414-8 Oil capacity

[wheelhorsejoe 4]

Hi, I have a Wheelhorse 414-8 with a Kohler Magnum 14hp. I rebuilt the engine and and filled  it with 2 quarts of oil,when i check the dip stick it does not read full. why is this happening?    

Thank for any info.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,918]

The lube chart calls for 2-1/2 quarts.

You can see it here in the thumbnails

 

[Achto 30,437]

Yep 2 1/2qts in a M14. 

 

Strange fact - I have a M18 twin cylinder, goofy thing only takes 1qt.. 

Edited November 11, 2025 by Achto

[WHX?? 53,707]

4 hours ago, Achto said:

Yep 2 1/2qts in a M14. 

 

Strange fact - I have a M18 twin cylinder, 

Betty? Only takes one quart?? 

[kpinnc 16,514]

M18 twin had full pressure lube. My 23hp Vanguard only uses 1.5 quarts. Oil cooler or not, that's crazy! 

 

A few zero turns started using a remote oils sump that holds over 6 quarts. Claims it extends oil change intervals to over 250 hours... 

[Achto 30,437]

7 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Betty? Only takes one quart?? 

 

Yes sir. 

[Racinbob 12,503]

Just make sure you check your particular engine. My version of that chart is older and that's actually the first time I saw a Kohler single over 2 quarts. It got me wondering about the M14 on the 314-H so I looked at the owners manual (I know, what a concept ) and it's only 2 quarts. 

[WHX?? 53,707]

I never used to even worry about what the book says on oil amount... untill i realized that a PO may have altered the dipstick or replaced it with an incorrect one. 

Now I use Racin Bob's patented juicy juice jug method. Two bottles with measured marks on them . One for drained oil just to know how much was in it and to get an idea of oil consumption.  Another one for clean oil to measure how much goes in according to book. 

I suspect he came up with this when Nancy noticed her kitchen measuring cups missing. 

 

 

[wheelhorsejoe 4]

Tanks to everyone for the info I am going to add 1/2 qt more. But it's funny, first time I have seen a K series take more than 2 qts.

[Racinbob 12,503]

1 hour ago, WHX?? said:

I never used to even worry about what the book says on oil amount... untill i realized that a PO may have altered the dipstick or replaced it with an incorrect one. 

Now I use Racin Bob's patented juicy juice jug method. Two bottles with measured marks on them . One for drained oil just to know how much was in it and to get an idea of oil consumption.  Another one for clean oil to measure how much goes in according to book. 

 

Careful. Some of them jugs are only 60 oz.

 

1 hour ago, WHX?? said:

I suspect he came up with this when Nancy noticed her kitchen measuring cups missing. 

 

I always put them back when I was done. 

[Lee1977 7,499]

49 minutes ago, wheelhorsejoe said:

Tanks to everyone for the info I am going to add 1/2 qt more. But it's funny, first time I have seen a K series take more than 2 qts.

Check your dip stick 2 quarts all ways fill my single Kohlers. I don't have a 14 HP Kohler but Kohler standard size the blocks 10, 12, 14.16, in 1959.

I just checked the Kohler manual It says "Don't go over Full or below Add on the dip stick". Doesn't give a guart amount.

 

 

 

[pfrederi 19,460]

36 minutes ago, Lee1977 said:

Check your dip stick 2 quarts all ways fill my single Kohlers. I don't have a 14 HP Kohler but Kohler standard size the blocks 10, 12, 14.16, in 1959.

I just checked the Kohler manual It says "Don't go over Full or below Add on the dip stick". Doesn't give a guart amount.

 

 

 

 

 

Kohler used several different oil  pans on the big blocks hence different amounts of oil required  For instance #10 regular big base big block...#5 small base (shaker mount) 

 

[mrc 1,034]

2.5 qts will not hurt anything.  i know because my relatives have a 414-8 that i got and service for them.   their property has a big hill.   since the Magnum 14 is just splash lubed it helps to have a little extra in there to provide lubrication on the hills.   been going strong for over 20 years now. 

[kpinnc 16,514]

8 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

I just checked the Kohler manual It says "Don't go over Full or below Add on the dip stick". Doesn't give a guart amount.

 

 

I overfill all my splashers. Just a quarter to half of an inch high won't hurt anything. Especially with hills like I have here. 

[lynnmor 8,384]

23 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

 

I just checked the Kohler manual It says "Don't go over Full or below Add on the dip stick". 

 

That is what you will find in nearly every internal combustion manual ever written.  Overfilling can lead to oil foaming that will reduce lubrication.

[RED-Z06 2,700]

My M10 and M12 wouldn't turn off the oil alert light at 2qts, they were over 2.5 capacity to full.