Cub Cadet MTD 70 Series - Manual (Page 69)

Lubrication
63
Oil type and quantity
The recommended oil for MTD engines is an SAE 10W-30 oil with an SM API rating or better. The oil capacity is
17.0- 20.3 fl.oz (0.5-0.6 liters).
• If the oil is noticeably thin, or smells of gasoline, carburetor repair may be needed before the engine can
be run safely.
• Check the oil level frequently and change the oil more frequently in severe operating conditions such as
exceptionally deep snow falls.
• Synthetic oil is a suitable alternative, but it does not extend service intervals.
NOTE: MTD recommends the use of petroleum oil during the break in period to ensure the piston rings cor-
rectly break in.
Synthetic vs. Petroleum based oil: To simply look at synthetic oil and to compare it with Petroleum based oil there
is very little difference. However, when you look at the two through a microscope it is easy to see the difference. Syn-
thetic is made up of smaller molecules. This allows the oil to get into areas that petroleum based oil cannot.
SAE 40
SAE 30
SAE 10W30/SAE 10W40
SAE 5W20
-4°F 14°F 32°F 50°F 68°F 86°F 104°F
-20°C -10°C 0°C 10°C 20°C 30°C 40°C
Oil Chart
CHAPTER 5: LUBRICATION