adkinska, no darn wonder and thank you for the obvious trouble you went to for me. That looks exactly like the schematic in my manual, and I was starting to think that, too, as it is the only way I could envision that looked like the schematic. No wonder I was confused. I don't think that's what the guy at the hardware store told me on the phone, and I watched them one time trying to fill and start it before making out a ticket. He definitely was doing it just tilting it to the side and pouring straight from the plastic container of oil. Wasn't getting anywhere with that, wouldn't start, said I got it all spilled onto the spark plug and other parts, and would have to be all cleaned out which was probably true. So to be doubly sure here, you are saying that I should tip the engine FORWARD like that (perfectly clear, just went and tried it) for BOTH filling and checking? They only had that one tiller, and I don't think they know a whole lot about it to be honest compared to the other one they sell. I will emblazon that magic number 2.7 oz in my brain and find something more exact to measure it with and fill very slowly. A baby bottle comes to mind, maybe my new measuring cup(s) has oz on it. In time, I should gain more confidence about that. What a difference a good explanation makes! First I will try what you said before bothering my son about it and hauling it back over there. You don't know how much I appreciate that! I will check if 10W 30 is the same as the SAE 30 they sold me that I've been using, knew not to put my snowblower/lawnmower oil in it from that older thread.

I use the packing from things that are packed in styrofoam and break them up in to smaller pieces and even the used styrofoam cups and take out containers. I kept some out of the landfill and it helps my plants, if it doesn't have a drain hole cannas do really good with wet feet in my limited experiance.

Counterpoint :) Look up wicking garden beds. Here's an example: http://www.instructables.com/id/Wicking-Beds/ Basically, you'd turn your stock tanks into large self watering containers like Earthbox or others. You just fill up the bottom with lava rocks or gravel until it's slightly above the water spout. Add dirt and water as you normally would. Water wicks up into the garden soil and keeps it nice and moist while the drain keeps the soil from being waterlogged. But there's always an inch or so of water in the bottom available to wick up into the plants. Wicking beds are gaining in popularity since there's no wasted water. Here's my wicking bed done with a bed of lava rock and fabric bags. They never get watered from the top, only soak up water from the bottom:

@live_wire_oak and @weedmeister thanks for the tip. Looks like the Costco installer was an amateur. I asked him the exact same question and he mentioned the grates will be aligned and not the top of the stove. He also never checked the level. I guess I will call them and ask if they can send someone more knowledgeable over. For the back it says 1inch gap is enough but who knows, looks like no one knows what they are doing anymore. Also, I am hoping that once I install the microwave on top the vent will be pretty good and quickly remove any heat. @wacokid yeah I wish I never asked the question about cooktop + wall oven below the cooktop (instead of raised in the wall) on Houzz. After hearing it is not a popular combo in the US, I decided to demolish my current setup and change. Big mistake! Thanks for the filler options @Shannon_WI.