ZTR Oil Change Question

[Riddler]

I have a MTD Pro ZTR with a 25 HP Kohler Command V-Twin. The engine (Model CV25S) is supposed to have a 2 quart oil capacity. When I change oil though (including filter), I only seem to get about 1 and 1/4 quarts out and back in, even after warming the thing up so everything drains well. When I'm done, I turn the engine over a bunch to make sure the filter is full before checking the oil level. It reads past the "full" line.

Should I expect to get a full two quarts out and back in? Is there a trick to it that I am unaware of? Does the oil cooler not drain completely when the oil is being changed?

In a related question, does this engine have a low oil level sensor or cut off? I found out the hard way that the engine in my Kawasaki Mule doesn't. Curious if this powerplant is protected to some degree from dummies like me.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a couple of Kohler Commands but none have oil coolers. All of them I get 2 qts out and 2 qts in.

Chris

 

[Riddler]

Thanks Chris.

Since I posted, I've been wondering. What is the worst that can happen if I refill with two quarts despite the dipstick reading full at one and a half quarts? Perhaps the dipstick wasn't installed accurately when the engine was put together (i.e., it sits slightly low in relation to the bottom of the oil pan)? If I find that everything functions normally with a full two quarts, then I simply recalibrate the fill line on the dipstick and go from there. I guess what I am saying is that if the engine is designed to accommodate two quarts, perhaps I should go with that regardless of what the dipstick is telling me.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Is its possible that the oil cooler is not full? Try putting in 2 qts and starting it and allowing it to run for 2 minuets or so and let it cool for maybe 10 minutes then check the level. It may be just at 2 qts.

Kind of like my diesel truck. It takes 15 qts but when I change the oil it shows 1qt high. Let it run and then shut it off and once that monster oil filter is full its right on the mark.

Chris

 

[RandyT]

I think that engine has the screw in dipstick. if it is the screw in do not screw in to check level. it is designed to sit on top of the threads to get proper reading.

 

[tractorboy5500]

I have the JD 465 ZT, when i change the oil, i tilt it back some, but like you cant seem to get the 100% of the old oil out, and it dont have an oil cooler, and the way the filter is mounted, it should drain back when not running.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It should not drain back the oil in the filter if you use a quality filter or the oem on due to the anti drain back valve.

Chris

 

[tractorboy5500]

Guess your right, i didnt think about the check valve, mybe thats where the 1/3 quart of oil might be, when i take the old filter off and turn it upside down, there isnt alot of oil in it. But then again, most of it drains on its own when taking it off.