CK series owners- clarify where you fill your engine oil: location on engine

[Everhard]

Not sure if the ck20s engine is a completely different animal compared to the bigger brothers but as I just did my oil change yesterday I can definitely say the new oil goes in the valve cover - there's a tube that rises from the top of the cover and the cap even says "Oil" on it not to mention the owners manual says to fill from there.
When I did the oil change I poured the oil in, with the funnel I use that goes pretty quickly. I always regardless of what I change oil in give that oil a few minutes to drain down thru the engine. When I then start the engine up to circulate the oil and get it thru the oil filter I can't say it started up any different then any other time. Never any sign that the engine was having issues turning over. Then of course I top up the engine with more oil, and again after that no issues with starting it after that final fill. Again I don't know if my engine is different from the bigger tractors in the series.

On a side note I also did the fuel filter and expected that to cause the engine to hiccup or show some sign that it wasn't running smoothly but instead it started up and ran like nothing had happened at all.

E.

 

[DK35vince]

Not sure if the ck20s engine is a completely different animal compared to the bigger brothers but as I just did my oil change yesterday I can definitely say the new oil goes in the valve cover - there's a tube that rises from the top of the cover and the cap even says "Oil" on it not to mention the owners manual says to fill from there.
When I did the oil change I poured the oil in, with the funnel I use that goes pretty quickly. I always regardless of what I change oil in give that oil a few minutes to drain down thru the engine. When I then start the engine up to circulate the oil and get it thru the oil filter I can't say it started up any different then any other time. Never any sign that the engine was having issues turning over. Then of course I top up the engine with more oil, and again after that no issues with starting it after that final fill. Again I don't know if my engine is different from the bigger tractors in the series.

I think most all newer compact tractor engines vent into the intake in some way for pollution control stuff.
Adding oil through the valve cover is only an issue if you try poring to fast and the valve cover overflows oil out the vent tube into the intake.
Don't pore to fast and there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[K man]

My Ck30 has the oil fill on top of the valve cover like any engine regardless if tractor, car etc the dipstick is lower just above the oil pan and not for filling.

 

[Coyote machine]

My Ck30 has the oil fill on top of the valve cover like any engine regardless if tractor, car etc the dipstick is lower just above the oil pan and not for filling.

That doesn't necessarily mean that is where to fill the oil to create the best case scenario. If you read the entire thread you'll see that these engines are used in different markets around the world with different pollution controls, and that many are instructed by their Kioti dealer to fill at the lower point on the block to avoid hydro-lock episodes that could/can/may cause minor to severe engine related issues.

I intended this thread to inform those who weren't aware of the possibility of potential problems with filling these engines at the valve cover. Why take unnecessary risks that can easily be avoided?:confused3:

 

[TJP89]

Now you guys have me confused. I don't think anyone is saying that the dipstick is where to fill, and I agree. But, most are saying that the valve cover is not the best. But from what I can tell from the manual, the valve cover is the only place to fill the engine except the dipstick, I haven't seen another place. I do remember that there is an orange cap, I think on the IP or hydro pump, but that doesn't look like it a) comes off easily, and b) goes to the engine block. I'll have to look when I get home, but I ruled that out pretty quick. The manual picture looks like it's a copy of a copy printed on a bad printer, so I've been kinda guessing, some help would be appreciated. Luckily my setup only allows me to pour slowly through the valve cap, so no worries there. but still:confused3:

 

[ritcheyvs]

As I said in post #10, some engines have a second fill port on the right side near the IP and some don't. If you have the side port but insist on filling through the valve cover you might hydro-lock your engine; that's on you. If you have the fill port on the side, use it. If you only have the fill port on the valve cover you have to use it but pour slowly.

 

[747driver]

Now you guys have me confused. I don't think anyone is saying that the dipstick is where to fill, and I agree. But, most are saying that the valve cover is not the best. But from what I can tell from the manual, the valve cover is the only place to fill the engine except the dipstick, I haven't seen another place. I do remember that there is an orange cap, I think on the IP or hydro pump, but that doesn't look like it a) comes off easily, and b) goes to the engine block. I'll have to look when I get home, but I ruled that out pretty quick. The manual picture looks like it's a copy of a copy printed on a bad printer, so I've been kinda guessing, some help would be appreciated. Luckily my setup only allows me to pour slowly through the valve cap, so no worries there. but still:confused3:

I have a CK27. I made the mistake by pouring to fast on the valve cover fill port. Had a slight hydro lok but the tractor did start. The engine is still blowing smoke but is getting better each time i run it !! Yes...the manual shows using the valve cover port. But 'Coyote machine' helped me out saying there should be a fill port on the lower block by the fuel filter. At first i couldn't get the cap off...but i finally got the orange cap to unscrew. It is easy to put a funnel in it and pour your oil. Why take a chance on the valve cover when there is a better place to do it .

 

[Coyote machine]

And, to further clarify, and hopefully bring an end to the confusion this issue has presented; if there is ONLY a dipstick hole on the side of the block, then it is not the fill port we've been discussing and one is forced to use the valve cover hole - SLOWLY filling the engine crankcase to capacity.
Different engine configurations on similar models for different years of manufacturer. And Multiplicity - (the movie), type owner's manuals and service manuals; what's not to like from the standpoint of being clear as mud?!:confused3::confused2:

 

[747driver]

And, to further clarify, and hopefully bring an end to the confusion this issue has presented; if there is ONLY a dipstick hole on the side of the block, then it is not the fill port we've been discussing and one is forced to use the valve cover hole - SLOWLY filling the engine crankcase to capacity.
Different engine configurations on similar models for different years of manufacturer. And Multiplicity - (the movie), type owner's manuals and service manuals; what's not to like from the standpoint of being clear as mud?!:confused3::confused2:

Clear as mud...as in your post which brought to light the different options. Sure helped me become a wiser new tractor owner ! Thanks...

 

[Coyote machine]

Clear as mud...as in your post which brought to light the different options. Sure helped me become a wiser new tractor owner ! Thanks...

You're welcome. I hate the unnecessary confusion some technical things bring to our tables, especially when the manufacturer(s) ought to be making every effort to make them clear as day, even to those with no prior knowledge or training.
The confusion over something as simple as where to fill and engine with oil is inexcusable, IMHO.
Especially since it can cause something as detrimental as hydro-lock if one is unaware of the downside...:duh::banghead: