Oil for air-cooled four-stroke engines. Engine oil for four-stroke walk-behind tractors - will increase the resource of your equipment 4-stroke oil for walk-behind tractors

The need for the production of oils for air-cooled engines is caused by the appearance on the domestic market in last years a large number of equipment driven by this class of engines. The operating conditions of air-cooled engines differ from water-cooled engines primarily by the higher temperature regime of the cylinder-piston group.

In addition, when the engine is paired with an electric generator lubricating oil it is necessary to ensure quick and easy engine start and instant delivery through the lubrication system to all rubbing parts. These and other circumstances impose peculiarities on the requirements for the quality of oils for engines with air cooled.

• 4TD series oils are specially designed for use in 4-stroke gasoline and diesel engines air cooling of small equipment. They are formulated on the basis of highly refined mineral and synthetic polyalphaolefin oils, special additive packages that provide protection against the formation of deposits on the piston and in the engine crankcase, ring coking, and reduce energy consumption. The oils have high thermal and oxidative stability. To improve the lubricating characteristics, the oils contain extreme pressure additives that protect engine parts from wear under extreme loads and high temperatures
• 4ТD Standard SAE 30 - mineral oil provides long-term and stable work motors over the entire load range. Recommended for use in summer, as well as in climatic zones with ambient temperatures ranging from -10 ° C to +40 ° C
• 4ТD Premium SAE 10W-30 - semi-synthetic multigrade oil possesses excellent resistance to oxidation at high temperatures, ensures the strength of the oil film between rubbing parts during frequent starts and stops of the engine. Recommended as a multigrade oil for climatic zones with ambient temperatures ranging from -25 ° C to +40 ° C
• 4ТD Ultra SAE 5W-30 is a synthetic oil based on special frost-resistant oils. Provides easy starting and quick warm-up of the engine. Recommended as a multigrade oil for climatic zones with ambient temperatures ranging from -38 ° C to + 50 ° C

Distinctive features and benefits

• High-quality mineral and synthetic base, effective additive package provide protection against wear and prevent deposits on moving engine parts under various operating conditions
• Anti-seize and anti-seize properties during overload
• Reduced energy consumption
• Reliable engine start at low temperatures

Application

Recommended for use in lubrication systems of four stroke engines air-cooled gasoline and diesel engines, including moderately supercharged ones: garden tractors, lawn mowers, other garden equipment, snow plows, snowmobiles, small engines refrigerators and air conditioners, electric generators, motorcycles, boat motors and etc.

For servicing 4-stroke power units working with air system cooling, you need engine oil with a certain chemical composition. When choosing a machine oil, you need to take into account the specific chemical composition of the fluid, the type of engine, as well as the presence of a variety of additives and markings.

General characteristics of oils used for 4-stroke engines

This type of unit is characterized by a fairly high temperature regime in the area of ​​the cylinder-piston mechanism.

The oil used does not mix with combustible fuel and must have the following parameters:

1. increased amount of additives included (24-27% of the total volume of the lubricant);
2. when the temperature parameter changes, the lubricants must maintain the optimal level of viscosity and be reliably located on the surface of the parts;
3. lubricants must effectively and reliably start the engine in various climatic conditions, as well as ensure a quick supply of lubricant to all sections of the unit;
4. the mixture must have optimal resistance to oxidative processes to protect the engine from the formation of carbon deposits or sludge;
5. increased and stable antiwear performance;

The use of lubricants designed for water-cooled engines is strongly discouraged. After all, engine oils for air-cooled and water-cooled engines have a different chemical composition, especially for additives that are designed for different temperature regimes of cylinder bore heating. So the mentioned indicator for water-cooled engines is + 157-160, and for air-cooled units + 217-220 degrees.

List of main types of oils for air-cooled engine

For the correct selection of lubricants, it is necessary to carefully consider the existing classes (standards) that classify and generalize the various types of lubricants. Without this, it is difficult for a simple buyer to understand the large assortment and at the same time choose the right brand.

You can, of course, resort to the help of the seller, but sometimes they can offer the buyer a simply stale brand of oil, or they may simply turn out to be incompetent in this matter. Therefore, you need to have at least general information about classification according to accepted standards.

