Kohler command 23 oil consumption

[Rand]

If it gets much worse I'd suspect a possible HG issue, but I am not familiar with that engine series.

 

[oldcodger]

A head gasket leak can cause oil consumption. If this were a B&S Intek that would be the case. Post pictures of the plugs.

 

[#18FAN]

I’m starting to see more consumption on my kohler command 23 on my zero turn Deere. I’m adding about 1/3 of a qt every 6 hrs of use approx. Before this season, it hasn’t consumed much (if any) oil between changes. Or at least not to this degree. Engine has around 690 hrs on it and has had annual changes with amsoil (10w30) or HPL small engine 10w40 with Napa gold filters. Is this level of consumption concerning? Or something to be expected for this amount of hours? Mower is around 13 yrs old now.

TIA

Did it consume any Amsoil when you were using it?

 

[MParr]

Run some NAPA 20W50 conventional oil in it.

 

[loneryder]

Amsoil small engine 10w30 or 10w40. Recent (2 yrs ago) change to HPL small engine 10w40. It….may be the commercial Kohler? It was bought from a dealer as a “light commercial/homeowner” iirc. I’ll have to look at the sticker to confirm.

Only thing I can think of is stuck rings even though you used good oil. I'd run some R&P 5-30 in it and see if that helps. I run Kirkland 5-30 in my Briggs Commercial Turf. Book says it is ok but may burn more oil. Hasn't burned any yet.

 

[gasman556]

Did it consume any Amsoil when you were using it?

No. This was earlier in its life though too.

 

[loneryder]

When you peruse through the Valvoline R&P threads you find people that have used High quality oils through out their vehicles life with regular OCI' and still have stuck piston rings and oil consumption. R&P cleans them up. That is the reason I suggested you try R&P even though you have used great oils.

 

[gasman556]

When you peruse through the Valvoline R&P threads you find people that have used High quality oils through out their vehicles life with regular OCI' and still have stuck piston rings and oil consumption. R&P cleans them up. That is the reason I suggested you try R&P even though you have used great oils.

Only thing I can think of is stuck rings even though you used good oil. I'd run some R&P 5-30 in it and see if that helps. I run Kirkland 5-30 in my Briggs Commercial Turf. Book says it is ok but may burn more oil. Hasn't burned any yet.

My only hesitation is the fact R&P isn't a 10w30 at least. Or none that I've seen around me. It's HOT where I am and I don't want to nuke this little guy due to too thin an oil.

 

[loneryder]

My only hesitation is the fact R&P isn't a 10w30 at least. Or none that I've seen around me. It's HOT where I am and I don't want to nuke this little guy due to too thin an oil.

I don't think you will hurt the engine as you keep your eye on it pretty good. It's hot here and I can't believe how hot the mower gets. Yet it's not using any noticeable oil. It's a 30 wt when it's hot.

 

[The_Eric]

Inspect your air intake system well. Perhaps it's investing dust which caused cylinder/ring wear? This would make it consume more oil as well as darken it quickly.

Another possibility is fuel contamination - as another member pointed out, you should check your plugs.

 

[gasman556]

Inspect your air intake system well. Perhaps it's investing dust which caused cylinder/ring wear? This would make it consume more oil as well as darken it quickly.

Another possibility is fuel contamination - as another member pointed out, you should check your plugs.

The air intake/filter should be good. I have replaced them a couple times at this point with WIX filters. SHOULD be good anyways.

Fuel filter is changed annually too. Good gas as it's the same hooch that gets poured into my cars.

Again, I'm hopeful to check plugs this weekend. I'm assuming black plugs = excessive oil in chamber? Or will they be grey?

 

[BrendanC]

is it possible that valve stem seals could be going? (i assume it’s an OHV engine).

 

[gasman556]

is it possible that valve stem seals could be going? (i assume it’s an OHV engine).

At this point, I'm open to all possibilities. It's an OHV iirc given the plastic hardware stating such.

 

[BrendanC]

At this point, I'm open to all possibilities. It's an OHV iirc given the plastic hardware stating such.

this is where my accord burns all of its oil. it won’t smoke unless left idling long enough (high vacuum situation) but oil still disappears.

 

[gasman556]

Kohler CV680 (673 cc) engine. I couldn't edit my first post.

 

[nascarnation]

My only hesitation is the fact R&P isn't a 10w30 at least. Or none that I've seen around me. It's HOT where I am and I don't want to nuke this little guy due to too thin an oil.

Use your heat gun and measure some temps. You might be surprised.
My new Ferris with 25hp Briggs isn't getting to 200F after an hour running 90F ambient, same for the hydros.

 

[gasman556]

Update 1:
Smoke noted from oil fill tube after quick start up. No smoke that I could see in person or on video with a cold start best I could tell.

Blown HG?

 

[gasman556]

Update 2:
Plug pic below

 

[gasman556]

Small engine guy I trust is going to take a look at it. I don’t want to parts cannon this thing and (unfortunately) don’t have the time to learn on this one right now. He asked about valve adjustments. We will see.