Cold weather starting

[Cub Cadet 123]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

The only thing I do is (a) change the oil to 10W-30 as recommended by Kohler, and (b) use 90 octane fuel [Rec-90] as seen in my neighborhood. This works well for me.

I never heard of the 90 octane for the cubs Roland. What about overheating the head?

In really cold weather, keep a trickle charge on the battery.

Cub Cadet 123

[R Bedell]

In my area, Rec 90 is 90 Octane and no ethanol. It is targeted for the Small Engine and Recreational Vehicles, hence the name Rec 90. I only use it in the winter time. So far, so good.

[jbrewer]

Originally Posted by Billy-O

The biggest key for me is to make sure the starting system is in tip-top shape. Good battery, good wiring and connections clean, bright and tight.

That, and a cheap jump box just in case, and you're good to go!

[MARK (LI)]

I ordered an adhesive type heat pad...and I don't fool around with batteries...I always get good ones with max CCA that I can find....and I always have a good one less than a few months old around t o use if I need a backup...no Walmart crap...and when I am looking for something to do, I clean and tighten the terminals and connections.as for fuel...in most parts of the country, as hard as it is for some people to accept...the fact is you just cannot get ethanol free fuel....I have heard the directive to go to a local airport, or a marine facility.....they are not allowed to sell it...AVgas is only available for legal sale directly into an airplane...

[IHinIN]

Has anyone tried a synthetic trans fluid in a hydro Cub? I’m running Kubota synthetic fluid in my Kubota BX. It claims to give better performance in cold weather than their previous fluid, I assume because it doesn’t get as thick in cold weather. That would help with cold starting.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by MARK (LI)

I ordered an adhesive type heat pad...and I don't fool around with batteries...I always get good ones with max CCA that I can find....and I always have a good one less than a few months old around t o use if I need a backup...no Walmart crap...and when I am looking for something to do, I clean and tighten the terminals and connections.as for fuel...in most parts of the country, as hard as it is for some people to accept...the fact is you just cannot get ethanol free fuel....I have heard the directive to go to a local airport, or a marine facility.....they are not allowed to sell it...AVgas is only available for legal sale directly into an airplane...

There are 2 places around me that sell RV gas, it is 100% ethanol free.
it is for off road RV/mowers/chainsaws weed whackers etc.
Completely legal but about a dollar a gal more than regular gas.
both were Mobil stations.
One in particular quit selling kerosene from that pump and now sells the RV gas.
Didn't bother to see what the octane was as I don't use it.

[ironman]

Here is a link to locate ethanol free retailers. Click on a state at the bottom.
If you click "details" for a particular station, customers give feedback on prices, etc.

https://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp

[jbrewer]

Yep, we have several stations in town that have a single pump for 100% gasoline. I use it for all the small engine stuff.

[rwairforce]

I believe the manual calls for 10 weight oil when the temps dip below 32.
I don't need to use my older machines in the winter. I use the twin cyl newer types and run 10-30 full syn Mobil 1 in them.

[MARK (LI)]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

The only thing I do is (a) change the oil to 10W-30 as recommended by Kohler, and (b) use 90 octane fuel [Rec-90] as seen in my neighborhood. This works well for me.

Kohler actually recommends straight 30 and cautions against substituting a multi visc