Oil level-how critical in push mower?

[KrisZ]

The reason I'm asking is because my Lawn-Boy manual and Kohler engine manual have two different oil checking procedures.
The engine has a 1/4 turn style dipstick and one manual says to not lock the dipstick while the other one does. This results in two different oil level readings that would indicate oil being overfilled or under filled depending on the method used. By the way, Kohler recommends to insert the dipstick all the way and lock it, to take a reading.

Currently I have the oil level to the max line when the dipstick is not locked and just sitting on the dipstick tube, as it puts slightly more oil into the sump. I figured that on an air cooled engine it's better to have slightly more oil than less.

I know that it's probably inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, but what are your thoughts on this?

 

[heynow]

I would be more inclined to listen to the engine mfg rather than the maker of the mower.

 

[Donald]

I would go by the Kohler engine method.

The type of engine does not matter with respect to being overfilled. You don't want the oil foamed by the piston rod and crankshaft slapping it. But want to always have enough oil to lubricate the bearings.

But one assumes there is always some leeway as the manufactures need to idiot proof the engines somewhat.

 

[Barkleymut]

definetly listen to the engine manuf. That said it is not that critical to have a perfect oil level on a push mower

 

[djb]

Hmmm, small four cycle engines often use splash lubrication making having enough oil more critical than engines with an oil pump suction tube led the bottom of the sump. The geometry is set up so that operating on a slope doesn't starve the crank of oil.

 

[GMBoy]

I agree with the others -- go by the engine maker.

 

[Kruse]

Originally Posted By: GMBoy
I agree with the others -- go by the engine maker.

But I still wouldn't worry if the level is off a little bit. Remember that most push mowers don't have an oil pump and they are used in areas that have quite a bit of slope where the oil level changes drastically during use. (At least on my property)

 

[KrisZ]

Thanks guys for your opinions. Looks like I will use Kohler's method from now on and for the next next OC.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Kruse

But I still wouldn't worry if the level is off a little bit. Remember that most push mowers don't have an oil pump and they are used in areas that have quite a bit of slope where the oil level changes drastically during use. (At least on my property)


Exactly. If it's too full, oil is going to spew out the breather. Too low and kaBOOM. Based on some I've looked at and worked on, they can sustain themselves on a surprisingly little amount of oil too.

Joel

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: JTK

Exactly. If it's too full, oil is going to spew out the breather. Too low and kaBOOM. Based on some I've looked at and worked on, they can sustain themselves on a surprisingly little amount of oil too.

Joel


Yep a neighbor gave me a cheap MTD with a Tecumseh engine he picked up that the oil fill cap was buried under years of crud(there was literally a mound on top of the plug)... When I cleaned it off and checked, that engine had maybe 6oz of oil that could have passed for black paint... I added oil and it runs fine, gave it to a friend to cut a ditch bank...

 

[fdcg27]

In my experience, oil level isn't that critical with these things.
Just make sure that there's enough.
A little overfill will bring higher consumption.
Just don't run the engine out of oil.