Based on GOSTs, the following types of oils are suitable for 4-stroke engines using an air cooling system:

• According to the API system, the operating class must fully comply with the recommended SF / CC requirements.
• Engine oil must correspond to the indicators of group G.
• According to the SAE standard, it must fully meet the dealer's criteria, which can be found in the service book or on the surface of the lid of the container used.
• Summer type oil (SAE 30) must be used for these engines.

What you need to consider and know when choosing an oil

When choosing a lubricant for use on engines with an air-cooled mechanism, the following points should be considered:

1. Mineral type significantly reduces the friction force and reduces wear of the unit parts. The combustion of the combustible mixture does not generate carbon deposits and smoke. When using this type of engine oil, it is best to use leaded gasoline.
2. For engines with a significant load, it is necessary to use a semi-synthetic one, which contributes to a more stable operation of the unit. But it has excessive fluidity and therefore is not suitable for engines with significant wear of the main parts.
3. Synthetic ones perfectly fight carbon formation and perfectly protect the engine from premature wear... However, you should only use unleaded gasoline.
4. It is necessary to take into account in what season the car engine will work. Summer oils begin to crystallize at -10, and winter at -25 degrees.
5. You need to purchase it in certified stores where only high-quality goods are sold.

Most Popular and Performance Air Cooled 4-Stroke Engine Oils

Lubricating oil 4TD. Specially designed for 4-stroke air cooled engines. It can be applied both on diesel units, and carburetor. The active ingredient of such a lubricant is polyalphaolefin that have been thoroughly cleaned. In addition, additives are added to it that help protect the unit from all kinds of deposits in the crankcase, as well as piston group engine.

It effectively fights ring coking and reduces fuel consumption. The main advantage of this oil is its increased resistance to thermal oxidation.

Lubricating engine oil 4ТD Standard (SAE 30). Absolutely mineral grease that works perfectly at different temperature extremes and various overloads. It works most effectively at temperatures from -11 to + 43. Perfectly protects the engine from premature wear and increases its service life.

Lubricating oil 4ТD Premium SAE (10W-30). Semi-synthetic type of high quality and reliability. Works at temperatures from - 24 to + 42 degrees. With regular use, it reliably forms a film on the surface of rubbing parts, which allows you to reliably protect the engine of rubbing mechanisms during start-up and during operation. Reliably resists the formation of oxidation products.

Lubricating oil 4ТD Ultra SAE (5W-30). A purely synthetic lubricant based on specially formulated oils with frost-resistant properties. It is all-season with a temperature range of -37 to + 42 degrees. Provides reliable and easy start-up of the unit at different temperature peaks.

The correct choice and subsequent use of engine oils for the operation of 4-stroke engines with an air-cooled mechanism will improve the operation of the power unit, provide reliable protection from overloads and thereby prolong the duration of the operation of the power unit.

Air-cooled 4-stroke engine oils differ from those for water-cooled engines. Therefore, when selecting oils, it is necessary to take into account the marking, the composition of the fluids and the type of engines for which they are designed.

For 4-stroke air-cooled engines, high temperatures in the cylinder-piston group are characteristic. The oil does not mix with the fuel and does not enter the combustion chamber, therefore, the engine mixture for the specified type of drives must have the following properties:

1. The increased number of additives included in the motor fluid- up to 25% of the total.
2. Stability of viscosity characteristics at various temperature conditions. The lubricant should provide a quick and easy engine start, as well as instant oil flow to all rubbing drive elements.
3. Thermal oxidative stability. The structure of the mixture should be resistant to oxidation reactions, so that sediment and carbon deposits do not form, and the mixture does not become like water in structure.
4. Improved antiwear and extreme pressure characteristics to protect engine components from tribological loads.

You should not use motor oils developed for engines equipped with water cooling in 4-stroke air-cooled engines, these two types of oils contain a different composition of additives, the former are designed to heat the cylinder bore to a temperature of +160 0 С, and for the latter, this parameter is - +220 0 C.

