3
OIL AND FUEL INFORMATION
NOTE:
Be sure to read these instructions carefully before attempting
to start or operate this equipment. Using old or improper oil or
fuel can cause engine damage.
Any attempt to crank or start the engine
before it has been properly serviced with the
recommended oil may result in engine dam-
age.
This engine is shipped from the manufactur-
er without oil. Check oil level before starting
engine. The engine will be damaged beyond
repair and will not be covered under war-
ranty if started without oil.
RECOMMENDED OIL TYPE
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the crankcase is
extremely important (Lucas oil 15W-40 is recommended by Dixie
Chopper). Check the oil before each use and change the oil regu-
larly (see Figures 2 and 3). Failure to use the correct oil, or using
dirty oil, can cause premature engine wear and failure.
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with an API service
classification SJ or higher (example: SL or SM). Do NOT use oil
designated "for diesel engines only" (example: CD).
The recommended oil weights include the following:
• During summer months: Lucas oil 15W-40 is recommended by
Dixie Chopper. SAE 30, an acceptable substitute is SAE 10W-
30. After first oil change, synthetic oil is acceptable.
• During winter months: SAE 5W-30 or synthetic 5W-30. After
first oil change, synthetic oil is acceptable.
SAE 30, 10W-30, 15W-40
5W-30
Synthetic 5W-30
CHANGE OIL
See the "Specifications" section for crankcase oil capacities. Use
no special additives. Make sure that the unit is level when filling
with oil. DO NOT OVERFILL.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT OVERFILL. Check and maintain oil level reg-
ularly. Change oil and filter after first eight (8) hours of operation.
Thereafter, change oil and filter every 100 hours of operation.
Change oil more often if engine is operated in dirty or dusty condi-
tions or if engine is operated under heavy loads or in high ambient
air temperatures.
RECOMMENDED FUEL TYPE
Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow
room for fuel expansion.
Never fill the fuel tank indoors, or when the
engine is running or hot. Do not light a ciga-
rette or smoke when filling the fuel tank.
Use clean, fresh, regular UNLEADED gasoline with this engine.
A minimum of 85 octane is recommended. The use of lead-free
gasoline results in fewer combustion deposits and longer valve
life.
NOTE:
Using a fuel additive such as STA-BIL® fuel stabilizer, or an
equivalent, will prevent gum deposits from forming in the
engine’s fuel system.
NOTE:
Some fuels, called oxygenated or reformulated gasoline, are
gasolines blended with alcohols or ethers. Excessive amounts
of these blends can damage the fuel system or cause perfor-
mance problems. Do not use gasoline which contains Methanol.
If any undesirable operating symptoms occur, use gasoline with
a lower percentage of alcohol or ether.
It is also recommended that gasoline be purchased in small quan-
tities, not more than a 30 day supply. FRESH gasoline minimizes
gum deposits, and also will ensure fuel volatility tailored for the
season in which the engine will be operated.
ENGINE EMISSION INFORMATION
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air
Resource Board (CARB) require that this engine comply with
exhaust emission standards. This engine is certified to meet the
applicable EPA and CARB emission levels on gasoline. The emis-
sion control system on this engine consists of the following:
• Air Induction System
~ Intake Pipe/Manifold
~ Air Cleaner Assembly
• Fuel System
~ Carburetor/Mixer
~ Pulse Fuel Pump
~ Fuel Lines
• Ignition System
~ Spark Plug
~ Ignition Module
• Exhaust System
~ Muffler
General Information