Craftsman T210 First Oil Change | 5 hour Oil change | Kohler 5400 Series 18hp

First oil change on the Craftsman T210 Riding Mower with a Kohler 5400 Series 18hp engine. The owners manual says to drain the 'Break-in Oil' at 5 hours. This video documents the process and discusses any difficulties or oddities encountered during the process.
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[@adamneulander]

I'd like to see the 10 hour service video, even though I don't own a lawn mower at all!

[@gorkhalirr8184]

Just hit my 5 hour mark. I'm going to change the oil and filter today. Thanks for this helpful video.

[@harkin3684]

Cool video, nice to see people doing their own maintenance and sticking to the intervals.

[@cheddarUSA1]

As a non mechanically inclined guy this was such a good video. Thank you so much!

[@stephaniejordan7264]

I love this video...it help me change my oil & I'm a female. I bought all the required materials & with the detailed video everything was easy to follow. THANKS!!

[@kev-reviews]

Super! Thanks for commenting and congrats on the successful oil change

[@sherrytate7842]

Your video is very helpful thank you for making it I have watched it several times our mower is new and we prob have about 8 hours on the Break In oil I’ve got to get it changed.

[@jamieolson20]

Thanks for the video, I'm at my 5hr mark on my t210

[@sandranewkirk4]

Thanks 😊

[@Sylvan_dB]

I like to drive the opposite side up onto a 2x4. Provides just a little bit of tilt toward the drain. Good idea? I think so, but I don't know. :)

[@jimramsdell3729]

Great video. Wish I watched it before I changed the oil in mine for the first time a few days ago. I had no idea what the drain plug yellow thing was or what the plastic tube was for. Nothing written on either one in the manuals and nobody at Lowes mentioned them when I bought the tractor. So I pulled the whole plug out and tried to catch the draining oil using a piece of cardboard as a kind of funnel. Mess all over the place. At least I know now for next time. And by the way, my filter came off easily, no tool needed.

[@kev-reviews]

That was, no doubt, a large mess. Good to hear about your filter. Maybe they listened to all the people that complained and refined their factory tightening standards. Thanks for sharing.

[@eriksmalley6558]

I changed the oil filter without the filter claw tool, using a strap wrench it came off with no problem. For anyone looking to save a few bucks.

[@Jcicifnfnhch]

Thank you. I have a strap wrench and I am in the process now of changing the oil on my craftsmen. Was wondering if a strap wrench would work. Thanks again. 👍🏼

[@rmpelkey1]

thanks for doing this, made the job easy. one thing, the old filter was on tight, but a standard oil filter wrench worked for me. I bought one of those tools you suggested, but I found out it was too big for the Kohler filter.

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks. Interesting as I use Kohler filters and it fits mine. Did maybe you get a different size tool?

[@rmpelkey1]

@@kev-reviews It was the same kind of wrench, but I I ordered one for a much bigger filter, just needed the smaller sized wrench.

[@vtailv35]

Yep the filter is a pain but I had a Fram and have been using Castrol syn we got ours at Lowes but didn't get tube or that nice cap, the mower its self I give a 7 it has problems that they could solve (The deck belt) with in 2months it shredded and was replaced with belt from Lowes 993/4 but now it keeps kicking belt off right side blade drive, the filter is same as my LT1000 16HP Kohler so I'm sure Kohler has them made by major mfg and I bought a handful at Amazon anyway Great video that's going the distance!!

[@southerncross3638]

I bought a WIX, it was crossed referenced to the Kohler filter and it was the same size as your replacement,

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks for sharing

[@richiealvarado325]

I had no idea you needed to do this after 5 hours. Currently have 33 hours same oil. Better get this done.

[@kev-reviews]

😳. Might want to get some fresh liquid gold in there!

[@mikedelaney140]

I have the same mower and 25hrs. Didnt know about this either. Looks like ill be changing the oil next weekend!!

[@Texasmade4444444444]

My craftsman zero turn filter was also larger than the one i bought

[@TwoAMBlacktop]

I would imagine they switched filter suppliers, or the supplier is different between the factory and retail outlets.

[@tomherron4334]

Helpful video! You are definitely a neat freak. I wonder how that plastic oil plug will hold up? Nice seeing the Made in USA sticker in that engine.

[@kev-reviews]

I had the same type drain valve on my 2009 Snapper. It worked fine for 11 years when I sold it, and I’m sure it’s still doing fine

[@tomherron4334]

@@kev-reviews That’s great to know.

[@ButlerGoalie]

Just hit five hours last night, so pray for me this weekend as I endeavor to recreate the above. Thank you so much for sharing. If you haven't yet gotten enough responses, I'd like to echo the request to see the 10-hour maintenance video. I blew up my old rider in under five years (what's an oil change?) and I'd like to make this one last a bit longer. haha

[@kev-reviews]

Within the next few days I should be uploading my 1year update, followed by my 30 hour service; which is my 3rd 10-hour service

[@ButlerGoalie]

@@kev-reviews Awesome. Got the first oil change down thanks heavily to your video. Had to use oil filter pliers, but otherwise it was easy. Thanks!

