Cub Cadet MTD P90 Series - Manual (Page 14)

P90 Series Vertical Shaft Engines
8
Oil type and capacity
The recommended oil for MTD engines is an SAE 10W-30 oil with an SM API rating or better. The oil capacity for
all of the P90 series engines is 57 fl.oz (1.7 liters).
• Check the oil level daily and change the oil more frequently in severe operating conditions such as high
ambient temperature, dusty conditions, or high load use in exceptionally thick grass.
• 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. Synthetic is made up of smaller molecules. This allows the oil to get into areas that petro-
leum based oil cannot.
• No oil additives or viscosity modifiers are recommended. The performance of a good oil meeting the API
specifications will not be improved by oil additives.
NOTE: Some oil additives may cause severe and non warrantable engine damage, constituting a lubrication
failure.
NOTE: If the oil is noticeably thin, or smells of gasoline, a carburetor repair may be needed before the engine
can be run safely.
To check the oil:
1. Twist and remove the dipstick from the engine.
2. Clean the oil off of the tip of the dipstick.
3. Re-insert the dipstick and turn it until it is fully
seated to get the oil level reading. See Figure 1.4.
4. The oil level is determined by the highest point on
the dipstick that is completely covered with oil.
Figure 1.4
Fully seat the
dip stick before
reading it