How to change the oil in a motoblocks yourself: a step-by-step guide

Any motorised equipment will last longer if it is serviced in good time. The easiest and most cost-effective way to extend the life of a motoblock is to change the oil in accordance with the number of operating hours specified in the machine's technical manual. Owners often put off this procedure or forget about the oil in the gearbox, which causes the engine and transmission to fail prematurely. In this article, you'll find out exactly when to change the oil, which type to choose and how to carry out the change yourself.

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Why change the oil at all – and what happens if you don't do it in time?

Some novice farmers believe that, provided the oil level in the sump is normal, there is no need to change the oil. This is a dangerous misconception, as during intensive operation the engine system is subjected to enormous thermal and mechanical stresses. ⚠️ Over time, the lubricant inevitably darkens, loses its original viscosity, and accumulates soot, fuel combustion by-products and microscopic metal dust.

➡️ Ignoring the maintenance schedule leads to overheating, critical wear of the cylinder-piston assembly and the inevitable seizure of the engine. A simple calculation shows that an engine that has seized due to old, contaminated lubricant will require complex repairs. Replacing the piston, rings, crankshaft and connecting rod will cost the owner at least 5,000 lei, whereas a can of high-quality fresh oil costs up to 300 lei.

When to change the oil in a motoblock: intervals and guidelines

To extend the overall service life of the equipment, it is essential to strictly adhere to clear and proven service intervals. Experts recommend using the following key timeframes as a guide:

➡️ New motoblock (running-in period). The first oil change must be carried out exactly 5 hours after use, when the gears are actively running in and the factory swarf is being flushed out. The second oil change should be carried out a further 5-10 hours of light use later.
➡️ Engine maintenance schedule. Scheduled engine maintenance is carried out every 25-50 operating hours of intensive use, or at least once a season if the machine is used infrequently.
➡️ Gearbox maintenance schedule. The lubricant in the transmission unit is changed every 100-200 operating hours or once a year when preparing for winter.
➡️ Visual inspection. If the fluid on the dipstick has turned completely black, is as runny as water or has acquired a characteristic burnt smell, scheduled maintenance must be carried out immediately.
➡️ Winter storage preparation. It is best to carry out this procedure in the autumn to prevent acids and condensation that have built up over the summer from corroding the internal metal components during prolonged periods of inactivity in an unheated garage.

Sticking to these simple maintenance intervals will protect the key components of your motorised cultivator from premature wear and unexpected breakdowns in the middle of the season.

What oil should you use in a motoblock: engine and gearbox

Choosing the right lubricants is crucial to the service life of all friction pairs and the reliable operation of mechanisms under heavy loads.

Engine oil

When choosing an engine oil, you should take into account the type of engine fitted and the operating temperature range. ✅ For four-stroke petrol engines (models 168F, 170F, 177F, 188F), a semi-synthetic oil with a viscosity grade of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 and an API quality rating of SF/SG or higher is ideal. Diesel engines (popular models 178F, 186F, as well as the heavy-duty water-cooled diesel engines 190N and 195N) require a specialised oil with a viscosity grade of SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40 and an API quality rating of CD/CE.

Semi-synthetic oil is the better choice compared to "mineral oil", as it performs more consistently at high temperatures and does not lose its protective properties when overheated. ⚠️ Ordinary car engine oil is not recommended, as the air-cooling system of motoblocks results in higher operating temperatures, at which car engine additives break down rapidly.

Below is a list of approximate sump capacities for the most popular engines:

chinese gasoline engines 168F and 170F (6.5-7.0 hp) – hold exactly 0.6 liters of fluid;
medium-power gasoline engines 177F (9.0 hp) – require 1.1 liters for filling;
air-cooled diesel engines 178F (6.0 hp) – hold 1.1 liters;
powerful diesel engines 186F (9.0 hp) – require 1.65 liters;
heavy-duty liquid-cooled diesel engines 190N and 195N series (10.0-12.0 hp) – hold from 2.0 to 2.5 liters.

Choosing the right type and quantity of lubricant ensures that the engine starts easily in all weather conditions.

Gearbox oil

➡️ Only specialised transmission oil of grades TAD-17, TAP-15 or imported equivalents with a viscosity of SAE 80W-90 or 85W-90 should be used in the motoblocks transmission. The average fill volume ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 litres, depending on the size and model of the gearbox. It is strictly forbidden to fill the gearbox with liquid engine oil. It is unable to form a durable protective film on the gear teeth under high mechanical loads.

