Tecumseh 3 to 11 HP 4-Cycle L-Head General Information

From Small Engine Wiki

Tecumseh engine model, specification, and serial numbers or (date of manufacture, DOM) are stamped into the blower housing or located on a decal on the engine in locations as illustrated (diag. 1 & 2).

NOTE: On some LEV engines, a cover bezel must be removed to provide access to the identification decal (diag 1).

The engine identification decal also provides the applicable warranty code and oil recommendations (diag. 3).

Emissionized engines that meet the California Air Resource Board (C.A.R.B.) or the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) standards will include additional required engine information on the engine decal (diag. 3).

[edit] Interpretation of Model Number

The first letter designation in a model number indicates basic type of engine.

ECH - Exclusive Craftsman Horizontal
ECV - Exclusive Craftsman Vertical
H - Horizontal Shaft
HH - Horizontal Heavy Duty (Cast Iron)
HHM - Horizontal Heavy Duty (Cast Iron) Medium Frame
HM - Horizontal Medium Frame
HS - Horizontal Small Frame
HSK - Horizontal Snow King
LAV - Lightweight Aluminum Vertical
LEV - Low Emissions Vertical
TNT - Toro N'Tecumseh
TVM - Tecumseh Vertical (Medium Frame)
TVS - Tecumseh Vertical Styled
TVXL - Tecumseh Vertical Extra Life
V - Vertical Shaft
VH - Vertical Heavy Duty (Cast Iron)
VM - Vertical Medium Frame
VSK - Vertical Snow King

The number designations following the letters indicate the horsepower or cubic inch displacement.

The number following the model number is the specification number. The last three numbers of the specification number indicate a variation to the basic engine specification.

The serial number or D.O.M. indicates the production date.

Using model LEV115-57010B, serial 8105C as an example, interpretation is as follows:

LEV115-57010B is the model and specification number
LEV Low Emissions Vertical
115 Indicates a 11.5 cubic inch displacement
57010B is the specification number used for properly identifying the parts of the engine
8105C is the serial number or D.O.M. (Date of Manufacture)
8 first digit is the year of manufacture
105 indicates calendar day of that year (105th day or April 15, 1998)
C represents the line and shift on which the engine was built at the factory.
Engine Family: Engine Tracking Information

[edit] Short Blocks

New short blocks are identified by a tag marked S.B.H. (Short Block Horizontal) or S.B.V (Short Block Vertical). Original model identification numbers of an engine should always be transferred to a new short block for correct parts identification (diag. 4).

This symbol points out important safety instructions which if not followed could endanger the personal safety of yourself and others. Follow all instructions.

[edit] Fuel

Tecumseh strongly recommends the use of fresh clean unleaded regular gasoline in all engines. Unleaded gasoline burns cleaner, extends engine life and promotes better starting by reducing combustion chamber deposits.

[edit] Reformulated and Oxygenated Fuels

Reformulated fuels containing no more than 10% Ethanol, 15% MTBE, 15% ETBE or premium gasoline can bu used if unleaded regular gasoline is not available. Leaded fuel may be used in countries where unleaded fuel is not available. Never Use Fuel Containing Methanol.

[edit] Engine Oil

Use a clean, high quality detergent oil. Be sure original container is mark: A.P.I. service SF thru SJ. The use of multigrade oil may increase oil consumption under high temperature, high load applications.

NOTE: Do not use SAE10W40 Oil.

For summer (above 32°F, 0°C): Use SAE 30 oil part #730225 (1 quart, .946 liter container) in high temperature, high load applications.

S.A.E. 10W30 is an acceptable substitute.

For winter (below 32°F, 0°C): Use Tecumseh synthetic oil part #730263 (1 quart, .946 liter container) approved for use in all winter temperature ranges, or S.A.E. 5W30 oil part #730226 (1 quart, .946 liter container).

S.A.E. 10W is an acceptable substitute.

S.A.E. 0W30 should only be used when ambient temperature is below 0°F, -18°C.

[edit] Capacities

Engine Model	Oz.	mL.
LAV30-50, TVS75-120, LEV80-120	21	630
ECV100-120, TNT100-120	21	630
V & VH50, 60, 70	27	810
TVM 125, 140	27	810
TVM & TVMXL 170, 195, 220	32	960
VM70, 80, 100	32	960
VH100	50	1500
H & HSK30, 35, HS & HSSK40, 50	21	630
H, HH & HSK50, 60, 70	19	570
HM & HMSK70, 80, 100	26	720
VSK90-100	21	630

Europa Models	Oz.	mL.
Vantage	21	630
Prisma	21	630
Synergy	21	630
Synergy "55"	27	810
Spectra	21	630
Futura	21	630
Centura	21	630
HTL	21	630
BVS	21	630
BH Series	21	630
Geo Tech Series 30-50	21	630

Oil Change Intervals. Change the oil after the first two (2) hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter, or more often if operated under dusty or dirty conditions, extreme temperature, or high load conditions.

Oil Check. Check the oil each time the equipment is user or every 5 hours. Position the equipment so the engine is level when checking the oil.

CAUTION: Remove the spark plug wire before doing any service work on the engine.

Oili Change Procedutre: Locate the oil drain plug. On some unites this plug is located below the deck through the bottom of the mounting flange. Other units drain at the base of the engine above the deck or frame. If access to the drain plug is restricted by the equipment it may be necessary to drain the oil by tipping the mower in a position that would allow the oil to drain out of the fill tube.

On units that the drain plug is accessible, remove the plug and allow the oil to drain into a proper receptacle. Always make sure that drain oil is disposed of properly.

Once the oil is drained, reinstall the plug and fill the engine with new oil to the proper capacity.

[edit] Tune-Up Procedure

The following is a minor tune-up procedure. When this procedure is completed, the engine should operate peoperly. Further repairs may be necessary if the engine's peformance remains poor.