Oil Level measuring

[jhonb]

I have always wondered when checking the oil on my John Deer lawn tractor, should I screw in the cap to get the level or should I just measure from where it stops when I just dip in it. I have always screwed in the cap, but there is a noticeable difference depending on which you you do it.
Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[seville009]

I always screw in the cap to measure.....not on a Deere specifically, but on any measuring stick. Just like on an auto dipstick that is push in - i push it all the way in the get a reading.

 

[Roadworthy]

I do the same - I bottom the dipstick.

 

[Deere Dude]

Check the owners manual. Some models just rest the cap on the tube. Easy to forget over the years.

 

[jhonb]

Check the owners manual. Some models just rest the cap on the tube. Easy to forget over the years.

I thought of that but there is no mention in the manual. But what I should have done in the first place is google it. I found this on B&S web page.
So now I know that I have been doing it right all along.
Thanks everyone for their input.

"

• Step 3: Inspect the Oil. If there is no dipstick, dab the oil with a clean tip of the cloth to inspect the oil. If the engine includes a dipstick cap, remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.
  • To ensure an accurate reading, reinsert the dipstick completely. If the dipstick cap is a screw-in type, ensure an accurate reading by screwing in all the way before removing it to check the level.
  • Then, remove it again and check the oil level.

 

[bmg88201]

On my JD X300, the manual says to Not screw the dip stick on but to let it rest on the fill tube threads to check the level. If I do screw it on, the level reads over full.

 

[jhonb]

On my JD X300, the manual says to Not screw the dip stick on but to let it rest on the fill tube threads to check the level. If I do screw it on, the level reads over full.

What brand of engine is in your X300?

 

[RandyT]

Briggs is screw in. Kohler and Kawasaki are rest on top of the thread, or more specifically rest cap on top of threads and turn backwards until cap drops onto thread.. Seems like the Kohler and Kawasaki both say not to screw in right on the metal part of the dipstick.

 

[bmg88201]

What brand of engine is in your X300?

It’s a 2010 17HP Kawasaki

 

[RoyJackson]

Read the manual...
The manual for my Z920 states to unscrew the dipstick, wipe it down, than put it back in the tube, but do not screw it back down

 

[jaydee325]

The owners manual for the LA120 says to screw in dipstick to check engine oil level (page 25 of the on line manual).

 

[jhonb]

The owners manual for the LA120 says to screw in dipstick to check engine oil level (page 25 of the on line manual).

Yikes, I have the manual and looked and never found it. So I just went out to the garage to get it. I turned to page 25 and guess what? There it was.
Again, thanks everyone for your help.

 

[beenthere]

The small difference in oil level between the two methods can't be significant to the operation, in my opinion.

 

[RandyT]

@beenthere The difference in the two levels would result in being overfilled about 6-8 ounces. On some engines would be enough to cause mosquito fogging on slopes.

 

[jhonb]

The small difference in oil level between the two methods can't be significant to the operation, in my opinion.

In my particular engine, when I do it both ways, one says full the other says add.

 

[RoyJackson]

In my particular engine, when I do it both ways, one says full the other says add.

About the same on my Z920...the manual specifies to not thread the cap.
I reckon your mower may have the same Kawasaki engine my Z920 has

 

[jhonb]

About the same on my Z920...the manual specifies to not thread the cap.
I reckon your mower may have the same Kawasaki engine my Z920 has

Actually, mines is a B&S and you have to screw it in, but we both get the same variance when we do it wrong.

 

[beenthere]

@beenthere The difference in the two levels would result in being overfilled about 6-8 ounces. On some engines would be enough to cause mosquito fogging on slopes.

So... if fogging on slopes then still not a major problem. just sayin...

 

[jhonb]

So... if fogging on slopes then still not a major problem. just sayin...

Well, unless you live in California, then you get life in prison....

 

[RandyT]

So... if fogging on slopes then still not a major problem. just sayin...

Unless in some cases it also caused it to break the reed valve in the breather assembly requiring complete engine teardown to replace the breather on the inside of the block.