Lubrication System; Oil Specifications; Oil Check; Oil Additions - Kohler 38RCL Manual

2.3 Lubrication System

2.3.1

Oil Specifications

Use oil that displays the American Petroleum Institute
(API) Starburst certification mark FOR GASOLINE
ENGINES on the container. Do not use straight-weight
oils recommended for industrial or stationary engines.
CC or CD classification oils, even when labeled Heavy
Duty or For Natural Gas Engines are not acceptable.
Multi-viscosity oils are recommended.
shows the recommended Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) viscosity designation for a given
operating temperature.
Ambient Temperature
--18_C (0_F) and above
Below --18_C (0_F)
Figure 2-1 Engine Oil Selection
2.3.2

Oil Check

Check the oil level in the crankcase every 24 hours of
operation or before the engine is started each day. Do
not check the oil level while operating the unit. Stop the
generator set and keep the generator set level to get an
accurate reading. To check the oil level, remove the
dipstick and wipe the end clean. Reinsert the dipstick
and wait at least 30 seconds. Remove the dipstick and
check the level. Maintain the oil level between the Full
and Add marks on the dipstick, as shown in Figure 2-2.
See Section 1, Service Views for the dipstick location.
Note: Do not operate the set if the oil level is below the
Add mark or above the Full mark on the dipstick.
1. Full mark
2. Add mark
Figure 2-2 Oil Level Check
TP-6811 7/16
Figure 2-1
Engine Oil Type
SAE 10W-30
SAE 5W-30
1
2
TP-5586-3
2.3.3

Oil Additions

Adding some oil between oil changes is normal. The
amount varies with generator set usage. Open the oil fill
cap and pour in a small amount of oil using a funnel or
other suitable pouring device. See Section 1, Service
Views, for the oil check and oil fill locations.
2.3.4

Oil and Filter Change

Change the oil according to the service schedule or
before generator set storage. Change the oil more
frequently if the generator set operates under dirty,
dusty conditions. Change the oil while the engine is still
warm. See Section 1, Service Views, for oil fill, oil check,
and oil filter locations.
Dispose of all waste materials (engine oil, fuel, filter,
etc.) in an environmentally safe manner.
Note: Reset the maintenance timer on the RDC2
controller after changing the oil.
Oil Change Procedure
Whenever possible, drain the oil while it is still warm.
1. Drain the oil.
a. Press the OFF button on the RDC2 generator
set controller.
b. Disconnect the power for the battery charger.
c. Disconnect the generator set engine starting
battery, negative (--) lead first.
d. Remove the housing side panel.
e. Remove the plug from the oil drain fitting and
install a drain hose.
f. Open the oil drain valve on the engine.
g. Allow time for the engine oil to drain completely.
h. Close the oil drain valve.
i. Replace the oil drain plug.
2. Replace the oil filter.
a. Remove the
counterclockwise with an oil filter wrench.
b. Clean the contact surface of the oil filter
adapter.
c. Apply a light coat of clean oil to the rubber seal
of the new oil filter.
Section 2 Scheduled Maintenance
oil filter by rotating it
19