Xearl 131 #1 Posted June 23, 2015 (edited) I just bought a 1999 - 523DXI with 267 hrs and was wondering how other members have made out with this model . I have been using a 518XI for years and have had no major problems . I have wanted a diesel for some time because I have a JD 770 and the diesel always starts even after sitting for awhile . Any info on maintenance would help . Edited June 23, 2015 by Xearl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dennys502 246 #2 Posted June 23, 2015 I've had mine for 17 yrs now - still going strong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #3 Posted June 23, 2015 Mr. X. Welcome to red square, pics when you can. Plenty of info here. Check the manuals section.glenn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #4 Posted June 23, 2015 (edited) I added one last year to my other two 5xi that I own. The one maintenance item that is extremely important is to be careful when changing oil for the engine, pour the fresh oil slowly and in the center of the opening. Toro published a bulletin on the problem. It seems that the oil passages in the top of the head are small and you have a chance to hydro-lock the engine if not careful. I also found a cross reference to a slightly larger Wix/NAPA oil filter than the small stock Briggs filter which has about 1/4 additional media. I also installed a Dimple magnetic drain plug. When changing the coolant, the rear of the tractor needs to be elevated about six inches to "burp" the radiator of air. The rest are the usual changing the filter and transaxle fluid. It seems that the 5xi may have a tendency to loosen the front end fittings so you may care to just tighten everything that is accessible, I have Battery Tender on mine as the glow plugs do draw it down.I, like you, started with a 518xi. About three summers ago I found a bare 520xi. Even though attachments are easy to swap, I like to have semi-dedicated tractors to eliminate swapping. Finding the diesel last year was a stroke of good luck.The 523Dxi had my snowthrower and cab on this past winter. I did post videos on RS. My intention was to bring it to the big show this week but I broke my ankle the other day and won't be attending. After the show I was going to attach the mower deck. Now it looks like I won't be using it, due to the foot pedal, for a good part of Summer.You will be very happy with the economy to operate over the Kohler. Edited June 23, 2015 by shallowwatersailor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #5 Posted June 23, 2015 welcome to the group Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xearl 131 #6 Posted June 23, 2015 Thank you all for your welcome and info . I will take some pictures. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackhammer 550 #7 Posted June 24, 2015 Shallowwatersailor,sorry to hear about your misfortune, especially this time of year. Good luck on your healing process.Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