[@hipsnroses8]

Great very helpful video just changed mine but curious do you when does the message go off after changing the oil and filter or do I have to do something to clear it thanks

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks. The messages (oil, air cleaner, etc) on the display are only shown for a short period, then they time out and go away. They are preprogrammed reminders rather than active monitoring (aside from battery and runtime.)

[@jw546]

glad I stumbled onto your channel! I previously searched for channels related to the T210, but they were few and far in between. The one's that were available were pretty useless. Glas to be a new subscriber! BTW, what's the deal with the location they chose for the spark plug!?! An engineering exercise in where NOT to place the spark plug!

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks and welcome. Congrats on the T210. Mine turns 3 in the next couple of months. In this video I show how the easy-to-remove hood comes off. That makes spark plug changes or valve adjustment access no problem at all: Craftsman T210 - 1 Year Review - ISSUES? How has it held up? Rumors Dispelled! T2200 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJbTfGeMrZmEeNk

[@jw546]

@@kev-reviews YES! However, I only figured out the hood removal "by accident," if you know what I mean 😏

[@DIYSolarEnergy]

Yuck! Green! Odd. Not sure what mine was. Now I wished I would had changed it. But had it changed while at the shop

[@danmiller7709]

Killer review! Thanks so much for me through. Question: Anyone have a sorta rattle at idle, doesn’t sound connected to the motor. More like a loose spring or rod or something. Sounds kinda harmless but also can’t be good. TIA Edit:gets faster rattles in reverse

[@jasonroush81]

Just noticed a rattle at around 5 hr mark. I'm not sure if it's the engine or a pully or something yet. Exactly why I'm looking at doing the break in oil change although bad boy mowers recommends the 1st oil change at 8 hrs. I may just go ahead and change it at 5hrs.

[@danmiller7709]

@@jasonroush81 i don’t think it’s motor related. Def seems pully to me

[@jasonroush81]

@@danmiller7709 I changed my oil and greased all of the fittings and retensioned the belts today. Still hearing the rattle. Definitely a pulley. Are you running a badboy mz as well?

[@AB_thingsDFW]

I just bought the t2200 version today .2 hrs 😬. And when turned it on at home I did noticed the rattle. To me sounds more like a thin metal. Like some heat shield. I'll keep looking. Also, anyone using full synthetic rather than blended?

[@v.cristopherbabinskyy8708]

Thanks for the video. I bought my T210 used and it did not come with the hose to drain the oil. What diameter replacement hose would work best? Thanks

[@kev-reviews]

Mine is 1/2” ID

[@georgedouglas3456]

Could it be the original filter is considered as just a starter filter with the expectation that it is to be changed shortly? Much like the setup ink cartridges in a new printer. Saving money for Koehler - cheaper filter and a little less oil (for them) at assembly time.

[@kev-reviews]

The filter that came on the mower is actually their more expensive filter, the Performance Pro. It’s normally yellow, but in this case black and with the same part number as the basic filter 🤷‍♂️

[@dddddd2100]

I think Craftsman should have a big warning sign in the plastic packet that contains the manuals also another one attached to the engine on top to let people know about the break in oil to change in Only 5 Hours.

[@ronames91]

How would you go about draining the fuel in this beast? I goofed and let mine sit over winter with about a half gallon in it. As a fellow neat freak I noticed if I pop the fuel line pre-filter I'm likely to get gas everywhere in the draining process. Removing the gas tank itself looks like a headache... any thoughts?

[@kev-reviews]

I use these: amzn.to/3EG6CMQ Note: that’s an affiliate link, so as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@andybub45]

For some reason, the oil that Kohler puts in these from the factory is a very thin oil, possibly 0-20.

[@jimmy1life]

Are you still happy the mower? I just got one delivered

[@vapingwithjames3370]

I wouldn’t trust that flimsy plastic oil drain plug, definitely would replace that with metal bolt. Great video

[@kev-reviews]

Thanks. I’ve used the qr drain plugs for years without issue. I’m going to be mad if you jinxed me 😈

[@toby7291]

I have this same engine on a new craftsman mower I just purchased. Can’t find any info on this but a weird question. I checked my dipstick and it has a clear oily substance on it. Is this the actual oil or just something they shipped in the mower and it needs drained and changed? Puzzled because I have never seen clear motor oil. Thanks

[@kev-reviews]

Oil will look clear on the dipstick until it has been ran. They are supposed to have a break-in oil from the factory. Be sure it’s at the proper level.

[@toby7291]

@@kev-reviews thanks, I thought it was oil but wasn’t sure.

[@dddddd2100]

Did they supply the new oil and filter? they should to encourage us to change the break in oil, I assume you had to purchase the Kohler brand oil, if so where did you get it? Thanks

[@kev-reviews]

I purchased mine from a local chain called Rural King, but you can get Kohler branded oil at many mower/equipment shops, tractor supply, etc.