Watch a video on the classification of motor fluids:

Standards

It is difficult for an ordinary buyer to understand the marking of lubricants, therefore, often unscrupulous sellers issue fluids for 2-stroke engines instead of 4-stroke ones. By purchasing such products, you reduce the drive life, so before going to the auto shop, read the generally accepted standards indicating that the engine oil is suitable for air-cooled four-stroke drives:

1. The operating class according to the API system must comply with the requirements of SF / CC, not lower.
2. According to GOST, motor oil for these drives corresponds to group G.
3. SAE requires fluid to meet dealer requirements vehicle... This information can be found in the service book or on the filler cap. For air-cooled engines, it is recommended to fill with oil marked SAE 30 - summer class engine mixtures, the specified lubricant is thick enough so that it does not quickly liquefy at high operating temperatures.

When choosing a base car oil, for engines with an air-cooled system, consider:

1. Mineral water - reduces friction force, reduces wear of drive elements, burning does not form carbon deposits and smoke, using it you can use leaded or unleaded gasoline.
2. Semi-synthetics - used with fuel of not very high quality, it is recommended for engines with a heavy load, ensures the stability of its structure during operation, but has increased fluidity, is applicable with leaded and unleaded gasoline.
3. Synthetics - prevents carbon formation, protects the engine from wear, is applicable only with unleaded fuel.

When choosing a lubricant, take into account the season when the vehicle will be used, summer types of oils begin to crystallize at temperatures below -10 0 C, winter ones withstand - -25 0 C, all-season ones provide engine protection at any time of the year. See SAE classification for their operating temperature range.

The quality product can indicates that the lubricant is suitable for air-cooled 4-stroke drives. Correctly selected fluids must meet the requirements of the vehicle dealer to ensure proper engine operation. Preference should be given to the product famous brands, for which the sellers have a quality certificate. An incorrectly selected engine oil will lead to an increase in carbon formation, increased fuel consumption, and quick engine breakdown.

When choosing a specific brand of oil, please note that motor oils for motorcycles differ in the quantitative composition of antifriction additives. This is due to the operating mode of the power units, snowmobiles, for example, are designed for extreme load modes, and scooters are used under much better operating conditions. The lubricants for these types of equipment will have a different composition and additives.

In order for the walk-behind tractor to work flawlessly for a long time, it must be properly maintained and operated. Oil is a key factor in engine performance. We will try to figure out what kind of oil to pour into the engine of the walk-behind tractor on this page of the site.

The most correct recommendation for the selection of oil will be the recommendation of the engine manufacturer for the walk-behind tractor. Therefore, we will familiarize ourselves with the operating instructions of the main engine manufacturers for walk-behind tractors and cite excerpts from the instructions.

The choice of engine oil, like any other type of oil, depends on two main parameters - the operating category and the viscosity class.

OIL GRADE CLASSIFICATION
API classification by performance category (American Petroleum Institute). For more details see

CLASSIFICATION OF OIL GRADES BY VISCOSITY
SAE (Society of Automotive and Transportation Engineers) classification. See details

In short:

Winter- with the letter W (Winter). Oils meeting these categories are low-viscosity and are used in winter - SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W

Summer- without letter designation... Oils satisfying these categories are high viscosity and are used in summer - SAE 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.

All-season- at the moment, the most widespread are universal oils that are used both in winter and summer.

Such oils are designated by a combination of winter and summer series: 5W-30, 10W-40

Use an oil with a lower SAE number (less viscous) in winter, and an oil with a higher value (more viscous) in summer.

Multi-grade oil is highly stable under seasonal and temperature changes. For example, an SAE 10W-30 oil is suitable for multigrade use. At low temperatures, its viscosity is equivalent to SAE oil 10W, and during operation it has the same lubricating properties as SAE 30.

Engines of these brands are installed on almost all currently produced walk-behind tractors such as Neva, MTZ, Salyut, Kaskad, OKA, Ugra, Tselina, Tarpan, Agat, Favorit, MKM and many others.

Motors of such well-known firms is tested and tested on the specified oils, therefore, the result of operation in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturers will be the best. The use of engine oil of the specified grade and viscosity will significantly extend the life of the engine and improve its performance. Using too little or too much oil can cause serious problems, including engine seizure.

In general gasoline engines, only engine oils of classes SE, SF, SG should be used.

We provide information on the oils used from the website of the manufacturer of motoblocks and cultivators of the Patriot brand (Patriot)

Patriot engine oil for 4-stroke engines (information from the official website)

Special high-quality engine oil for use in modern four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines with air and water cooling, installed on lawn mowers, cultivators, generators, walk-behind tractors, mini tractors and other equipment.

