Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
5
Oil type and capacity
1. When checking the oil twist and remove the dip-
stick from the engine. Clean the oil off of the tip
of the dipstick. Re-insert the dipstick without
threading it in to get the oil level reading.
See Figure 1.4.
• SAE 10W-30 oil with a SF/CD API rating or bet-
ter is recommended for most operating condi-
tions up to 97
o
F (36
o
C).
• The oil capacity is 17.0- 20.3 fl.oz (0.5-0.6 liters).
2. The oil level is determined by the lowest point on
the dipstick that is completely covered with oil.
3. If the oil is noticeably thin, or smells of gasoline,
a carburetor repair may be needed before the
engine can be safely run.
• Check the oil level frequently and change the oil
more frequently in severe operating conditions
such as high ambient temperature, dusty condi-
tions, or high load use in exceptionally thick
grass.
• Synthetic oil is a suitable alternative, but it does
not extend service intervals.
NOTE: MTD recommends the use of petroleum
oil during the break in period to ensure the piston
rings correctly break in.
• Synthetic vs. Petroleum based oil: To simply look
at synthetic oil and to compare it with Petroleum
based oil there is very little difference. However,
when you look at the two through a microscope it
is easy to see the difference. Synthetic is made
up of smaller molecules. This allows the oil to
get into areas that petroleum based oil cannot.
Figure 1.4
• No oil additives or viscosity modifiers are recom-
mended. The performance of a good oil meeting
the API specifications will not be improved by oil
additives.
• Some oil additives may cause severe and non
warrantable engine damage, constituting a lubri-
cation failure. No oil additives or viscosity modifi-
ers are recommended. The performance of a
good oil meeting the SF/ CD specifications will
not be improved by the addition of any oil addi-
tives.
NOTE: Some oil additives may cause severe
and non warrantable engine damage, constitut-
ing a lubrication failure.
Changing the oil
NOTE: If the engine has been running, allow the
engine to cool before doing any maintenance
work.
NOTE: The oil should be changed after the first
5 hours of operation and every 25 hours there
after.
There are two methods of changing the oil. The appli-
cation the engine is mounted to will determine which
method to use:
1. The first method of draining the oil is by remov-
ing the drain plug located at the base of the filler
tube / dipstick tube, using a 10mm wrench.
See Figure 1.5.
NOTE: Replace the drain plug sealing washer
with a new one to ensure that it does not leak.
NOTE: Tighten the drain plug to a torque of 84
in. lbs. (10Nm) on installation.
Figure 1.5
Sealing Washer
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