I went through all the old posts on this, and found that many were as puzzled as I am on the Kohler oil recommendation, 10w30 unless lower than 40, then 5w30. I want to run a good synthetic in this motor as the machine it sits on (zero turn mower) just cost me a pretty penny. I am considering either Amsoil 10w30 or Redline 10w30 to keep with the Kohler manual that states 10w30 is the required oil weight. Any thoughts, comments or inputs? How have others made out with their air cooled engines with these oils?
Kohler CV 18 Oil Requirements
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I thought of Mobil 1 as a choice, but someone had reported this summer that upon changing to Mobil 1 their Kohler began to smoke while idling.
Kohlers have hydraulic lifters, thus their recommendation for a multi-vis oil.
Apparently, straight 30 results in lifter noise on cold starts. If hydraulic lifters are making noise, that's not good for them. They are basically 'beating' themselves to death.
Apparently, straight 30 results in lifter noise on cold starts. If hydraulic lifters are making noise, that's not good for them. They are basically 'beating' themselves to death.
I'm going to run GC 0w30 in my Kohler CV16
My only "fear" with Mobil 1 in these applications is that it starts out so thin. Fine for cold-weather applications but for air-cooled motors in warm climates, I'd prefer something else ... or step up to 15W-50 (which, even thin, might be a tad thick for your application).
Vettenuts, I think Amsoil, Redline or GC would make fine choices ... as would Schaeffer's 5w30 and 10w30 blends. Going to do any used oil analysis?
Does this engine have a full-flow filter?
Don't forget to grease the machine often and service the air-cleaner (especially if it has a pre-cleaner) frequently. These are probably more important than the choice of engine oil.
--- Bror Jace
Vettenuts, I think Amsoil, Redline or GC would make fine choices ... as would Schaeffer's 5w30 and 10w30 blends. Going to do any used oil analysis?
Does this engine have a full-flow filter?
Don't forget to grease the machine often and service the air-cleaner (especially if it has a pre-cleaner) frequently. These are probably more important than the choice of engine oil.
--- Bror Jace
I am very much leaning towards GC at this point, even though the manual is pretty specific about using 10w30 in the motor. Machine is brand new, just turned 3 hours tonight. Will be keeping an eye on the air filter. I do have a full flow oil filter, and plan to go with a Baldwin on the first change rather than the Kohler.
Vettenuts; Kohler wants 10w30 in the motor due to hard starting and kick back condition when a heavier oil is used.They started this a few years ago.The last dealer service meeting that I went to they brought this subject up again saying that when it gets cold out and other than 10w30 is used it will be very dificult to start.There is a compression realease on the cam and if you can not spin the motor over fast enough due to thick oil the motor will not start.Also make shure you oil the pre filter on the air filter ,we use a foam filter oil at work that is very sticky when dry and this makes all the difference in engine life, it's made by PJ 1 .
Thanks for the information. Do you think GC 0w30 is OK? Where would I get the foam filter oil?
The GC 0w30 should work fine , we have a lot of customers running Mobil 1 10w30 with excellent results as well.You can get the air filter oil from any motorcyle shop. The other day a customer came in for serviceing on a commercial mower with a kholer on it that I had used the air filter oil on and the foam pre filter was so full of dirt that it was like a solid brick
but the good thing was that the paper filter was spotless as well as was the intake.This oil should be used on all foam air filters. Also get the spray can form of the oil , much easier to use. The one we use is call PJ1 spray foam filter oil.
Thanks, great information. Especially since the unit is brand new.
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