Engine Maintenance Items
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Service Interval: Before each use, and every 8 hours.
1. Turn the engine off, and set the parking brake lever to
ENGAGE.
2. Clean the area around the dip stick (C, Figure 30).
3. Remove the dip stick (C) and clean it with a paper
towel.
4. Insert the dip stick back into the engine. Thread the
cap back into the tube (D).
5. Remove the dip stick and read the oil level. The oil
level should be between the "FULL" and "ADD" marks
(D). If not, add oil according to the oil recommenda-
tions chart (Figure 29).
CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Service Interval: 50 hours or once per season.
NOTE: Change engine oil while the engine is warm. Run
the engine for a few minutes, then shut the engine off
and allow it to cool from hot to warm.
1. Clean the area around the dip stick (C, Figure 30)
and oil drain tube (A).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (A) from the end of the oil
drain tube. Remove the dip stick (C). Allow ample
time for complete drainage.
3. Reinstall the oil drain plug (A) and route the hose
next to the engine.
4. Fill the crankcase with oil. See CHECK ENGINE OIL
LEVEL above.
5. Start and run the engine at SLOW speed for 30 sec-
onds. Stop the engine and recheck the oil level.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL & FILTER
Service Interval: 100 hours or once per season.
NOTE: Change engine oil while the engine is warm. Run
the engine for a few minutes, then shut the engine off
and allow it to cool from hot to warm.
1. Clean the area around the dip stick (C, Figure 30)
and oil drain (A).
2. Remove the oil drain plug (A) and dip stick (C). Allow
ample time for complete drainage.
3. Remove the oil filter (B). Discard the filter.
4. Using a drop of oil on your finger tip, wet the rubber
gasket on the bottom of the new filter.
5. Turn the filter clockwise until the rubber gasket meets
the filter base. Then turn 1/2 to 3/4 turn more.
Use oil classified API Service Class SF,
SG, SH, SJ or better with SAE Viscosity:
Conventional*
Synthetic 5W-30, 10W-30
˚F
-20
0
˚C
-30
-18
*CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines.
The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 10W-30, etc.)
in temperatures above 40º F (4ºC) will result in higher than normal
oil consumption. When using a multi-viscosity oil, check oil level
more frequently.
**CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40º F (4ºC), will result in hard
starting and possible engine bore damage due to inadequate
lubrication.
Figure 29. Recommended Engine Oil
A
C
Figure 30. Oil Change
A. Oil Drain Tube
B. Oil Filter
C. Dip Stick
6. Reinstall the oil drain plug (A).
7. Fill the crankcase with oil. See CHECK ENGINE OIL
LEVEL above.
8. Start and run the engine at SLOW speed for 30 sec-
onds. Stop the engine and recheck the oil level.
9. Test run the engine to check for leaks. Stop the
engine for 1 minute, then recheck the oil level.
27
30 Conventional**
5W-30
10W-30
20
40
60
80
32
-7
4
16
27
0
100
38
B