Which oil for a Kawasaki 21hp?

[2NABOT]

I have a Kawasaki 21hp FH941V engine on a Gravely zero-turn mower that gets run about 6-8 hours at a time, every other week. West Texas, typical summer temps right around 100, with LOTS of dust (thin grass, 10% humidity).

The engine manual calls for straight SAE40 oil, and shows 10W-40 up to 90 degrees F, which of course if 10 degrees too cool. It also says "using multi grade oils will increase oil consumption, check oil lever more frequently when using them."

My problem is that I can't easily get straight 40 oil locally, but I can get every flavor of multi-grade __W-40 and __W-50 in both conventional and synthetic.

Anything wrong with using a synthetic 10W-40, or maybe a __W-50?

The book also calls for oil changes at 100 hours, but I've been doing them yearly - which is less than 100/year.

 

[Rand]

15w40 hdeo? your choice.. delo, rotella t, delvac

 

[901Memphis]

I would use Rotella 15w40 and call it a day. Increased oil consumption isn't a problem if you're saving on the oil itself.

If you want a synthetic you can use Rotella T6 5w40 or Mobil 1 0W40. If you do choose a 10w40 I would recommend Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 for a higher HTHS viscosity.

You certainly have plenty of options.

 

[dave123]

Originally Posted By: Rand
15w40 hdeo? your choice.. delo, rotella t, delvac


This +1 take your pick.

 

[2NABOT]

Thanks for the fast responses! I'll see what my local Walmart has on the shelf tomorrow.

 

[kschachn]

Does anyone know why some OPE manuals say this? I mean, I've been using 0w30 all of my small engines (lawn mower, garden tractor, snow thrower and standby generator), and I haven't seen any "increased oil consumption". Some of the equipment already calls for a 5w30 (the generator), but I just don't get that statement.

And I'm not suggesting that's what you use, I just don't understand the whole multi-vis warning.

Originally Posted By: 2NABOT
The engine manual calls for straight SAE40 oil, and shows 10W-40 up to 90 degrees F, which of course if 10 degrees too cool. It also says "using multi grade oils will increase oil consumption, check oil lever more frequently when using them."

 

[901Memphis]

It's just that, a warning to cover their rear end. I can't imagine needing to use anything thicker than Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W30 in any OPE calling for SAE 30 or SAE 40.

 

[toneydoc]

Go with Rands suggestion

 

[bubbatime]

Originally Posted By: kschachn
Does anyone know why some OPE manuals say this? I mean, I've been using 0w30 all of my small engines (lawn mower, garden tractor, snow thrower and standby generator), and I haven't seen any "increased oil consumption". Some of the equipment already calls for a 5w30 (the generator), but I just don't get that statement.

And I'm not suggesting that's what you use, I just don't understand the whole multi-vis warning.

Originally Posted By: 2NABOT
The engine manual calls for straight SAE40 oil, and shows 10W-40 up to 90 degrees F, which of course if 10 degrees too cool. It also says "using multi grade oils will increase oil consumption, check oil lever more frequently when using them."


You are using 0W30, which is synthetic. NON SYNTHETIC multi-grade oils tend to consume oil in air cooled equipment when it gets really hot outside.

 

[bubbatime]

SAE40 is available at EVERY parts store around here. I've never seen it at Wal-Mart. Are you checking Autozone/Advance Auto etc? I would run the SAE40 that the manual calls for. Buy a case at the store you do find it in stock at and then you shouldn't have any trouble running out in the future.

 

[kschachn]

Why though? That's what I don't get.

And yeah, I always use synthetic in air-cooled OPE. It seems like a natural place to use it considering the harsh operating environment.

Originally Posted By: bubbatime
You are using 0W30, which is synthetic. NON SYNTHETIC multi-grade oils tend to consume oil in air cooled equipment when it gets really hot outside.