LO-206 How To Guide - Changing oil - Coefficient of Friction - 206 Speed secrets from the DYNO ROOM.

How to Change Oil on a LO206 Engine

How much oil? How Often? We have questions.... here are the answers.

Changing the oil on a LO206 is one of the simplest and most important maintenance tasks in karting. Fresh oil keeps the engine cool, protects internal parts, and helps maintain power during long race weekends. Follow this guide to keep your LO206 clean, consistent, and race ready. Read below about oil essays, a huge tip on analyzing how much drag your engine is creating by measuring the metal content in your oil in between oil changes! Not as expensive as you think.

Recommended Oil and Amount

The LO206 engine typically holds between 14 and 16 ounces of oil after a full drain. Some racers prefer 12 ounces for lower drag, but the safest and most reliable choice for most drivers is 14 to 16 ounces. Always measure your oil before filling to avoid overfilling.

For oil, many racers choose a high quality kart specific 4 cycle oil such as Amsoil Briggs 4T Synthetic Oil. It is formulated for splash lubricated Briggs style engines and provides excellent protection under race conditions.

The Ratio Rite Cup (SKU: WB300) makes measuring simple. Fill the cup to 14, 15, or 16 ounces as needed for your program and you can repeat the same fill every time with no guessing.

How Often to Change LO206 Oil

Change your oil daily during a race weekend and after every full practice day. If you run in the rain, change the oil after every wet session. Water and debris contaminate the oil quickly and reduce protection. Regular oil changes are the number one way to keep your LO206 healthy.

This chart proves DAILY is key, not just for friction reduction.. but HP!

Tools and Helpful Accessories

Step by Step: How to Change LO206 Oil

1. Warm up the engine slightly.
Let the engine idle for about 30 to 60 seconds. Warm oil drains faster and carries more contaminants out of the crankcase. Very important step!! Don't skip this, this is the life of your engine. The first step was actually changing the oil!! HAHA. but really, steps like this help engine life drastically. 

2. Position a drain tray under the engine.
Place an oil safe pan such as the Universal Oil Drain Tray for Kart Engines under the front lower area of the engine where the drain plug sits. This keeps oil off the chassis and floor and makes cleanup easier.

3. Remove the drain plug.
Use a 10 mm wrench or socket to loosen and remove the stock plug, or your upgraded magnetic drain plug compatible with Briggs 691663. Allow the oil to drain completely into the tray.

4. Let the oil drain fully.
Give it time. A minute or two helps more of the old oil and contaminants exit. Some racers gently tip the kart forward a small amount to help the last bit of oil flow out. Do not over tilt or create a mess.

5. Inspect and clean the drain plug.
Wipe the plug and washer clean. If you are using the magnetic drain plug, check for metal fuzz on the magnet. A light film is normal, heavy chunks are a warning sign that needs inspection.

6. Reinstall the drain plug.
Thread the plug in by hand first, then snug it with the wrench. You want it tight enough to seal, not so tight that you strip the threads. Make sure the sealing washer is seated correctly.

7. Measure your new oil.
Use your Ratio Rite Cup to measure 14 to 16 ounces of oil. This makes your fill level repeatable from session to session and avoids guessing. Many racers pick one number and stay with it for consistency.

8. Fill the engine.
Remove the yellow plastic oil fill cap or upgrade to a stronger piece such as the Premium Silver Billet Oil Fill Cap for LO206 and Animal. The billet cap is easier to remove with a large screwdriver, has a better seal, and will not crack like the stock plastic part. Slowly pour the measured oil into the fill port.

9. Reinstall the fill cap.
Check that the o ring or seal on your cap is in good condition. Tighten the cap until it is firmly seated. A damaged or loose cap can leak or allow dirt into the engine.

10. Start the engine and check for leaks.
Run the engine for a short period, then shut it off. Wipe around the drain plug and fill cap and check for any fresh oil. If you see a leak, snug the plug or cap slightly and recheck.

Extra LO206 Oil Tips

  • Use a quality 4 cycle karting oil such as Amsoil Briggs 4T for improved protection and consistency.
  • Inspect the drained oil for metal shavings, color, consistency. You'll notice for example if you raced in the rain, even a single time... it could be cloudy etc. If you really want to step up your game, you can send your oil in whats called a oil ESSAY. Where they measure the metal content of the oil, this will give you some insight to how much drag this engine is dragging or scrubbing more metal to metal than others or if its broke in well and not dragging at all, etc. The engine that is producing the lowest amount of metal in the Essay to me would be the engine that is broke in, and has the least HP loss. This isn't as expensive as you would think, about $25 - $40 per sample. Check out SPEEDiagnostix, they do high performance oriented oil analysis kits. 
  • Change oil daily on busy race weekends and after every rain session. SPEEDiagnostix 
  • Keep your Ratio Rite Cup with your kart so anyone can measure the correct amount quickly.
  • Consider a magnetic drain plug to help catch fine metal and monitor engine health.
  • Use a dedicated oil drain tray to keep your pit area clean and avoid contamination.

Fresh, correctly measured oil is cheap insurance for your LO206. With a Ratio Rite Cup, a good oil like Amsoil Briggs 4T, a quality drain tray, and upgraded hardware such as a magnetic drain plug and billet oil fill cap, you can make every oil change quick, clean, and consistent.