Oil question for kohlers

[thenrie]

I read in the manual that only straight 30w oil is recommended for my K-341, at temperatures above freezing. Problem is that my automotive stores only sell the cheap store brand stuff in 30W. Everything else is 5w or 10w-something or other. FAQ on another site indicates that 10w-40 will increase the crud in the head and on the valves, as the lighter weights burn out of the oil. I am reading into this that the K-341 tolerances aren't tight enough to need the lighter weight oils and that the straight 30w will lubricate effectively without leaking into the cylinder and burning out.

I would really like to use a synthetic, because they are slipperier and make engine parts last longer, but I can't find straight 30W Mobil 1. I have been running 10W-40 and 20W-50 synthetic in my mowers for years with no adverse affects.

So, the question is this: What do you guys use for engine oil in the old K engines?

[cwmcbee]

I use 30wt. Castrol.

[ACecil]

I use 30wt. Valvoline, in my K-241.

[RPalmer]

HD40 W Pennzoil. And I'm gonna try it this winter also. My engines are not as tight as a new or rebuilt one or I would run the 30W.

[klejeune]

30 wt Valvoline from Wal-Mart. Cheaper than auto parts stores.

I don't change to a different viscosity oil for winter either. Just start em and let em warm up a little before putting them to work.

[minncub]

Try looking for rotella t 30 weight at a farm store, that is where I get mine. I had to switch to 5-40 rotella for anything below freezing or it wont turn over fast enough to start. My engine was just rebuilt so the tolerances are on the tight side.

[dieselsnowmobile]

After I bought my 104, I changed the oil and put in Rotella 30 wt, well see how it does this winter for plowing snow, I use Rotella 5w40 Syn in my diesel car and always keep it on hand, so if it is hard to start, will be a quick oil change. The garage where I keep the 104 is typically about 20 degrees above the outside temp.

[R Bedell]

I follow the chart and use Penzoil SAE 30WT for 32° & above. Can be had at several auto parts stores as well as Wally World.

[aagitch]

I use Kohler 30wt oil. Sometimes I use the TSC brand 30wt for small engines. In the winter I still use 30wt since I keep them indoors and it always lingers above and below 32 degrees where i live

[Matt G.]

Shaeffer's 30W above 32 degrees, and 10W30 below. The diesel and 782 have Shell Rotella 15W40 in them, year round.