JMW 3 #1 Posted February 18, 2012 I've got an older 12hp kohler s/g engine with a wide base oil pan.The engine has no dipstick.. just an oil fill plug.Two questions....How much oil should it hold and is there a way to add a dipstick to it? Thanks in advance...Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 178 #2 Posted February 18, 2012 The plug should have a dipstick attached to it. You'll be safe putting 2 quarts in it, I think they actually call for 1 3/4, but I've always used 2. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,130 #3 Posted February 18, 2012 the 1972 kohler manual states 2 quarts. i remember reading somewhere in a manual when i got my 1054 that it was 1 3/4 (although i cant find any reference to it now) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #4 Posted February 18, 2012 I'll throw a different number out there! The Lube Recommendations manual states 2 1/2 Qts for a bunch of the early S/G big blocks. Interesting that it lists only 1 1/4 qts for a 953 though, I didnt think they used the shallow pan? The manual is available in the files section: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Martin 2,130 #5 Posted February 18, 2012 mike, i forgot about looking at this chart. i remember now that i was about all the different quantities that there are for the same stuff. whats up with that. wheelhorse one amount, kohler another...... i was wrong about the 1054 amount too as i remember looking at this chart when i first got the 1054. and it was more not less. im not sure where i thought it was 1 3/4. then i guess i started going by the k series manual from 1972 and used 2 quarts for all of them. i cant see where 2 1/2 would hurt though. i might do that next time and look in the filler with a flashlight and see how the level looks with the crank etc. i would think if the oil was just up to the bottom of the crank journal, right at the rod nuts that would be about as high as you would want to go. im sure if the crank had to push through a bunch of oil all the time that would hurt the hp some. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #6 Posted February 18, 2012 Yeah, I dont know. I would be tempted to go with Kohlers recommendation over Wheel Horses (Kohler should know best right?). I know I have a 12 hp engine in my plow machine thats smokes like a train until the oil level gets to about a pint below the "Low" mark!! When I've finished my coffee I'll go back out to the garage and measure the dipstick lengths for the record. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #7 Posted February 18, 2012 I checked the dipsticks in 3 big block Kohlers that I have here, and they are all the same (1276,1057 and a Charger engines). From the bottom of the plug: F = 8", L = 8 7/8" and the stick itself is 9 3/16" long. Rememnber that on a Kohler the level is checked with the dipstick unscrewed, and the flat on the bottom of the plug resting on the engine block. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #8 Posted February 19, 2012 i know were not talking about magnums but in the operators manual there are different volumes for different motors,310,312,414,416 are 2 1/2 quarts,the 308 is 1 1/4,417,420 is 1 1/2 quarts,so they are all different Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JMW 3 #9 Posted February 20, 2012 Thanks for the input guys.This engine has had a regular plug put in it so i guess i'll have to locate one with a dipstick attached.Thanks Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwgdog66 23 #10 Posted February 26, 2012 i know were not talking about magnums but in the operators manual there are different volumes for different motors,310,312,414,416 are 2 1/2 quarts,the 308 is 1 1/4,417,420 is 1 1/2 quarts,so they are all different I just picked up a 1990 312-8, the wheel horse manual calls for 2 1/2 qts, and the kohler magnum engine manual calls for 2 qts. ??? I'll change it soon, and have 2 1/2 qts available if 2 qts don't have it at the full mark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorseSteve 48 #11 Posted February 26, 2012 I have a spare dipstick from a K241S (10 HP) Kohler with the wide oil pan. PM me if interested! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 991 #12 Posted February 27, 2012 its funny how different things are published from the same company,ive run into this before with things like rpms,volumes,i think you will find it takes 2 1/2,at least my 12 magnum does,and i got the info from the operators manual from wheelhorse Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MalMac 1,328 #13 Posted February 27, 2012 Check your original plug for a hole in the bottom of it. If it has a hole in it that's where the dip stick was. If it appears to be gone check inside the motor. I had one loose the stick and went down inside. I am lucky that I notice it and did not start the motor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 44 #14 Posted February 27, 2012 I have a K241AS and a K341AS in my tractors. If they have an A after the model# they are a special oil pan. kohler tells me to put in one Qt then add till it shows full on dip stick, capacity from 1 to 1 3/4 qts the others hold 2 qts Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 44 #15 Posted February 28, 2012 I've got an older 12hp kohler s/g engine with a wide base oil pan.The engine has no dipstick.. just an oil fill plug.Two questions....How much oil should it hold and is there a way to add a dipstick to it? Thanks in advance...Jim What is an s/g engine Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #16 Posted February 28, 2012 Starter/Generator Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 44 #17 Posted February 28, 2012 Starter/Generator Now I should have known that Thanks sorekiwi Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
