Kohler Courage 26HP

[lawman1909]

I have a 26HP Kohler courage with about 300 hours on it. I plan on using some frankenbrew of old left over oil from other OC's for the winter snowplowing. However, I would like to know what you all would think of this ---> Running a 15w40 or a straight 30 grade. I am leaning towards the 15w40 since the oil will shear down considerably. This engine seems to really chew oil up. After 50 hours on MC 10W30 blend, the oil comes out dark black (color doesn't mean much) but extremely thin, almost like a 0w20. So what is your opinion?

 

[Timo325]

Great deal thanks. If only they delivered down south

 

[Alltherage]

I have the same engine in a craftsman mower. Calls for 10w30. I've heard they run good on 40 weight but I wouldn't in winter for sure. Running Full Synthetic 10w30 or hdeo 10w30 has made a huge difference for me. No more startup smoke or consumption. Oil looks clean always. Your oil shouldn't get dirty too fast with 300 hrs. I change every 25 though the manual says ever 50. Running 5w30 Full Synthetic would be a good option or 5w40 syn hdeo or 10w30 syn/syn blend hdeo

 

[JTK]

I ran 15w40 in the Courage 20hp V-twin on my 2010 model year Cub Z-Force mower. Ran like a top on it, as it pretty much would with any oil, maintained at an adequate level and change interval. For cold weather use, I'd run 5w40 in it if I could find that oil reasonably enough.

FWIW, Cub even recommended 15w40 right in the ops manual for this particular mower in 2010.

 

[Rand]

if your winter is anything like ohio (your location in profile is worthless for this) then I'd do a 5w30 or 5w40.

air cooled engine plowing snow at 25F wont get nearly as hot as in the summer when its 90F out.

also not much load compared to mowing or running a snowblower etc.