The increased content of additives reliably protects the engine at extreme difficult conditions operation, providing excellent antiwear, anti-corrosion properties and extending the service life of the oil before changing it.

The special formula ensures the stability of the oil film.

APPLICATION PROVIDES:

1.Prevention of the formation of carbon deposits, varnish deposits and sludge;

2. Cooling of pistons, bearings crankshaft and other engine parts;

3. Maximum effective protection engine from wear during cold start;

4. Reduction of noise during engine operation;

5. Extension of engine life;

7. Impeccable cleanliness of the engine.

4-stroke semi-synthetic oil Expert is a special all-season semi-synthetic engine oil for use in modern four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines.	4-stroke semi-synthetic oil Specific is a special all-season semi-synthetic engine oil for use in modern four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines. The use of the latest additive packages ensures reliable engine protection under extremely severe operating conditions. The oil has excellent anti-wear, anti-corrosion and energy-saving properties.	Supreme 4-Stroke Mineral Oil is a special high-quality performance engine oil for use in modern four-stroke gasoline and diesel engines with air and water cooling. The increased content of additives reliably protects the engine under extremely severe operating conditions, providing excellent antiwear, anti-corrosion properties and extending the oil life before changing it.

The frequency of changing the oil in the engine of the walk-behind tractor

• check the oil level with the engine on a horizontal surface and wait for it to drain into the crankcase.
• when changing the oil, drain it on a hot engine by unscrewing the drain and filling caps
• do not use additives and additives in the oil
• Dispose of used oil in a way that does not harm the environment, do not pour it on the ground, do not throw it in the trash can, the best option is to take the oil in a closed container to your local recycling center.

Please note that there are engines that have a built-in additional gearbox, which also requires periodic oil changes. Here is an excerpt from the owner's manual for a Honda engine.

One of the main factors affecting engine life internal combustion, is the quality of the engine oil and the timing of its replacement. To understand which oil is better to pour into the engine of the walk-behind tractor, you need to have a good understanding of the specifics of its structure and operation.

Specific Requirements

Most modern motoblocks (can be studied in this article) are equipped with four-stroke gasoline engines that do not have an oil pump in their design.

The lower connecting rod head, which is a sliding bearing, is lubricated by scooping oil with a special protrusion on the lower connecting rod cover, the main bearings of the crankshaft, the gas distribution mechanism and the cylinder-piston group are lubricated by the resulting splashes.

Also, these engines have unstable temperature conditions due to air cooling.

For more information on the 4-stroke engine, see the video:

Thus, engine oil for 4-stroke engines of motoblocks must meet the following requirements:

• Low kinematic viscosity in a wide temperature range is necessary to avoid oil starvation when the engine warms up to operating temperature.
• The use of viscous oils in engines that do not have lubrication under pressure can lead to scuffing on the surface of the connecting rod journal, followed by the enveloping of metal in this place and engine seizure.
• The stable composition of the anti-friction and extreme pressure additives will allow the oil to retain its properties for a long time with regular heating-cooling cycles during the operation of the walk-behind tractor.
• High strength of the oil film is necessary to protect the cylinder-piston group from scuffing when the engine overheats during hard work in hot weather.
• The detergent properties provided by the appropriate additive package must counteract sludge and varnish build-up in the engine sump and on oil-wetted surfaces.
• Low carbonization is relevant for air-cooled engines, since oil entering the zone piston rings, heats up in this place to a temperature of 270-300 degrees.
• The formation of carbon deposits will lead to a loss of mobility of the piston rings and a decrease in compression with a simultaneous overspending of oil.

Based on these requirements, we can describe technical requirements, which must correspond to the oil for 4-stroke engines of motoblocks, as follows:

• SAE high-temperature viscosity class no more than 30 in temperate climates, 40 - in hot. Low-temperature viscosity index - no more than 10W. These requirements are met by common oils of types 10W30, 5W30, 0W30, 5W40, 10W40 (the last two - at temperatures of 30 degrees or more).
• Purely summer options- SAE 30, SAE 40. Carefully read the characteristics of the oils: a number of specialized oils for gardening equipment with a viscosity of 5W30 are intended exclusively for winter use.
• Oil base: synthetic or semi-synthetic, since mineral oils are practically not found in the indicated viscosity ranges. In addition, they are significantly less stable than synthetics and semi-synthetics.
• A number of lubricant manufacturers have special ranges of mineral-based oils for gardening equipment, in this case the low cost has a downside in the form of the need for frequent replacement.
• API quality class (a complex parameter that determines the antifriction, extreme pressure and detergent properties of engine oil, as well as many other parameters) is not lower than SG.

