Need oil for cold starting 10 hp plow. Most are synthetic

[SDBOB]

I cant find 10w30 Kohler oil locally. Napa is saying synthetic oil. Since I've never used synthetic in this old 10 hp kohler what should I use? Temps are in teens here.

[bill682]

Kohler 10w30 is synthetic-blend. It will be fine. Tractor Supply has it.

[spndncash]

Opening a can of worms but I am gonna say it. I don’t know how old your Kohler is but most of mine are from the leaded gas days. So, I use either oil with zinc or a zinc additive in all my kohler engines( and other old stuff) for me it’s usually stp oil treatment I have it around anyway for my classic cars and tractors

[Sam Mac]

I'd be running this stuff if I had a vintage engine due to the extra zinc content.
https://shop.valvolineglobal.com/col...RoC1TMQAvD_BwE

[spndncash]

Yes I like VR1 and it goes on sale often at my parts store. I have bought it several times. it has worked well for me in my old stuff. I just dont ever want to put it in something with a catalytic converter.
I usually buy a case of the oil treatment when its on sale for under $3 a bottle.

[SDBOB]

Funny. Why? I was near Tractor Supply so I ckd internet at Latrobe said they have it,went there,nope,none! So went to NAPA they sold me the VR1. Soo thanks guys for info. I've been sick past 3 weeks with the virus,coughing etc so I wasnt prepared. I will for next year.

[spndncash]

Basic terms, Many years ago gas and oil had different additives and engines depended on these additives to reduce wear. Materials, gas and oil changed. New gas and oil is ok for newer engines but the older engines still need these additives.
Don’t use the high zinc oil in a vehicle with a catalytic converter for more than just a break-in period or you will have problems. But it’s very good for older engines long term.
Zinc in oil and leaded gas both aided lubrication and reduced wear

[SDBOB]

Thanks for all the info. When I get a chance,find the oil at my CC dealer, I'm going to get 10w30 kohler oil. I've been using leaded gas as per his,CC dealer info. He says it helps with deposits on exhaust valve stem.

[Grandpa53]

Amsoil Small Engine Oil 10w-30 has heavy doses of zinc plus other additives for small air cooled engines and is good for 200 hour change intervals. I run it in a 109 that gets 150-175 hours a year put on it that has gotten 1 oil change per year every spring for the last eleven years. It maybe uses 1/2 pint every 20 hours and is never black when changed. I live in northern Minnesota and it gets snowblower duty in winter. It starts fine but that could be due to the fact that I also run Amsoil full synthetic hydraulic oil in the hydrostatic transmission. Amsoil was the pioneer in synthetic oil and would be well worth your time looking into it. There is a lot of technical information on their web site. Hope this helps. Have a great day!

[SDBOB]

I heard Kohler oil was manufactured by Amsoil. Thank you for the info. