good 10w40 options?

[TiredTrucker]

I bought a new JD zero turn this year with a Kawasaki engine in it. Recommended oil for it from JD was 10w30. I use the Amsoil 10w30/30w and like it in there. Straight 30w with no VI that also has flow characteristics of a 10w30 when cold. Never felt the need to use a XXw40 weight in it. It racks up about 6 hrs a week. It is not commercial use. Mostly 80-90F days when used.

 

[troyken]

Quick story on this topic. I have an early sixties Gravely Model L two wheel tractor with sickle bar mower, both bought used, no idea on history. I serviced with Mobil "super" conventional 10w-40 2.5 qts. and new Fram orange filter.Good idling oil pressure after service. Mower serviced too with correct lube and sharpened. I was cutting heavy weeds, goldenrod ect. in about 85-90 degree air temps.Tough going but I was not pushing the machine too hard. I stopped for lunch and thought I'd better check the oil. Gauge showed very low idle oil pressure,"red zone", and would not come up at higher rpms.
Engine hot by observation, no noises.Engine fan works and cooling shrouds in place, fins clean.

Changed oil the next weekend to Delo 15-40 HDEO and Wix 1515 oil filter. Oil pressure came right back up, no engine noise or ill effects even when warm. I have not cut with it yet but I think the HDEO solved the issue. Not sure if straight 30 would have worked as well.

 

[Eddie]

I'd run Pennzoil Platinum 10w30 which is what I run in a B&S 20 HP twin here in hot florida. ed

 

[The motor guy]

I wonder if the bigger mower engines run hotter than regular lawn mower engines.

 

[The motor guy]

Looks like that same oil chart Is used for all their engines. Interesting.... How long have people been putting in regular old 30 weight in their engines with no problem. Odd how it only goes up to 85 degrees for the 30 weight

 

[Bror Jace]

"The OP lives in Texas and it will see 100 degree days. A 40 weight, such as 15w40 is ideal. Ideal, as in hard to beat if you tried. Just buy the 15w40 of your choice and motor on. Kawasaki engines LOVE 15w40. That is all I run in them."

Bingo. No reason at all to run a 10W-40 in high heat conditions when 15W40s are extremely available, more shear stable and have a superior add-pack.

Odd that Kawasaki's chart skips over one of the best, most obvious choices for their OPE. How could you recommend 5W-20 all the way up to straight 40 ... but not mention 15w40?

 

[The motor guy]

Originally Posted By: Bror Jace
"The OP lives in Texas and it will see 100 degree days. A 40 weight, such as 15w40 is ideal. Ideal, as in hard to beat if you tried. Just buy the 15w40 of your choice and motor on. Kawasaki engines LOVE 15w40. That is all I run in them."

Bingo. No reason at all to run a 10W-40 in high heat conditions when 15W40s are extremely available, more shear stable and have a superior add-pack.

Odd that Kawasaki's chart skips over one of the best, most obvious choices for their OPE. How could you recommend 5W-20 all the way up to straight 40 ... but not me
ntion 15w40?


Probably could have run the same oil in my Kawasaki FJ180v all this time. Would have saved a bunch of money instead of using the amsoil small engine oil.