Oil for a Kohler K321A.

[JR]

Hi everyone, I have an old Case Ingersoll Tractor with a Kohler 14hp K321A. Last fall I had the motor overhauled and I just changed out the break-in oil. I was wondering what would be the best oil or list of good oils for use in this tractor. Thanks for reading and for your advice.

 

[JTK]

I think those incredibly tough old splash lubed "K" series Kohlers will run on just about anything! It will probably do best on a SAE 30, 10w30, or 15w40. Nice tractor BTW. It's a shame ingersoll stopped production of their line of garden/compact tractors this year. They are basically out of business due to their lack of marketing the last 10yrs or so. Sorry to see them go!
G/luck
Joel

 

[Slick17601]

Those old Kohlers love HD30. I think they are the best small engines ever made.

 

[JTK]

quote:

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Originally posted by Slick17601:
.... I think they are the best small engines ever made.

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No doubt about it. My family had a 1970 john deere 110 with a 10hp kohler "K" series. It mowed 3 acres & threw snow for 26yrs without ever having opened up the engine! It burned a little oil when we sold it, but still ran like a top.
G/luck
Joel

 

[Bror Jace]

JR, if that motor is truly fresh, I'd start with 10w30 ... one of the better ones with a potent additive package and run this stuff for the first ~2 years.

You are getting ready to dump the "break-in" oil. I wouldn't go more than about 8 hours on the second run of oil, either.

Lots of silvery bits in the oil and no filter to catch them.

If after 2 years go by and consumption seems to be an issue, I'd switch to one of the 15w40 oils, weather permitting. One of the 5W-40 synthetics (even a Group III like Rotella T) might be a good, cool-weather choice.

--- Bror Jace

 

[MolaKule]

I would use a 15W40 as well, and change oil every 10-15 hours. I have a 16 Hp K341 (never rebuilt) on a wood splitter and it loves 15W40's.