1.4
Section 1
Safety and General Information
Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. So is checking oil
daily and changing oil regularly. It is also
recommended that a consistent brand of oil be used.
Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes
premature engine wear and failure.
Oil Type
Use high-quality detergent oil of
API (American
Petroleum Institute) Service Class SG, SH, SJ or
higher.
Select the viscosity based on the air
temperature at the time of operation as shown in the
following table.
NOTE
: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
NOTE
: Synthetic oils meeting the listed
classifications may be used with oil changes
performed at the recommended intervals.
However, to allow piston rings to properly
seat, a new or rebuilt engine should be
operated for at least 50 hours using standard
petroleum based oil before switching to
synthetic oil.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3. Oil Container Logo.
Refer to Section 6 - Lubrication System for detailed
procedures on checking the oil, changing the oil and
changing the oil filter.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if
ignited. Before servicing the fuel system, make sure there are no
sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition nearby as these
can ignite gasoline vapors. Disconnect and ground the spark
plug leads to prevent the possibility of sparks from the ignition
system.
General Recommendations
Purchase gasoline in small quantities that can be used
within 30 days, and store only in clean, approved
containers. Do not use gasoline left over from the
previous season, unless treated with a fuel stabilizer
(see
Storage
), to minimize gum deposits and ensure
easy starting. Do not use gasoline containing
Methanol, or add oil to the gasoline.
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel to
expand.
Fuel Type
For best results, use only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or
higher. In countries using the Research method, it
should be 90 octane minimum.
Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less
combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not
recommended and must not be used on EFI engines, or
on other models where exhaust emissions are
regulated.
Gasoline/Alcohol Blends
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded
gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel for Kohler
engines. Other gasoline/alcohol blends including E20
and E85 are not to be used and not approved. Any
failures resulting from use of these fuels will not be
warranted.
Gasoline/Ether Blends
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded
gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by
volume) are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
5W-20, 5W-30
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
10W-30
Kohler 10W-30
°F -20
0
20
32
40
60
80
100
°C -30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
* Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable,
up to 4°C (40°F)
** Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below
23°C (-10°F)
**
*
