Oil Level on a Kohler 181

[64ozwaterclub]

I went to change the oil for the first time on my Cud Cadet 8hp Kohler 181. I don't see any clear markings on the dip stick to let me know when I have enough oil in it. I've included some pictures. I'm not sure if that is a line right where the two pieces split apart.

Thanks,

Kyle

[J-Mech]

That engine holds 1 qt. Drain and refill, then see where it hits on the stick.

NOTE: That dipstick doesn't look right to me.

Statement: Now, here's my million dollar question. You've owned this machine since....?? (2012?) And you just now realize you don't know how to read the dipstick? How do you know it had any oil, or the right amount of oil in it up till now?? Don't mean to be a d$%K but......

[zippy1]

There is a handy booklet that comes with every tractor from the factory, and if it's used they can be obtained, it's called a owners manual. J.Mech is correct, don't look like any dipstick markings I've seen.
Read a manual and familiarize yourself, expectantly on oil levels, very important.

[nikster]

On the average when using any of my machines they are run for about 1 to 1 1/2hrs.. So for the next use I religiously fill my tank & check the oil. Not once a week or once a month but EVERYTIME I start them.

Don't wanna be one of those guys that take things for granted.

Just saying!

NIK,

My # 1250 has a similar looking dip stick that has a split in it.

[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by nikster

On the average when using any of my machines they are run for about 1 to 1 1/2hrs.. So for the next use I religiously fill my tank & check the oil. Not once a week or once a month but EVERYTIME I start them.

Don't wanna be one of those guys that take things for granted.

Just saying!

NIK,

My # 1250 has a similar looking dip stick that has a split in it.

My 1450 has a dipstick with a split as well, but the split is at the top of the dipstick, not the bottom

And I agree with what you said; I check my oil and fuel EVERY time I fire up a machine. It just doesn't make sense to me not to take literally 15 seconds and open the hood, pull the stick, put it back, and close the hood. Besides, it can be a warning to an impending engine failure if it starts burning/losing oil

[64ozwaterclub]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

That engine holds 1 qt. Drain and refill, then see where it hits on the stick.

NOTE: That dipstick doesn't look right to me.

Statement: Now, here's my million dollar question. You've owned this machine since....?? (2012?) And you just now realize you don't know how to read the dipstick? How do you know it had any oil, or the right amount of oil in it up till now?? Don't mean to be a d$%K but......

Run time since I've bought it has been less than 20 minutes. Oil level has never moved.

[darkminion_17]

Looks like a cut dipstick to me.is it loose in the tube? I have the correct one and it does not look like yours.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by 64ozwaterclub

Run time since I've bought it has been less than 20 minutes. Oil level has never moved.

Ok, I understand. But how do you know that it didn't have 3qts of oil in it? Or maybe only 1/2qt?

Looks like someone made your dipstick. I went out and checked all that I have laying here, and I couldn't find any that were made like that. Several have splits in them, at the TOP, not the bottom. I'd drain and refill with 1 qt and see where it hits. If it isn't on the stick, find a new dipstick.

[64ozwaterclub]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

Looks like a cut dipstick to me.is it loose in the tube? I have the correct one and it does not look like yours.

There is a little play in the dip stick. It has a wing nut in the cap to hold it in place. Maybe I need to look for a new dip stick.

[Cubby guy]

The dip stick for my 800 is split, but there is a lot more stick under the split.

I performed an oil change on my machine this spring, and it took 33-1/2 oz of oil to reach the full mark. The full mark on mine would be just about where yours appears to be cut.