Cub Cadet MTD P71 Series - Manual (Page 14)

P71 Series Vertical Shaft Engines
8
Oil type and capacity
The recommended oil for MTD engines is an SAE 30 oil with an SM API rating or better. The oil capacity is 17.0-
20.3 fl.oz (0.5-0.6 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.
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