Craftsman LT1500 Operator's Manual page 18

ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Checking the Engine Oil
Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification
SF, SG, SH, or SJ. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to
the expected operating temperature. Follow the chart below.
Although multi-viscosity oils (5W20, 10W30, etc.) improve starting
in cold weather, they will result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Colder
5W20
Oil Viscosity Chart
To check the engine oil, proceed as follows:
1. Ensure that the tractor is on a level surface.
2. Clean the oil fill area of any debris.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe with a clean cloth.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. It should be at the
Full mark on the dipstick. See Figure 10.
6. 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.
Dipstick
Full
OK
Add
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.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Warmer
SAE30
Figure 9
Oil Drain
Valve
Oil Drain
Sleeve
Figure 10
7. Replace and tighten dipstick.
Changing Engine Oil
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. With engine OFF but still warm, disconnect spark plug wire and
keep it away from spark plug.
2. Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube. See Figure 9.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to better expose
the drain plug.
4. Clip the oil drain sleeve (packed with this manual) onto the oil
drain port. Route the opposite end of the sleeve into an appropri-
ate oil collection container with a capacity great enough to collect
the used oil.
5. Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable container with a
capacity of no less than 64 oz.
6. Perform steps 2 through 4 in the opposite order after oil has
finished draining.
7. Refill the engine with new motor oil until the oil level on the
dipstick reads FULL. Replace the oil fill cap/dipstick.
Used oil is a hazardous waste product. Dispose of used oil properly.
Do not discard with household waste. Check with your local authori-
ties or or contact 1-800-4-MY-HOME for a list of safe disposal/
recycling facilities.
8. Reconnect spark plug wire.
18
CAUTION