[@dddddd2100]

@@kev-reviews We have a Rural King here, I will check there, does the manual show that it's OK to use synthetic blend oil? Thanks.

[@kev-reviews]

That’s all Kohler produces now - the synthetic blend (at least in the weight we need)

[@wjamyers]

5:12 you say instructions say drain the break-in oil... cannot find that anywhere in Kohler 5400 user manual. As far as I can tell there is no break-in mentioned anywhere, the instructions just say you change every 100 hours with regular oil or 300 hours with the 10W-50 Pro. Can you clarify where you read this break-in information? Is it in the lawn-mower book rather than the engine book?

[@kev-reviews]

Owners manual. Also noted on the features graphic on the Lowe’s product listing for this item. Oil change interval goes to 100 hours after the initial 5-he oil change.

[@wjamyers]

@@kev-reviews Found it... not in the engine manual... the user's manual of the TRACTOR, First Page of Service and Maintenance, on the schedule, the first 5 hours gets its very own column.

[@vandy]

I know you said you only hand tighten. But with the new, shorter style, oil filter would you still be able to get at it with the claw if you had to?

[@kev-reviews]

A filter shouldn’t be tightened with any tool. A snug hand tight is enough. To answer your question, yes...the claw will work with the short filter.

[@vandy]

Thank you. I wouldn’t tighten it with one. I bought the tool and am taking delivery of a T210 next week. I was wondering if it would work in case mine comes with a short filter instead of the longer one.

[@kev-reviews]

👍🏼. I’ve read a few people comment that they haven’t had any issue getting the filter off the newest T210s, so they may have corrected their over tighten/dry gasket assembly.

[@dddddd2100]

@@vandy Did you have any problems getting delivery of the T210 from Lowes, I'm thinking of ordering one on line and Lowes says 3 to 7 days to get it, I don't want to order one and then have them take weeks to get it. Thanks for a reply back.

[@vandy]

@@dddddd2100 No I didn't have any problems, but I bought mine in store and they quoted me a week to deliver it. Everything went as scheduled. I'm not sure how they do with online orders these days, but I didn't have any troubles.

[@justmehere7738]

Hi, I am a senior woman looking into buying one of these mowers as I have been using an ancient back motor Snapper for 12 years. It has just got beyond repairing again 2 years ago & is no longer worth having it fixed again. I have been mowing with my push mower for the past 2 years & just can't handle that anymore on a very large almost 1 acre hilly lot. I admit I am totally ignorant on the mechanics & upkeep part. My question is do you really have to change the oil & the filter every 5 hours of use? That will be like every 5 times I mow if that is the case. I am trying to look at all aspects to see if I will be able to really do the maintenance that is needed. I have really bad weakness & arthritis in my hands. I have no way to take the mower to have it done or anyone to help me, so I am looking into everything I need to know before purchase as this is a major financial undertaking for me. I found your youtube video on Lowes reviews and thought it was awesome & helpful. Besides the oil changing is there anything else I would need to know for doing maintenance of it & can you just spray rinse all the dirt off it when done mowing? Does it hurt the motor any to spray the engine off also? I know I am ignorant to this stuff but very willing to learn. Thanks for any help, it is appreciated.

[@kev-reviews]

Only the first oil change is at 5-hours. They are every 50-hours beyond that point. As far as spraying the mowers. I don’t do that, but I know people who do. Care has to be taken to not cause water buildup/corrosion on the electrical connections from water.

[@willloy8901]

Depending on where you live, there are many volunteer organizations that may assist you with your mower maintenance. Check local Boy Scout groups, church groups, and even the local classifieds for volunteers to help with your difficult tasks.

[@kristofers3562]

Where's the Honda mover? 🙃

[@sherrytate7842]

Is synthetic oil better to use ?

[@kev-reviews]

Synthetic is all kohler makes in the 10w30 at present.

[@TheBeastGames]

I'm 25 hours in without maintenance . The cln air filt message came on after making a couple dirt clouds ... New filter and message won't go away -_-

[@kev-reviews]

It’s automated. It comes on for 7 mins at 25 hours

[@TheBeastGames]

@@kev-reviews ok, thanks. It's been bugging me. Guess I should be changing the oil now 😅..

[@melonboi186]

You don’t need to change the oil filter after first five hours, only change the oil

[@kev-reviews]

Anytime oil is changed the filter should be changed too

[@lowryder3209]

Oil filters are always that tight, its on purpose

[@garypic4083]

Dirtiest mower ever more grass though the top of the mower deck, way to go Craftsmans(MTD)

[@timonthetube92]

5 hour service? Oops.

[@kev-reviews]

Lol. How far did you go before the first service?

[@Mike-tu7uw]

Does anybody know belt size? Manual is useless

[@kev-reviews]

Deck belt: 954-05021 (1/2 x 99.75L) Drive belt(upper): 954-05027b (1/2 x 90.9L)