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1.4
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.
Refer to Section 6 - “Lubrication System” for detailed
procedures on checking the oil, changing the oil and
changing the oil filter.
Fuel Recommendations
WARNING: Explosive Fuel!
Gasoline is extremely flammable and its vapors can explode if
ignited. Before servicing the fuel system, make sure there are no
sparks, open flames 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 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.
Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less
combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. 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 are not
approved.
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.
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.
*Use of synthetic oil having 5W-20 or 5W-30 rating is
acceptable, up to 40°F.
**Synthetic oils will provide better starting in extreme
cold (below -10
°F).
*
**
Figure 1-3. Oil Container Logo.