

 

[gjlamp]

New chute and hose arrived as the rain came. Weather forecast has been that rain would change to snow. It did. No accumulation, but snowing. Needless to say no gathering of leaves.

Here are photos of the cut end of my 60" 400 deck, the chute (boot) and the new hose connected between the deck and the MCS.

 

[shadetree]

Looks like your MCS is ready to go as soon as the leaves dry a bit.

 

[gjlamp]

Waited too long for the leaves to dry, Now they are frozen under 6 inches of snow. Located just South of Erie. At least we didn't get the Buffalo snow. Supposed to rain this weekend and melt the snow. Guess I'll remove the MCS and put on the snowblower.

 

[nc400]

What diameter hose comes off that MCS chute?

 

[gjlamp]

7"

 

[denniscary]

Do you have and updates on your repower ? I like to hear what others think of this engine. So far I am still impressed.

 

[gjlamp]

Nope. Struggled to get the MCS mounted. Sucked up a few days worth of leaves and it started to snow. Went to get my snow blade mounted before I removed the MCS and found that the mounting plate on the 54" blade was cracked and distorted. Didn't have time to get it repaired before the snow here in NW PA got too deep. Have had the neighbor plowing the driveway since. 400 sits in front of garage with MCS attached and buried in snow.

 

[denniscary]

Oh man! That hurts. I had to fix my blade as well. When I purchased the 400 the 54 blade came with it so it was never mounted till now. It was for a 430 so I had to alter it slightly. Anyway we have had snow all around us but do on far none here. I did use it to level out the driveway before winter hit, and it was impressive. If I don't get snow plow this year it will be just fine with me.

 

[justusrogers]

Hello Dennis, The Predator is working great in my 318. I just used it to bring in a half cord of firewood into the basement. It has no trouble powering the hydraulics for my FEL. I am about to make and adapter to put the PTO back on. I never use the PTO so i am not in a hurry. I think this was the best value possible. I would have never done the repower if I had to buy a more expensive engine.

 

[denniscary]

Justus, that is great news . I too am very happy so far with my predator. I think this will make this repower a good option for others. I am glad to hear from others .