After using a Briggs engine for the last 20years, where by Owner Manual Process to ck oil, you remove, then fully insert dipstick and screw to lock, then remove to ck the oil, I followed the same process with my new Honda GXV160 engine, which resulted in running the engine first time with 12ounces of oil, as opposed to full oil level (just under 20ounces), so I was 8ounces short. After seeing a post on this site, then reading thru the manual last night after cutting the front yard, I read that you do not tighten, only re-insert to thread contact, before pulling dipstick back up to ck the oil. Never pulled apart an engine with "Splash Lubrication", but I am hopping there was a sufficient oil level for the dipper to access....Time will tell.
Funny thing was I actually read the manual prior to first start, but skipped over checking the oil as I thought any idiot can do that!
If your engine is not seized up and running ok, I would not be doing anything but filling the oil to the proper level and see what happens. No need to teardown and check for a problem when nothing is evident.
#3
ILENGINE
The distance between add and full is about 8 ounces in most cases. So you were basically running on the add mark. Most engines can pick up oil below the add mark, and in most cases off the dipstick.
The distance between add and full is about 8 ounces in most cases. So you were basically running on the add mark. Most engines can pick up oil below the add mark, and in most cases off the dipstick.
Thanks for the update. Yeah full on the Honda is approx 20oz, so I was a little over half with having 12oz in it. I know the Briggs that I had was a tough engine, hopefully the Honda is the same....
I've got an FR730V that uses that method, too. But I just take note of how much higher the oil is on the dipstick when it's correctly filled and use that. I don't like their way of checking oil. I always check it cold, too.
#8
ILENGINE
Briggs is I think the only one that screws in the dipstick to check level. Kohler, Honda, Kawasaki,Tecumseh all sit on top of the threads.
If the oil is low it shouldn't start in the first place.
Most oils today have a film strength even if you run low on oil there will be enough protection to not create a problem.
Check your spark plug and see if you have any aluminum splatters on the insulator and look inside the hole and see if you see any metal or splatters of
aluminum, if everything is clean and uniform you most likely didn't do any damage.
Also drain your oil through a paint strainer and check to see if you have any shiny particles.
If the engine wasn't getting enough oil you would have known it a long time before now.