You need to understand that common automotive oils meet all the requirements for engine oils for motoblocks, the only difference may be its consumption and the amount of carbon deposits formed during long-term operation in an air-cooled engine.

For this reason, although this material considers specialized lubricants, in the absence of the possibility of purchasing them, you can always use automotive engine oils that meet the described requirements.

Classification of oils

Husqvarna SAE 30, Husqvarna Universal SAE 30

Mineral engine oil produced by a Swedish company both for factory refueling of its products and for subsequent maintenance. The use of a specially selected package of antifriction additives in the oil is indicated.

Mini tractors are very popular and are widely used in housing and communal services, at construction sites, in rural work and in industries. Mini tractors are very robust, economical and durable equipment.

There are many models of tireless snow plows for effective clearing of the area from snowdrifts. It's all about the handheld electric snow blower.

KamAZ 65115 belongs to one of the oldest series of this plant, the production of which began in 1998. By going to get acquainted with the specifics of the work, the advantages and disadvantages of KamAZ 65115.

Not suitable for operation of motorized vehicles at low temperatures. The price of a package with a volume of 0.6 liters is from 390 to 410 rubles.

PATRIOT Supreme HD SAE 30

This oil, also produced by one of the well-known American manufacturers of garden equipment, is intended for summer operation in gasoline and diesel motoblocks, mowers, mini tractors. For ease of use, the package has a long spout. The base of the oil is mineral. Packing price 0.95 l - within 340 rubles.

PATRIOT SPECIFIC HIGH-TECH 5W-30

Semi-synthetic engine oil for year-round operation of garden equipment with four-stroke engines: motoblocks, mini tractors, snow removal equipment

Low-temperature viscosity class 5W guarantees the freezing point of the oil at least -38˚ С.

The price of a package with a volume of 0.95 liters is about 410 rubles. This oil used for a walk-behind tractor,.

PATRIOT EXPERT HIGH - TECH SAE 10W40

Synthetic oil for the operation of garden equipment in hot climates and under high loads, for example, when plowing large areas of land with a plow. Packing price 0.95 l - 420 rubles.

Home Garden 4 Stroke Oil HD SAE 30

Affordable summer mineral oil. The price of a liter jar is 240-250 rubles.

ELITECH 4T Premium SAE 10W30

Semi-synthetic motor oil for year-round operation of motor vehicles. Includes antifriction additives based on molybdenum disulfide, which, on the one hand, provides good protection engine from wear, on the other hand, it requires careful attention to the timing of the oil change.

The price of a liter pack is 420 rubles, a pack of 0.6 liters is 340 rubles.

ELITECH 4TD SAE30 Standard

Summer mineral oil, also containing a package of molybdenum additives. A liter pack of this oil costs about 300 rubles.

ELITECH 4TDUltraSAE 5W30

4-stroke oil for motoblock engines used year-round in the most difficult jobs. Has a synthetic base. The price of a package with a volume of 0.6 liters is 480 rubles.

Encore SAE 5W30

Available synthetic motor oil from domestic manufacturer, which can be used in walk-behind tractors and other equipment with gasoline engines in summer and winter. The price of a liter package is 380 rubles.

Encore SAE30

Cheap summer oil from the group of mineral lubricants. The price of 180 rubles per liter allows you to compensate for its average quality with more frequent replacements.

Encore SAE 10W40

Unlike most motor oils for gardening equipment, this oil is APISJ / CF certified, which allows you to compare its composition and quality with conventional budget oils. automotive oils... Dual certification means not only applicable for gasoline (SJ) but also diesel (CF) engines.

The relatively high high temperature viscosity makes this oil undesirable at moderate to low temperatures. The main advantage of this oil is its low price: only 200 rubles per liter.

REZOIL PREMIUM SAE 5W30

Domestic semi-synthetic oil for petrol and diesel garden equipment (complies with APISJ / CF specification). Due to its low viscosity in a wide temperature range, it can perfectly work in engines with lubricator lubrication both in summer and in winter. A 0.95 liter capacity costs around 210 rubles.

