Operating Your Engine - MTD 5DM Series Operator's Manual

9
Operating
Your
Engine
Starter
Grip
Oil Fill Cap
Oil Drain
Figure 9-1: The major components of the engine. The shroud on your engine may differ.
Read this section before starting your log splitter engine. Compare the illustrations in Figure 9-1 with your log splitter
engine to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Pre-Operation Check
Oil Recommendations
IMPORTANT: This engine is shipped without gasoline or
oil in the engine. Running the engine with insufficient oil
can cause serious engine damage and void the engine
warranty.
• Before starting engine, fill with oil. Do not over-fill. Oil
capacity is about 20 oz.
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 SG/SF. Motor oils classified SG/SF will
show this designation on the container.
SAE 10W-30 is recommended for general, all tem-
perature use. If single viscosity oil is used, select the
appropriate viscosity for the average temperature in your
area from the chart to the right.
NOTE: A 5w30 synthetic oil may be used to improve
startability for cold weather (temperatures below 40
degrees F).
IMPORTANT: Using nondetergent oil or 2-stroke
engine oil could shorten the engine's service life.
Check Oil Level
IMPORTANT: Be sure to check the engine on a level
surface with the engine stopped.
1. Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean.
Know Your Engine
Fuel Cap
Muffler
(ºC)
1. Single Viscosity
2. Multi Viscosity
18
Air Cleaner
Spark Plug
10w
1
20w40, 20w50
15w40, 15w50
2
10w40
10w30
-30º -20º -10º 0º
(ºF)
-20º 0º 20º 40º
Ambient Temperature
20w
20
30
40
10º 20º 30º 40º
60º 80º 100º