What you'll need for the replacement: tools and materials

You will NOT need any special equipment to carry out this procedure, as everything you need can be found around the house. Before you start, prepare the following basic set of items:

new oil of the correct type, viscosity and volume for the engine or gearbox;
a container for draining the used oil (a cut-off jerrycan or a plastic basin will do);
a funnel with a narrow neck, a set of socket or open-ended spanners for unscrewing the drain plug;
clean rags or paper towels to wipe up any spills.

✅ If, upon a thorough inspection of your machinery, you notice that the seals or bearings are worn, you can always buy spare parts for your motoblock at a great price from our shop TTG Agro-Moto.

Step-by-step guide to changing the engine oil in a motoblock

Follow the procedure strictly step by step, observing safety precautions:

➡️ Let the engine warm up for 3-5 minutes. Warm oil flows more freely and is much better at carrying away the deposits that have built up at the bottom of the sump.

➡️ Switch off the engine. Wait 2-3 minutes to allow all the sludge and fluid to drain from the walls into the sump.

➡️ Place a container under the drain plug. Position the prepared container directly beneath the drain hole.

➡️ Tilt the motoblock slightly. Tilting the machine towards the drain hole will help to remove absolutely all of the used oil.

➡️ Unscrew the drain plug. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the prepared container for 10 minutes.

➡️ Screw the plug back into place. Don't forget to check the condition of the O-ring on the bolt; replacing it in good time will prevent leaks.

➡️ Top up with new oil. Use a funnel and pour the oil in carefully, checking the level using the dipstick or the lower edge of the thread.

➡️ Run the engine for 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no leaks beneath the drain plug whilst the engine is running.

➡️ Check the level. Switch off the engine, wait a minute and, if necessary, top up the fluid to the upper mark.

Pour the drained waste into a sealed plastic container and take it to a recycling centre.

Step-by-step oil change in a motoblock gearbox

Servicing the transmission unit has its own specific requirements, as the gearbox is fitted with its own drain plug. To replace it correctly, follow these steps:

Place the motor cultivator on a flat, level surface and position a container under the drain plug at the bottom of the gearbox.
Unscrew the drain plug and the filler cap on the gearbox of popular models such as Zubr, Kentavr, Forte or Neva.
Wait 15–20 minutes until the thick transmission fluid has completely drained from the housing.
Screw the cleaned drain plug back in, after removing any metal shavings from its magnet.
Fill with fresh lubricant through the top opening to the required level.
Check the level using a special dipstick or via the side threaded inspection hole.

Changing the transmission fluid at the right time will prevent the gears from wearing out quickly under heavy loads whilst ploughing.

How to check the oil level without a dipstick (a handy tip for older models)

On older or basic Chinese engines, the standard plastic dipstick is often missing, lost or broken. In this case, you can determine the exact amount of oil in the sump using a simple and reliable traditional method.

➡️ To check, position the vehicle strictly horizontally. The level is considered sufficient when the fluid is right at the edge of the filler hole's thread and is visible to the naked eye. If the filler hole is difficult to access, carefully lower a clean piece of wire or your finger into it – they should lightly touch the oil surface.

Maintenance schedule for the motoblock: oil and other components

To ensure systematic maintenance of the equipment and timely inspection of all working parts, it is recommended that you use a clear diagram of periodic maintenance tasks:

Maintenance item	Operation to be carried out	Scheduled frequency
Engine oil	Complete replacement of the exhaust system	Every 25-50 operating hours or once per season
Gearbox oil	Fluid level check and top-up	Every 100-200 operating hours or once a year
Air filter	Cleaning and flushing of the component	Every 10 operating hours (more frequently in dusty conditions)
Spark plug	Removal of carbon deposits, adjustment of clearance	Every 50 operating hours
Fuel filter	Cleaning of the system or replacement of a part	Every 100 operating hours

Adhering to this simple maintenance schedule will significantly extend the overall service life of all the unit's systems.

LET'S SUM UP

To ensure your machinery lasts a long time and doesn't let you down, follow these three simple rules. Firstly, change the engine oil on time and service the gearbox. Secondly, choose only high-quality products that are suitable for your engine. Thirdly, drain the old oil whilst the engine is still warm – this will clean the sump much more effectively.

Need advice on maintaining a specific model, or looking to buy affordable spare parts for your motoblock? Drop us a line – we'll be happy to advise you and help you make the right choice!