Whether you’re powering a go-kart or any other type of equipment with a Predator 212 engine, you’ll need to ensure that you use the right type of oil and that you do regular maintenance checks.
In this guide, I’ll teach you everything from checking oil levels to changing oil on your Predator 212 engine. I’ve also made sure to include an FAQ section below to cover some of the most popular questions.
Guide to Predator 212 Engine Oil:
Suitable Engine Oils: What Type of Oil Does a Predator 212 Take?
As Predator 212 engines have a 4-stroke configuration, oil does not need to be mixed into the fuel. Instead, it needs to be filled into a separate oil tank. Each engine manufacturer will typically recommend a type of oil in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Viscosity Grade, in which the engine operates optimally.
Predator 212 engines take 10W-30 oil if the outside temperature is 32° F (0° Celsius) or above. If the outside temperature is below 32° F, a 5W-30 oil is going to be more suitable, as suggested by the manufacturer.
Therefore, in most cases, a 10W-30 engine oil would work just fine. Check the section below for the best engine oils!
Best Engine Oils For Predator 212
So, what’s the best engine oil for the Predator 212? Well, there is a wide selection of engine oils in the market and any 10W-30 oil that is high-grade will do. My preferred engine oil is the STP 4-Cycle 10W-30 Engine Oil, as it’s optimized for 4-stroke small engines like the Predator 212.
Checking Oil Levels
Checking the oil level on your Predator 212 is simple and straightforward. All you need to do is use the dipstick to see what the oil level inside the engine is. Follow the guide below for more information.
- Ensure Engine is Off – Make sure that when you check the oil level, the engine is completely shut down and is placed on level ground – on a table or floor would be optimal)
- Locate the Dipstick – The dipstick is located on the side where the pull start handle is facing. You can identify the dipstick by the yellow cover (use the image above for reference.
- Close the Fuel Valve – Close the fuel valve, which is a lever that is located right underneath the choke
- Clean the Dipstick – Now unscrew the dipstick by turning it counterclockwise. Use a cloth to clean the oil off it, as you’ll need to get an accurate reading. Ensure that the cloth is lint-free.
- Check Oil Level – To check the oil level, simply reinsert the dipstick without threading it – it should only touch the bottom of the dipstick thread. Now check the reading and compare it with the oil level markings in the illustration above.
- Reinsert the Dipstick – If there is no need to top the oil up, then you can proceed to thread the dipstick by turning it clockwise. There is no need to clean the dipstick this time, before inserting it. If you need to fill oil into the engine, go to the next step.
Filling Oil
You’ll always need to make sure that you run your engine with enough engine oil. If your Predator 212 doesn’t have enough oil, you may see smoke emitting from the engine, as it lacks proper lubrication and internal components heat up.
To fill oil into the engine follow the steps above on checking oil levels. At the step before you insert the dipstick back into the engine, top it up with your preferred engine oil. After you’ve topped it up, make sure that the oil levels are full as this will ensure your engine runs optimally.
If you’re changing your oil or topping up too much oil, you need to drain it. Excess engine oil may cause it to leak due to excess pressure. Follow the next step on draining oil.
Draining Oil
To drain the oil out of a Predator 212 engine, you’ll need a 10mm (M6) socket or torque wrench and a bowl or drain pan to collect the oil. Follow the step-by-step guide below.
- Place Engine on Table – When draining the oil, ensure that the Predator engine is off and place it on a table (a floor won’t work). Make sure the engine is looking out slightly so that the oil can drip down.
- Place a Bowl or Drain Pan Underneath – Now, place an empty bowl or drain pan underneath the engine (it should be underneath the oil drain plug, so it can collect the oil.
- Locate the Oil Drain Plug – As you can see from the images above, the oil drain plug is located underneath the dipstick. It’s a 10mm (M6) bolt.
- Drain the Oil Out – Remove the M6 bolt with a suitable socket. Do this slowly, as oil will start pouring into the bowl. You want to tip the engine slightly to ensure that all of the oil is drained.
- Close the Oil Drain Plug – Once all of the oil is drained you can place the oil drain plug back into place by re-threading it. Make sure that the oil plug is clean; it’s best to wipe off any excess oil.
Changing Oil
Draining the oil from a Predator 212 engine is essentially combining the process of draining the oil and then filling it with new oil. Below is a quick guide on how to change the oil on a Predator engine.
- Place Engine on Table – First, ensure that the engine is switched off and that the fuel valve is closed. Place the engine onto a table with the edge of the engine sticking out slightly.
- Place a Bowl or Drain Pan Underneath – Place an empty bowl or drain pan under the engine, where the oil can be collected.
- Locate the Oil Drain Plug – The drain plug is an M6 bolt (10mm). It’s located on the bottom underneath the oil dipstick.
- Drain the Oil Out – Remove the M6 bolt with a socket and let the old engine oil drain into the bowl or drain pan. Make sure that all of the oil is out by lifting the back of the engine.
- Close the Oil Drain Plug – Now, close the oil drain plug by screwing it back into the thread. Ensure that any excess oil from the drain plug is removed.
- Remove Dipstick – Remove the oil dipstick and place it to the side. It’s best to clean it once you have removed it from the engine.
- Fill in New Oil – Now, fill in your preferred engine oil. For the Predator 212 engine, I prefer the STP 4-Cycle 10W-30 Engine Oil as it’s great for 4-cycle engines.
- Check Oil Level – Keep checking the oil level, to ensure that it’s filled to the optimal level. This may take a few tries in the beginning, but you’ll get used to it fairly quickly.
- Reinsert the Dipstick – Now, simply re-thread the dipstick back into position and check that it’s tightly secured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since this guide was highly requested, I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about checking, draining, filling, and changing the engine oil on a Predator 212.
How Often To Check Oil Levels?
You should check the oil level on your Predator 212 engine before very use – meaning before you start your go-kart. This is because running with no or low oil levels can potentially damage your engine.
How Often Should I Change the Oil?
The manufacturer suggests changing the oil on a Predator 212 engine monthly or after every 20 hours of use (whichever occurs sooner). Engine oil becomes less efficient the older it gets and can cause your engine to generate more unwanted heat. To be sure, check the owner’s manual and warranty guidelines.
Can I Mix Oil Into the Fuel Instead?
As the Predator 212 engine is a 4-stroke engine, you’ll need to fill oil into the engine separately. This is different from a 2-stroke engine, where oil is typically mixed into the fuel for the engine to run efficiently.
Do I Need Any Tools to Check and Change the Engine Oil?
You will need an M6 (10mm) socket in order to change the engine oil. This is because the Predator engine has an M6 bolt that acts as the oil drain plug. For checking the oil levels, no tools are required, except for the oil dipstick, which is found on the side of the engine.
What Happens If I Use the Wrong Engine Oil?
Using the wrong engine oil on your Predator 212 engine can lead to poor internal lubrication and potential overheating. Therefore, it’s best to stick to the recommended 10W-30 oil for temperatures at or above 32° F (0° Celsius), and 5W-30 for any outside temperature below 32° F (0° Celsius).
