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Four-Cycle Engine • Horizontal Crankshaft • Air-Cooled
181-719-14
III. Oil and Fuel Specifications
A. Oil
To operate engine you need to use a clean, high quality,
detergent oil. For recommended engine oil, see Table 1. In
addition, you need to be sure the oil sump contains the
correct amount of oil to operate properly.
NOTES
The oil sump capacity for OH318EA models is 26 ounces
or 1-5/8 U.S. Pints (.78 liters).
Be sure original container is marked A.P.I. Service “SL/SJ”.
Using multigrade oil above 32°F (0°C) will increase oil
consumption. SAE 10W40 is NOT recommended.
Special-formulated oils are available at your Authorized
TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer.
B. Fuel
Use
unleaded regular, unleaded premium or reformulated
automotive fuel only. You may use gasoline containing the
components identified in Table 2.
• DO NOT use leaded fuel.
• Fuel must be fresh and clean. NEVER use fuel left
over from last season or stored for long periods.
• NEVER mix oil with fuel.
• DO NOT use fuel containing Methanol (Wood Alcohol).
The use of alternative fuels such as E85
or E20 are NOT recommended for use in
TecumsehPower engines. Alternative fuels with high
alcohol content can cause hard starting, poor engine
performance, and may cause internal engine damage.
NOTE
Damage and/or performance problems that occur from use
of fuels, other than those listed in the Operator’s Manuals
will not be considered warranty.
IV. Before Starting Your Engine
A. Checking Oil Level
To avoid engine damage, it is important to:
• Check oil level before each use and every 5
operating hours when engine is warm. Check oil
level more frequently during engine break-in.
• Keep oil level between “FULL” and “ADD” marks on
dipstick. See Figure 7.
• Be sure oil fill cap is tightened securely.
NOTES
DO NOT overfill oil filler. Doing so may result in oil
carry-over to the air cleaner and equipment and cause
malfunction or damage.
DO NOT allow oil level to fall below the “ADD” mark on dipstick.
Doing so may result in equipment malfunction or damage.
Contact your Authorized TecumsehPower Servicing Dealer
for TecumsehPower Oil.
CAUTION
Table 1. Recommended Oil
Table 2. Recommended Fuel
Fuel Component
Percentage
Ethanol
10%
Grain Alcohol (“Gasohol”)
10%
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
15%
ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)
15%
Figure 7. Engine Oil Level
-20 F
O
32 F
O
32 F
O
32 F
O
40 F
O
-20 C
O
20 F
O
40 C
O
30 C
O
20 C
O
10 C
O
0 C
O
-10 C
O
-30 C
O
0 F
O
60 F
O
80 F
O
100 F
O
Straight Grade
730225A or SAE 30W
TecumsehPower Part No.
Multi Grade
730226A or SAE 5W30 or SAE 10W
TecumsehPower Part No.
TecumsehPower
730263 or SAE 0W30
Synthetic Part No.
TecumsehPower Recommended Oil Usage
FULL
ADD
OK
Fill Between “FULL”
and “ADD” Marks
