Hey TractorVet and DeltaRed!

I know this has been discussed in the past and you both seem to be in agreement, and very strongly opinionated about the necessities of the IH 6-cylinder engines. My sister just bought a 606 utility, and I am currently looking at one. Both have the C-221 gas engine; the same as in a 460 row crop. Anyway, just want to make sure I am correct in my findings from you:

They need IH low ash oil (or a good equivalent with 0.5% ash or less). Does it have to be IH brand or are there other good options that you've found?

They need solid copper core plug wires just like the 4-cylinders. I think someone said they like Autolite 386 plugs?

They need a minimum of 91 octance fuel.

Every engine has it quirks and I'm fine with that, seems like you two know what your talking about and just want to make sure I didn't miss or forget something. Thanks!
 
Any oil rated as CJ-4 by API (American Petroleum Institute)is a low ash oil. (I use 15W-40 Shell Rotella T in my 560 which is CJ-4 rated)

Please don't tell my 560 that it needs 91 octane as I run it on Gasohol at 87 octane.

If and when you do a valve job, be sure to readjust the valve lash after 25 engine hrs or so. They seat in, tighten up, and burn. When I was a kid, the neighbor would do a valve job every year due to lack of checking lash. This was when we had leaded gas and he used IH Low Ash.
 
Can't say as I've seen tractor vet post in a while, so not sure if he'll weigh in on this, but his missives/diatribes/rants/advice on this specific subject is here on this forum dozens of times and easily located through the search feature.

Vet-recommended octane is 93 as marked on the pump at the gas station. None of this, "Manual says Research method and pump is an average so if this that and the other thing hold true, 87 octane pump gas is the same as 93 by the Research method."

Right or wrong, a few gallons of 93 is a heck of a lot cheaper than taking a chance on melting a piston and ending up with a costly engine rebuild.

You're spot on with the IH low ash oil.

One other thing I remember is that you need to set the timing with a quality timing light.
 
I have absolutly no experience with those IH 6 cyl gas engines.I will 'default' to the other guys....
 
I am not a "pro" ,that being said , I use 15w40 rotella and copper wire, and the cheapest gas I can find in my 460 as it will eat you out of house and home. Nearly forget use hytran or equivalent hydro oil, and keep the hydraulic filter clean, enjoy!
 
Many years ago I had a 715 combine with the c301 and it drank 87 octane with 10% ethanol. I used IH gasser oil at the time.
 

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