Well those are good questions, I didn't take mine in for the check-up,was I supposed to? I've got the Perkins in mine and glad of it, way better service from them than the Kubota people, I'm told.That oil on top, if the oil cap vibrate's loose,maybe thats why. But its sure fun dropping oil in there after the change huh? Mine has close to 1800 hrs and I've had no grief. Guess you been busy? I did some 2" 6G for practice the other day, but I haven't worked since before Christmas.