Oil levels

[RandyT]

Kohler/Rehlko, Kawasaki, Tecumseh, Honda, SBD(legacy MTD) all instruct to check the oil without screwing in the dipstick. Briggs is the only exception. Push in dipsticks are always fully inserted to check oil level.

Kawasaki engines have the instructions molded into the dipstick itself.

 

[WinterDeere]

Kohler/Rehlko, Kawasaki, Tecumseh, Honda, SBD(legacy MTD) all instruct to check the oil without screwing in the dipstick. Briggs is the only exception.

I'm glad you posted this, since I've been wracking my brain the last day trying to remember which is which.

I knew my Briggs-powered Toro (albeit 50+ years old) mower was one that said to screw it in, but honestly, I though the Tecumseh-powered Ariens snow blower also said to screw it in. My Hondas and Subaru engines are all check without screwing, as are the front axles on all of my Deere tractors.

I've never seen a screw-in dipstick on a Kawi, I've only ever seen push-in dipsticks on those. Same with Yanmar (Deere) engines and hydro transaxles, all push-in dispticks.

 

[DarkBlack]

I can't believe how many people are posting about variability in oil pan capacity or dip stick variations. Do you honestly believe that the error is significant enough to cause these misreadings?

Sure buddy…

Cranks, pistons, rods, and every other component are made out of spec all the time, according to you, not the almighty dipstick system.
If you believe there’s zero chance of that component being mis-manufactured/mislabeled, in a different engine block, then simply ignore everything else and put 100% faith in it as you appear to advocate.

Me… I’d double check before making that decision, but that’s just me, and I try to pass in an ounce of wisdom and caution….

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

The JD LT160 uses a Kohler Command CV460S, and Kohler has a nice 148 page manual for that engine. On p.49 it says to rest the dipstick on the threads, but not screw it in, when checking the oil:

View attachment 3713364

https://resources.kohler.com/power/kohler/enginesUS/pdf/tp_2339_d.pdf

This'd be one of those cases I'd be leaving a nice note to myself in Sharpie, on the underside of the hood. I'm terrible at remembering this stuff, but I'm great at leaving myself notes.

I love permanent sharpie markers.
Every car under hood:

19mm (pan drain bolt)
Wix 51334 (filter)
4 qts. 5W-20 (oil quantity+type)

Same with mowers, tractors

 

[RandyT]

I've never seen a screw-in dipstick on a Kawi, I've only ever seen push-in dipsticks on those. Same with Yanmar (Deere) engines and hydro transaxles, all push-in dispticks.

Vertical shaft Kawasaki engine used on lawnmowers.

 

[rontaki]

If the oil gets frothy, the engine is very likely overfilled. Foamy oil, for whatever reason, does not lubricate adequately.

 

[Hay Dude]

Many people underestimate the importance of being on level ground. Side to side and front to back is crucial.
Another issue I had once is the dip stick “cap” can sometimes come loose and slide up/down the dipstick itself.
Also if you drain hot, the install filter and add the specified number of quarts, you’ll be high because there’s still oil in between the head and valve cover that will drain down into your new oil.