MTD PRO MP426CS Operator's Manual page 15

SECTION 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS
CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL
The importance of checking and maintaining the proper
CAUTION: To prevent extensive engine
wear and damage to the unit, always
maintain the proper oil level in the
crankcase. Never operate the unit with the
oil level below the bottom of the dipstick.
oil level in the crankcase cannot be overemphasized.
Check oil before each use:
1. Stop the engine and allow oil to drain into the crankcase.
2. Place the unit on a flat, level surface to get a proper
oil level reading.
3. Keep dirt, grass clippings and other debris out of the
engine. Clean the area around the oil fill plug/dipstick
before removing it.
4. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and wipe off oil.
Reinsert it all the way back in.
5. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick and check the oil level.
Oil should be up to the top of the dipstick. See Figure 26.
Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
O-Ring
Full
Add 1.4-1.5 Oz.
(41-44 ml)
Figure 26
6. If the level is low, add a small amount of oil to the oil
fill hole and recheck. Repeat this procedure until the
oil level reaches the top of the dipstick.
NOTE: Do not overfill the unit.
O-Ring
Oil Fill Plug/Dipstick
Oil Fill Hole
Figure 27
NOTE: Make sure the O-ring is in place on the oil fill
plug/dipstick when checking and changing the
oil. See Figure 27.
Top of Dipstick
CHANGING THE OIL
For a new engine, change the oil after the first 10 hours of
operation. Change the oil while the engine is still warm. The
oil will flow freely and carry away more impurities.
CAUTION: Wear gloves to prevent injury
when handling the unit.
1. Unplug spark plug boot to prevent accidental starting.
2. Remove the oil fill plug/dipstick.
3. Pour the oil out of the oil fill hole and into a container
by tipping the unit to a vertical position. See
Figure 28. Allow ample time for complete drainage.
4. Wipe up any oil residue on the unit and clean up any
oil that may have spilled. Dispose of the oil
according to Federal, State and local regulations.
5. Refill the crankcase with 3.04 fluid ounce (90 ml) of
SAE 30 SF, SG, SH oil.
NOTE: Use the bottle and spout saved from initial use to
measure the correct amount of oil. The top of the
label on the bottle measures approximately 3.04
ounces (90 ml). Check the level with the dipstick.
If the level is low, add a small amount of oil and
recheck. Do not overfill. See Figure 29.
6. Replace the oil fill plug/dipstick.
7. Reconnect the spark plug boot.
15
Figure 28
Fill Level
Figure 29