982 oil level

ksanders · #1 02-14-2012, 02:40 PM

Quick question. Since I've had my 982 the oil level always shows half-way up on the dipstick, way above the full range. I changed the oil last year thinking it was too full and same thing (1.5 quarts if I remember right is what I put in it/ whatever the manual said). It's like the oil gets trapped in the dipstick tube. It's a new Onan block but I have the original and the dipstick and tube seem to be the same. Anyone else have this issue? I wouldn't care except that's an expensive motor to run out of oil and I'll like to know how much is in there.

Dave R · #2 02-14-2012, 05:05 PM

I can check the oil when its cold and it is away above full.

Wipe off the dipstick and put it back in and it reads right on the money. I don't know how it shows over full but I have an 12.5 hp engine that does that same thing.

Dave

James K · #3 02-14-2012, 07:41 PM

I had a new 982 when they first cme out, it did that and I found the needle seat in the carb was leaking gas into the crank case. Smell the dip stick for gas just to be sure. James K..

ksanders · #4 02-14-2012, 07:59 PM

I just tried wiping the dipstick off and checking it again. Not as high up but still way above full. I have probably 10 hours on it since the oil change I know so the next step before I ask anymore questions and speculate is probably to drain the oil while the Haban deck is off and see how much it actually is vs. the dipstick level. If it will show consistent all of the time, I can just make a new mark on the dipstick. Its a new block and shouldn't burn much if any but Onan blocks don't exactly float around like Mag 18's if I chanced and blew it up. I ask all of this because with my 782 sold now this thing will probably see 15 hours a week this year.

I did check the oil for gas several times both past and present because of this issue. No gas in the oil. That was my initial thought too. I've had several Mag 18's do that.

shultzie · #5 02-15-2012, 08:03 AM

Mine does the same thing.
What I have noticed is when I put it on the trailer and take it out to the other property that I mow, I let it sit on the trailer while I pick up sticks and after about 10 minutes I check it and the oil level is down where it is supposed to be.
I think it gets an "air" pocket in it somehow and the ride on the trailer "giggles" it back down.
That's just my $0.02.

ol'George · #6 02-15-2012, 08:15 AM

Over the years, I have run into many many engines that "suck" oil up in the dipstick tube while the engine cools down.
So on those engines, I make it a practice to pull the stick out, wipe it off, and give it a minute or two to equalize the level, and then recheck it. (longer if it is cold weather)
Just something you learn to do.

ksanders · #7 02-15-2012, 02:49 PM

I feel a lot better if I'm not the only one. First tractor I've ever had to do this. I saw the posts this morning and pulled the dipstick before leaving and shook the tractor best I could. Put it back in today and only an inch above the FULL mark. I'm just going to drain it and check how much was in it. If it's the right amount, I'll make a new mark on the dipstick there and if not note that. Kind of annoying but better than a blown motor.

Thanks for the help

PaulS · #8 02-15-2012, 04:09 PM

My 2084 does much the same thing. One problem I encountered on my 102 was the cap on the dipstick normally held on by what looks like a twist in the stick let the cap slide up the shaft and that cost me a rebuild on that engine. I drilled a very small hole in the stick and put a cotter pin through.

ksanders · #9 02-16-2012, 11:50 PM

I've tack-welded a dipstick or two for that very reason when they came loose.

Just an update, I drained the oil and it was exactly 1.6 quarts. That's what the manual calls for and what I put into it this past fall so it isn't burning anything. Put it back in and it still shows an inch above the dipstick even before starting it so I just made a new mark on the dipstick and am comfortable with it now.

Thanks for the help guys.