What Brand / Weight Engine Oil to Use

[titanup04]

Just wanted to get some feedback on what type of engine oil people are using. I have a Super Z with the 31 Kawi engine. I live in the south where we cut grass from March thru early November. The manual suggests SAE 40 for temps from 68-104 F and the SAE 30 for temps from 32 - 95 F. I think I will use the 30 weight b/c it better suits the temp range I work in (although mid summer is pretty hot), but just wanted to see what everyone else is using. What brand names are you using as well (Mobil, Penzoil, etc....)? Thanks for your help.

[mowerconsultant]

Your thoughts are good on the weight of the oil.
Stick with a good brand name oil, don't go for the cheap stuff.

Pj

[titanup04]

Thanks. What do you think about synthetic oil? Is there any great advantage or benefit to using it in mowers?

[mowerconsultant]

Thanks. What do you think about synthetic oil? Is there any great advantage or benefit to using it in mowers?

Synthetic is good also.
Just let the engine break in 50 hours before you put it in the engine.

Pj

[Tockit]

Synthetic is good also.
Just let the engine break in 50 hours before you put it in the engine.

Pj
Pj,

My dealer told me that on the Kohler engines, most people that don't run Kohler oil in them complain that the valve train noise is a lot more noticable than people that do run Kohler oil.

I was just wondering if you'd heard this, and if that same problem happens when running synthetic oil?

Also, do you use the same oil change intervals when running synthetic versus the regular delo oil?

Thanks!

Andy C.

[mowerconsultant]

Pj,

My dealer told me that on the Kohler engines, most people that don't run Kohler oil in them complain that the valve train noise is a lot more noticable than people that do run Kohler oil.

I was just wondering if you'd heard this, and if that same problem happens when running synthetic oil?

Also, do you use the same oil change intervals when running synthetic versus the regular delo oil?

Thanks!

Andy C.

This is true.
The Kohler oil has a additive in it to prevent oil foaming, when the oil foams air gets into the hydraulic lifters and makes them real loud...
You can find synthetics with the same additive, its about the same as oil used in diesel engines.
As to oil change intervals, I would go with the synthetic oil mfg's suggestions.

Pj

[Tockit]

This is true.
The Kohler oil has a additive in it to prevent oil foaming, when the oil foams air gets into the hydraulic lifters and makes them real loud...
You can find synthetics with the same additive, its about the same as oil used in diesel engines.
As to oil change intervals, I would go with the synthetic oil mfg's suggestions.

Pj


What's the name of this anti-foaming additive?

[mowerconsultant]

What's the name of this anti-foaming additive?

That is a question for Kohler or oil experts, sorry I dont know it.

Pj

[ssmokn]

I use Amsoil 10W30/SAE30 in my Super Mini Z with a Kawasaki 25HP. In fact I use this oil in all my 4 stroke air cooled small engines. I did 50 hour breakin on regular 10W30 and then switched to the Amsoil. http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/ase.aspx

I also use the Amsoil Two-Stroke oil in all my two strokes at 100:1 regardless of what the manufacturer recommends. No smoke, no carbon buildup and never had an engine failure.

I'm not a commercial operator so the expense may put you off but I figure expensive oil is less costly than the cheapest replacement motor. I'm not an Amsoil dealer. Just a satisfied user.