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Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION
55
Changing Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil Filter
For Model MT and MTEFI, change the engine crank-
case oil after every 100 hours of operation and re-
place the oil filter every other oil change (every 200
hours of operation).
For Model MTL, change the engine crankcase oil af-
ter every 200 hours of operation and replace the oil
filter at the same time.
1. Park the mower on a level surface with the en-
gine stopped. The engine oil should be warm
before draining. If not warm from operation,
start the engine and run a few minutes to warm
the oil.
2. Remove the dipstick and the oil drain plug and
drain the oil into a suitable container. Be sure to
allow ample time for complete drainage.
Oil Drain/Oil Filter Location
3. Before removing the oil filter, clean the area
around the filter to keep dirt and debris out of
the engine.
4. Remove the old oil filter and wipe off the filter
mounting surface on the engine.
5. Apply a thin coating of clean oil to the rubber
gasket on the replacement oil filter.
IMPORTANT: Use ONLY oil filters from the en-
gine manufacturer (Kohler 12-050-01). After-
market oil filters may not seal properly and/or
may not have the correct pressure relief valve
for proper lubrication.
6. Install the new oil filter on the engine. Turn the
filter clockwise until the rubber gasket contacts
the sealing surface, then tighten an additional
1/2 turn.
7. Reinstall the drain plug. Make sure it is tight-
ened to 10 ft-lb (13.6 N
·m).
8. Fill the crankcase through the oil filler tube (dip-
stick opening) with new, clean oil. Use only
crankcase lubricants recommended by the en-
gine manufacturer. Refer to
Specifications in
this manual or the engine owner’s manual. Use
the recommended oil viscosity for the expected
ambient temperature. Oil with the correct vis-
cosity will aid starting in cold weather and assure
proper lubrication in hot weather. Fill up to, but
not above, the “F” mark on the dipstick.
Crankcase capacity is 1.85 quarts (1.75 liters)
plus 1/2 pint (.24 liters) for the new oil filter.
IMPORTANT: Check the dipstick reading be-
fore adding the last 1/2 pint of oil and fill only to
the “F” mark. DO NOT overfill the crankcase
(oil above “F” mark) as this CAN result in en-
gine overheating, loss of power, and possible
engine damage.
9. Start the engine and check for oil leaks around
the oil filter. Stop the engine, recheck the oil lev-
el, and add oil if necessary. (When the engine
is first operated with a new oil filter, the oil level
drops slightly as the filter is filled with oil.)
Grease Fitting and Oil Point Lubrication
Lubricate the grease fittings and oil points after ev-
ery 25 hours of operation. Lubricate more often
when operating in dusty or dirty conditions. Use
SAE general purpose lithium or molybdenum base
grease for grease fittings and light machine oil (SAE
10) to lubricate oil points. Lubricate the locations
shown in the Chassis and Deck Lubrication
Points illustration.
NOTE: PTO universal joints (on the deck and trac-
tor) require routine lubrication after every 8 hours of
running time. Remove tractor PTO quick disconnect
tube assembly for easy access to grease fittings.
Oil Filter
Drain Plug