Kohler Comand Pro CH1000 Service Manual page 8

Section 1
Safety and General Information
Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. So is checking
oil daily and changing oil regularly. It is also
recommended that a consistent brand of oil be used.
Failure to use the correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes
premature engine wear and failure.
Oil Type
Use high-quality detergent oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) Service Class SG, SH, SJ
or higher. Select the viscosity based on the air
temperature at the time of operation as shown in the
following table.
R E C O M M E N D E D S A E V I S C O S I T Y G R A D E S
**
*
5W-20, 5W-30
°F -20 0 20 32
°C -30 -20 -10 0
TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
* Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is acceptable,
up to 4°C (40°F)
** Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme cold below
23°C (-10°F)
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
NOTE: Synthetic oils meeting the listed
classifi cations may be used with oil changes
performed at the recommended intervals.
However, to allow piston rings to properly
seat, a new or rebuilt engine should be
operated for at least 50 hours using standard
petroleum based oil before switching to
synthetic oil.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifi es the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 1-3.
SAE
10W30
Figure 1-3. Oil Container Logo.
1.4
10W-30
Kohler 10W-30
40 60 80 100
10 20 30 40
Refer to Section 6 - Lubrication System for detailed
procedures on checking the oil, changing the oil and
changing the oil fi lter.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely fl ammable and its vapors can explode
if ignited. Before servicing the fuel system, make sure there
are no sparks, open fl ames or other sources of ignition
nearby as these can ignite gasoline vapors. Disconnect and
ground the spark plug leads to prevent the possibility of
sparks from the ignition system.
General Recommendations
Purchase gasoline in small quantities that can be used
within 30 days, and store only in clean, approved
containers. Do not use gasoline left over from the
previous season, unless treated with a fuel stabilizer
(see Storage), to minimize gum deposits and ensure
easy starting. Do not use gasoline containing
Methanol, or add oil to the gasoline.
Do not overfi ll the fuel tank. Leave room for the fuel
to expand.
Fuel Type
For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87
(R+M)/2 or higher. In countries using the Research
Octane Number (RON), it should be 90 octane
minimum. Leaded gasoline is not recommended and
must not be used on EFI engines or on other models
where exhaust emissions are regulated.
Gasoline/Alcohol blends
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded
gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel for Kohler
engines. Other gasoline/alcohol blends including E20
and E85 are not to be used and not approved. Any
failures resulting from use of these fuels will not be
warranted.
Gasoline/Ether blends
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded
gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by
volume) are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.