REZOILRancherUniliteSAE 30

Exclusively summer oil for gasoline and diesel motoblocks and mini tractors. The type of base is not indicated on the packaging, but the price of 140 rubles for 0.95 liters suggests that this oil is mineral.

REZOIL TITANIUM SAE 10W-40

This semi-synthetic oil can also be used in gasoline and diesel engines, but the viscosity index directly indicates the undesirability of its use in temperate climates. A 0.95 liter package costs 200 rubles.

MaxCut 4THDSAE 30

Summer mineral oil from a manufacturer little-known in Russia, promising an increased content of antifriction additives and the possibility of using the oil in highly loaded gasoline and diesel engines. The price of a liter jar is 240 rubles.

MANNOL Energy SAE 5W30

A well-known manufacturer of auto chemicals from Germany also has a line of motor oils for garden equipment. This semi-synthetic oil can be used in all gardening equipment with four-stroke engines all year round. A liter pack will cost 420 rubles on average.

MANNOLMolibdenBenzinSAE 10W40 for air-cooled four-stroke engines

Semi-synthetic oil, the composition of which is improved by using a package of antifriction additives based on molybdenum disulfide. In walk-behind tractors, it should be used during heavy work in hot weather. A liter of this oil costs 330 rubles.

Champion 4-Cycle SAE 30

This US firm also needs no special introduction. This mineral oil is designed for summer use in walk-behind tractors, trimmers and lawn mowers. Packaged in a package of 0.6 liters (250 rubles) and 1 liter (360 rubles).

Champion Snowthrower 5W30 for the engine from a walk-behind tractor or cultivator

Mineral-based engine oil for winter use only. It is noteworthy that at the time of release it was certified according to the strictest APISL quality standard at that time. A liter pack costs about 380 rubles. This oil is recommended for a walk-behind tractor.

Summer mineral oil from a famous Russian-Chinese brand. The quality of the product is described by certification according to the outdated APISG / CD standard, which to some extent pays off with a low price (180 rubles per liter).

It will be a good option for light work, especially if the engine of the walk-behind tractor or cultivator is noticeably worn out. This oil should not be used in difficult working conditions.

Caliber Semi-synthetic SAE 5W30

Winter oil from the same manufacturer on a semi-synthetic basis. A more perfect base allowed the quality to reach the acceptable APISJ / CF standard. At the same time, the manufacturer indicated enough low temperature flashes - 228 ˚С, which means its high volatility and, accordingly, significant consumption for waste.

The price is comparable to other oils of this quality group - 240 rubles per liter.

How much to fill

Most of the motoblocks presented on Russian market, are equipped with engines of the HondaGX family, their Chinese clones, or similar in design Subaru-Robin engines.

For a single full filling of such an engine with oil, no more than 0.6 liters of oil will be required - which is why such a packaging volume is popular with manufacturers. More powerful modifications of these motors can hold a liter or more of oil.

A number of motors, the design of which includes an additional reduction gear, have a separate space for lubrication.

Table of filling volumes for original Honda engines and similar Chinese

Subaru engines

If your walk-behind tractor is equipped with a Briggs & Stratton engine

Replacement

The oil in the engine of the walk-behind tractor is changed at the intervals specified in its operating manual, usually 60-80 hours. Shorten the specified interval under severe operating conditions or using cheap mineral oils.

Before changing the oil on the walk-behind tractor, position it so that the engine is horizontal, and warm up the engine so that the oil can drain better. Then remove the oil filler plug and drain plug, substituting a container of suitable volume under it.

Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot oil.

After waiting for the moment when the used oil stops dripping, screw the drain plug back in place and pour fresh oil into the crankcase through a clean funnel, guided by the passport volume and marks on the oil filler dipstick.

Since the engine is lubricated only by splashing oil from the crankshaft, always strive to maintain the oil level at the "maximum" mark. Low-level filler holes without a dipstick must be filled with oil until it appears on the threads.

If the engine of the walk-behind tractor is equipped with a reduction gear, do the same operations with it. Most often, the gearbox does not have oil dipstick, and in order to measure the right amount of oil, use a small container of known volume.