BCS 852 Oil Change

[PhilG327]

I am new to the BCS world and this forum so please overlook my errors. I have a BCS 852 with the Honda GX390 motor. I need to change the oil for winter use with the snowblower attachment. Standing behind the unit with the motor at my feet, I can see the plastic dipstick/oil fill tube on the right hand side, but what is the very similar fill tube on the left side ? It does not have a dipstick (just a plastic threaded plug) but otherwise is identical. Is this a duplicate opening for other applications of the GX390 ? The drain hole is clearly marked in the engine manual, but it makes no mention of this second opening.

Any and all advise is welcome.

 

[farmerboybill]

You can use either plug to fill the crankcase. Set the engine level (may have to put blocks under attachment to make level), and fill the crankcase hole to the top. Take care that you have the engine level as you can overfill the crankcase if it's on a slope and you fill the uphill hole. As a recent poster found out, it can be done and may cause the engine to smoke.

 

[PhilG327]

Thanks for the info - much appreciated. I see you are also a resident of the "Driftless Region". Nice collection of BCS equipment too.

 

[farmerboybill]

I go to your town occasionally to egg pool meetings. We have been attending them at the Kickapoo reserve building since the fire. It's an hour 15 minute drive nearly straight north

 

[SageBrush]

I was told they cut the dip sticks off to encourage filling them full because of the angle while running tillers.

 

[PhilG327]

Thanks again for all the info - much appreciated. Now for the next winter maintenance question. The snowblower attachment. I managed to find info on what oil to use, but cannot find the drain plug for the gearbox. there is a filler spot on the top (going to be hard to get to) but how do I drain it ? Also, how do I know if it is full enough if their is no dipstick on the snowblower gearbox ? Not much documentation available on it. Again, any info will be much appreciated.

 

[Bentleg]

You could remove the filler plug and turn the blower over. Could fill back about a third to half way up and be fine.

 

[PhilG327]

Great advise, but I think I discovered something easier (and less heavy). It appears as if the lowest bolt on the cover of the snowblower gear box (or axle) might also be a drain plug. Think I will try and remove it and see if that opens the flood gates. Half full should do it ?