New Kohler 16HP Command Engine in Tractor

[rjundi]

Hi,

I purchased some german castrol 0W30 today for no other reason except I saw it. Anyway I have a brand new tractor with a Kohler Command 16HP. I am planning after 5-10 hours, dumping the break in oil and then putting in new oil. They recommend 10W30. Is putting 0W30 in bad?

 

[Blue99]

On paper, the GC 0w30 oil has higher viscosity numbers than either Mobil 1 5W or 10w30 which are the syn oils grades approved by Kohler. A standard dino SAE30 HD is listed for comparison:

code:

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Mobil 1 Mobil 1 GC SAE 30

5w30 10w30 0w30 HD



Viscosity 40C: 56 62 68.5 100

Viscosity 100C: 10 10 12.1 11.5

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A viscosity range exists for multi-weight oils & the GC 0w30 has higher numbers than the Mobil 1 10w30.

Dusty operating conditions & 90 degree temps are hardest on an air cooled engine. If you decide to use this oil, best advice is to probably keep an eye on the dipstick for oil consumption.

[ April 03, 2004, 01:51 PM: Message edited by: Blue99 ]

 

[rjundi]

Thanks for the detailed info. I located the engine manual for my tractor and interestly enough they recommend Synthetic below 40F but not above this temperature at all. I guess I will go part way with a blend or use straight conventional 10w30 as the manual states on the motor. Although the GC 0W30 looks close in viscosity to a 10W30 anyway.

Does anyone know why Kohler makes these interpretations?

 

[Bill Kapaun]

quote:

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Originally posted by rjundi:
Thanks for the detailed info. I located the engine manual for my tractor and interestly enough they recommend Synthetic below 40F but not above this temperature at all. .....
Does anyone know why Kohler makes these interpretations?

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Temperature!

You have to remember an aircooled engine tends to run hotter than the water cooled engine in your car.
A multi-vis oil is more likely to break down in extreme heat than a straight weight oil.
I think you'll find the typical viscosity at extreme temperatures to be higher with the straight 30.
As a side note- conventional multi-vis oils need Viscosity Index Improvers to give them their "verstility". VII's are polymers.Polymers don't lubricate like oil does! Your multi Vis conventional oil is probably about 75-80% "OIL" and the rest is the additive package. Single weight oils have a much greater % of "OIL" and noticeably less % additives, since the don't require the addition of the polymers.

 

[Bror Jace]

"Does anyone know why Kohler makes these interpretations?"

In addition to what Bill Kapaun said, the manufacturers can have some wacky and/or outdated notions of oil.

rjundi, do a search in this subforum on "Briggs" and/or "Stratton" and you'll find their recommendations quoted here as well as some discussion about them.

Some manufacturers think there is a night 'n day difference between "conventional" and "synthetic" and in these days of Group II+ and Group III oils, that simply isn't the case.

--- Bror Jace

 

[rjundi]

I found some interesting info on Kohler's site about their own branded oil. Its rich in additives and supposedly better for small engines than automotive oil. I understand sales literature but there must be an element of truth. My question really is what to use?? My dealer does not even stock KOHLER oil and I imagine its pricy. Recommendations? Straight 30W was not specified for my temperature range.

KOHLER oils are specially formulated with heavy-duty additives that extend engine life beyond levels provided by conventional automotive engine oils. The viscosity and detergent additives offer protection against oxidation, viscosity breakdown and acid contamination from combustion by-products, wear and friction.


Command 10w30

This multi-viscosity oil pumps easily to provide instant lubrication to overhead valve components during start-up. Providing the full protection of an SAE-30 oil at operating temperatures, KOHLER Command universal oil is extremely resistant to viscosity shearing and stays in grade through its normal service life.

An excellent "fleet" oil to use in every piece of equipment.
Exceeds API service rating SJ. Also exceeds MIL-2104E & MIL-46152E, Mack E/O, K/2 Caterpillar TO-2, Cummins NTC 3000 & Allison C-4.
Designed for use in all KOHLER Command, Command PRO, CS, Courage, Aegis and Triad/OHC engines.

 

[Bill Kapaun]

It's probably Chevron Supreme/Delo 400

 

[Bror Jace]

rjundi, with the latest versions of most oils, they have a very potent anti-wear additive package including zinc, phosphorous, molybdenum and boron.

Some SJ and early SL add packs were skimpy but if you search this site, you'll find a lot of current dinos which are quite capable of severe use.

--- Bror Jace

 

[nicrfe1370]

Today I put GC in my grandmother's Cub Cadet tractor with the same Kohler engine you are talking about. I like the GC because it is a 0W, but also, like Blue99 said, it's viscocity at operating temp is higher than either of the Mobil 1 xW-30's. I'll add my opinion of how it is running after I put some hours on it, and I might even sample the oil.

 

[Stooge]

Try a SAE 30 DIESEL oil. I run the Amsoil stuff in all my mowers, chippers, washers, and aerators (summer toys). I have well over 2000 hours on my little Troy Walk-behind with a 8.5 hp B/S motor. Still runs and starts great with over 80 PSIG of compression. I do run the synthetic 10W30 in my snow thrower (winter toy) - alot easier to start in temps below 30.

 

[cousincletus]

I use Chevron Delo 400 15w40 truck oil in all my 4 cycle lawn equipment. Works well for me and no consumption issues.

 

[Bror Jace]

'cuz, that's what I used to use before I got an order of Schaeffer synthetic blend in the same weight.

My current fave mass-market 15W40 for these applications now would be the Pennzoil Long Life because of the moly.

These small engines will survive on just about any lubricating liquid dumped into them but if you are really pushing them ... or want to baby them, I think the extra barrier protection afforded by the 200PPM of moly will be especially helpful.

--- Bror Jace

 

[Lawn Ranger]

I have blown many engines on my commercial lawn equipment so I went on a fact finding mission to find the best lubrication products.

I installed temp. gauges on the engine oil and on the hydraulic oil. I installed oil pressure gauge on the engine. I also installed a pre-lube system to pre-lube the engine before starting and to facilitate quick and easy oil changes.

I improved my fuel consumption markedly and lowered my operating temps significantly using Synergyn Oil products. I compared Mobil 1, Amsoil, Pennzoil, Kohler and Synergyn.

Synergyn was by far the coolest running operating temps, and much great fuel efficiency.

I'm no scientist, but I ran all these oils in the same mower under the same conditions. I was so impressed with Synergyn and their staff,(answering questions) I went up to their facility in Oklahoma. Quite an interesting day! I drove their chemist nuts I'm sure with all my ignorant questions!