I have an older Cub Cadet with a Briggs motor. My Briggs repair manual shows oil capacity to be 48 oz, but after 32, it shows full. This engine has a dipstick and I'm wondering what the proper way to check it is. Should the dipstick be screwed down, as if in normal operating position or should the level be checked by just dipping the stick and not screwing it down.
I have been screwing it down to check it. The manual does not specify.
Thanks

Yeah usually the manual says how to check it. Most of the time you just set dipstick in without screwing it in and see it’s at correct level. Does this model have an oil filter, if so did you change it?

Thanks for the reply. I did just change the oil and no, there is no filter. I did run it briefly.
It would be nice to be sure I'm not over or under filling it. My gut tells me to add the additional 16 ounces.
This engine is a 12hp from the 80's. A much more recent Briggs video on YouTube showed screwing the stick down.
Thanks for the input.

Agreed with Mike.
 
DO NOT overfill, per the dip stick.  Screwing in or just checked when the stick stops is fine. 
The difference is minimal.  
 
Overfilling, over the dip stick marks is NOT GOOD..    Typos do happen....
 
.

Thanks Scott,
I'm thinking I may split the difference and add 8 ounces rather than the sixteen the Briggs manual is asking for.

Okaaaay. 
 
Have a new air filter ready (as it'll be soaked with oil and will run stupid rich with the clogged filter.).
 
.

That's actually really good to know. I just picked this machine up and it looked to me like that may have been happening. The air filter was plugged right up and the whole machine was coated with oil. I assumed it was coming from the grommet between the dipstick tube and the block. I know there was more than a quart in there when I drained it. I think you're on to something.
You've got to admit though that I'm getting conflicting info between the manufacturer's manual and the dipstick.
 
Thanks again.

I just finished a Briggs 19HP, V twin generator engine (10,000 K  Generac).
It had literally tumbled (not running), inside a small shed when Hurricane Ian came thru
(with 140 MPH winds).  Owner couldn't get it going again (said it used to work, oil was everywhere).
 
The round PAPER air filter was soaked with oil and severely clogged air flow. The oil was BLACK.
Did some minor repairs, Oil pressure switch, carb clean, fuel tank clean, fuel filter, A/F, new 
battery for the electric start, fix flat tire, re-weld handle, etc.
 
(Delivering it to the new owner today)
 
With a new oil filter (attaches sideways), total oil fill was about 1.3 quarts, tops.
Looking on-line, it was posted to take about 2 quarts...  It did not..
 
IME, Trust the dip stick.
 
.

Rule of engines: Dipsticks are always right:)