1999 Toro Wheelhorse 71197 17-44hxl burns oil

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Apr 24, 2018
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Wisconsin
I have been using HD30 in my fathers wheelhorse

It doesn’t have many hours but seems to use quite a bit of oil, no burning oil smell.

I am switching to 20w50 since I do occasionally need to start in cool weather.

Not really sure what could be wrong or could slow down the oil drinking
Maybe hd40 monograde?

I have never overfilled but the bastard is hard to guess how much oil to add since if I follow the directions on the dipstick it doesn’t register a change until I drive and let it sit, seems to take more oil to get it above the add mark than it specifies.
 
I have used 20w-50 in a worn out engine without any problems. I wouldn't go with a straight 40.

Check the oil cold before starting. That will give the most accurate reading. You might be overfilling it.

You might want to check the breather for obstructions. If blocked, crankcase pressure can build up and force oil into the combustion chamber.
 
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When engine. I am a wheel horse collector but only the 300 and 400 series chassis and alike. Im not sure what a 71197 is
 
I was going to say it may be worth it to re-do the valve seals and head gasket so no accidents happen. (like running it out of oil)
 
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