Checking/Changing Engine Oil/Filter - Craftsman T1200 Operator's Manual

Checking the Engine Oil
Use a 4-stroke, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality motor oil certified
to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer's requirements for service
classification of a minimum level SJ (higher letter ratings are acceptable such as SL
and SM grades). Motor oil will display this designation on the container. SAE 10W-30
is recommended for general, all temperature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select
the appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your area from the chart
below.
Colder
5W20
Oil Viscosity Chart
To check the engine oil, proceed as follows:
• Ensure that the tractor is on a level surface.
• Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
1. Remove the dipstick, see Figure 10, and wipe with a clean cloth.
2. Reinsert dipstick and press completely down.
3. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the Full mark on
the dipstick.
Dipstick
Oil Drain
4. If low, add oil slowly into the engine oil fill. Do not overfill. After adding oil,
wait one minute and then recheck the oil level.
CAUTION
Do not overfill. Overfilling with oil may cause the engine to not start, hard
starting, or engine smoking. If over the FULL mark on the dipstick, drain oil
to reduce oil level to FULL mark on dipstick.
5. Replace dipstick, and tighten.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Warmer
SAE30
Figure 10
Changing the Engine Oil and Filter
If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding
metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Exercise caution
to avoid burns.
NOTE: The oil filter should be changed at every oil change interval.
The engine oil should be changed in the first 5 hours and then every 50 hours or
once a season. To change the engine oil, proceed as follows:
1. Run the engine for a few minutes to allow the oil in the crankcase to warm
up. Warm oil will flow more freely and carry away more of the engine
sediment which may have settled at the bottom of the crankcase. Use care to
avoid burns from hot oil.
2. Open the tractor's hood and locate the oil drain port on the right side of the
engine. See Figure 11.
3. Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it away from spark plug.
4. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 10.
5. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to better expose the drain
plug.
6. Snap the small end of oil drain sleeve onto the space provide around the oil
drain plug. See Figure 11.
7. Remove oil drain plug and drain the oil.
8. Remove the oil drain sleeve and store in a safe location for later use.
9. Replace the oil drain plug.
10. Remove the oil filter, see Figure 12, and dispose of it properly.
11. Partially fill the new oil filter approximately 3/4 of the way full with clean,
fresh oil. Before you install the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the oil filter
gasket with some of the oil by simply dipping your finger in the oil and
running it around the gasket.
18
WARNING
Figure 11