Installed temp guage on rider

[-Clayton-]

I screwed it into the oil drain port an drilled a hole into the dash for the gauge itself. I was curious as what oil temps really were, I'm also going to try various weights of oil to see if theres any difference in temperature as well.

I mowed today because I couldn't wait for the grass to get tall so it wasn't really under load, I probably took off a inch or so.

Anybody wanna guess what my max oil temps were before I tell?

Some specs that might help:

B&S 17 HP Intek single cyl pressure lubed
42 inch cut
Oil used was 10w40 maxlife

 

[Bill Kapaun]

What was the ambient air temp?
190F +(ambient air temp-75).

 

[Geo148]

I'd love to see any pic's. What type of meter did you use? What machine is it on? What size filter?
My guess would be 200 to 210.
I would like to put one on my Cub Hydro trans as well.

 

[daman]

 

[-Clayton-]

Quote:

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What was the ambient air temp?
190F +(ambient air temp-75).

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Yeah, probably around 75 + or - a few degrees.

 

[-Clayton-]

Quote:

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I'd love to see any pic's. What type of meter did you use? What machine is it on? What size filter?
My guess would be 200 to 210.
I would like to put one on my Cub Hydro trans as well.

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I would take a pic but my camera broke sometime back and I just haven't replaced it yet.

Gauge is a $13 sunpro el cheapo from autozone.

Machine is a Yard King with hydro drive.

Filter is a AA3614 That I got BOGO.

Your guess was pretty close.

 

[-Clayton-]

It was running around 232 Degrees but I wasn't too worried, I wouldn't be surprised to see temps close to 250 degrees on a hot day and a good load.

Does anyone know if a thinner oil like 5w30 would make the temperature higher or if 20w50 would make the temp cooler?

I'm unsure if oil weight will even make a difference in temps. But I guess you never really know until you try.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Theoretically, a lower viscosity oil should have a bit less drag, thus cooler oil temp. I doubt it would be a significant amount.
What were your mowing conditions? Heavy, long, wet grass or ???? That's going to make a difference.
A few years back, on another website, a poster was playing around with some home made cardboard "ductwork" to channel air from outside directly to the engine instead of the engine getting its cooling air from under the hood. He got about a 20F reduction IIRC.
About all I can remember was that it was on a 14? HP Kohler equipped machine.

IF you have room for a 1.5" longer filter, a MotorCraft FL400 or equivalent has the same specs otherwise. That would give about 5 oz. more capacity and a few more sq" of cooling area. THAT difference would "intrigue" me.

 

[Geo148]

Quote:

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Theoretically, a lower viscosity oil should have a bit less drag, thus cooler oil temp. I doubt it would be a significant amount.
What were your mowing conditions? Heavy, long, wet grass or ???? That's going to make a difference.
A few years back, on another website, a poster was playing around with some home made cardboard "ductwork" to channel air from outside directly to the engine instead of the engine getting its cooling air from under the hood. He got about a 20F reduction IIRC.
About all I can remember was that it was on a 14? HP Kohler equipped machine.

IF you have room for a 1.5" longer filter, a MotorCraft FL400 or equivalent has the same specs otherwise. That would give about 5 oz. more capacity and a few more sq" of cooling area. THAT difference would "intrigue" me.

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I was thinking the same thing. Thats the same filter I have on my Cub.
So, what'ya think gonna try a larger filter?

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Frugal me wouldn't pull off a perfectly good filter before its time. (Borrow the Cubs?)

 

[-Clayton-]

I haven't got room for the larger filter so I'm stuck with this size.

 

[jsharp]

Quote:

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It was running around 232 Degrees but I wasn't too worried, I wouldn't be surprised to see temps close to 250 degrees on a hot day and a good load.

Does anyone know if a thinner oil like 5w30 would make the temperature higher or if 20w50 would make the temp cooler?

I'm unsure if oil weight will even make a difference in temps. But I guess you never really know until you try.

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This setup will be fun to play with. I've thought about doing the same on my Cub. I think you'll find a couple of things -

That moving to a 50 weight oil will raise your engine temps vs. the 40 weight you're using.

And discounting load changes, that the oil temp will track very consistantly with ambient temps. Add 20 degrees ambient to your operating conditions and you'll probably see almost that much increase in oil temps.