Kohler LH630-775 Service Manual page 6

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. 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.
**
*
*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
classifications 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 identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3. Oil Container Logo.
1.4
Refer to Section 6 - "Lubrication System" for detailed
procedures on checking the oil, changing the oil and
changing the oil filter.
Coolant Recommendations
Use equal parts of ethylene glycol and water only.
Distilled or deionized water is recommended,
especially in areas where the water contains a high
mineral content. Propylene glycol based antifreeze is
not recommended.
This mixture will provide protection from -37°C
(-34°F) to 108°C (226°F). For protection and use
outside the indicated temperature limits, follow the
antifreeze manufacturer's instructions on the
container, but do not exceed 70% antifreeze.
DO NOT use antifreeze with stop-leak additive(s), or
put any other additives in the cooling system.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode
if ignited. Store gasoline only in approved containers, in
well ventilated, unoccupied buildings, away from sparks or
flames. Do not fill the fuel tank while the engine is hot or
running, since spilled fuel could ignite if it comes in contact
with hot parts or sparks from ignition. Do not start the
engine near spilled fuel. Never use gasoline as a cleaning
agent.
General Recommendations
Purchase gasoline in small quantities and store in
clean, approved containers. A container with a
capacity of 2 gallons or less with a pouring spout is
recommended. Such a container is easier to handle
and helps eliminate spillage during refueling.
Do not use gasoline left over from the previous
season, to minimize gum deposits in your fuel system
and to ensure easy starting.
Do not add oil to the gasoline.
Do not overfill 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 or
higher. In countries using the Research method, it
should be 90 octane minimum.