Thank you for the replies. Someone dropping something down the oil dip stick hole is a good thought. Doesn’t MTD also build Cub Cadet, Troy Built and some of the John Deere models? Also, the issue is with the Kohler, not the tractor itself, although I suppose they could have did something during install. I don’t think I’ve done anything to void the warranty at this point and don’t plan on removing anything material. I did not get it at Wal-Mart. I live in a small town and got it at the local hardware store, etc.
From the responses here, my question has been answered, in that it’s not normal for this engine. I’ll take it up again with MTD. Thanks everyone! Dave