Engine Maintenance; How To Check The Oil; How To Change The Oil; Required Sae Viscosity Grades - Craftsman 536.270320 - 13.5 HP 30 in. Deck Operator's Manual

MAINTENANCE
ENGINE 2.
3.
HOW TO CHECK THE OIL
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine runs.
1. Make sure the unit is level.
2. Clean the area around the dipstick (Figure 24). Remove the
dipstick, Wipe the oil from the dipstick,
3. Insert the dipstick into the oil fill tube. Turn the dipstick clock-
wise until it is tight. Remove the dipstick, Check the oil level on
the dipstick. The oil level must reach the FULL mark on the
dipstick.
4. If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the
dipstick, The quantity of oil needed from ADD to FULL is
shown on the dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
Air Screen
Dipstick
Remove the oil drain plug. Drain the oil completely from the
engine. Install and tighten the oil drain plug.
Only use a high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG, SH, SJ or SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity
grade according to the expected operating temperature using
the temperature chart below:
NOTE: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API certifica-
tion mark and API service symbol (shown at left) with "S J/
CF ENERGY CONSERVING" or higher, is an acceptable
oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic oil does not alter
required oil change intervals.
Required SAE viscosity grades
I _I_I,] I
I
F 2p p 2p 321o 1o _o 1po
c 30 20 1_ _ 1_ _0 3'0 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
Oil Drain Plug / Figure 24
HOW TO CHANGE THE OIL
NOTE: Do not drain the oil from a cold engine. Before you drain
the oil, let the engine run for several minutes. Make sure you do
not get oil on the belts.
1. With the engine OFF but still warm, place the engine level and
disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
* CAUTION: Air cooled engines run hotter than automotive
engines. The use of non-synthetic multi-viscosity oils (5W-30,
10W-30, etc.) in temperatures above 40 ° F (4 ° C) will result in
higher than normal oil consumption. When using a
multi-viscosity oil, check oil level more frequently.
** CAUTION: SAE 30 oil, if used below 40 ° F (4 ° C), will result in
hard starting and possible engine bore damage due to
inadequate lubrication.
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30, etc.)
improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased
oil consumption when used above 320 F. Check the engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
4.
Clean the area around the dipstick. Remove the dipstick.
Slowly pour approximately 48 ounces (3 pints) of oil into the oil
fill tube.
Insert the dipstick into the oil fill tube. Turn the dipstick in a
clockwise direction until it is tight. Remove the dipstick. Check
the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level must reach the FULL
mark on the dipstick.
HOW TO CLEAN THE COOLING SYSTEM
The engine is air cooled. The air that cools the engine enters through
the air screen on top of the engine. Clean the air screen every 100
hours or every year as follows.
1. Remove any grass, dirt or debris from the air screen with a
cloth or brush (see Figure 24).
2. Inspect the edge of the engine shroud for grass or debris.
Remove any grass or debris visible at the bottom edge of the
engine shroud.
MS-3620MA
HOW TO CHECK THE MUFFLER
26
Check the muffler every 50 hours. Make sure the muffler is correctly
mounted and is not loose. If the muffler is worn or burnt, replace with
a new muffler. A worn muffler is a fire hazard and can damage the
engine.
If you mount a spark arrester to the muffler, also check the spark
arrester when you check the muffler. If the spark arrester is worn or
damaged, replace it with a new spark arrester purchased from a
Sears Service Center.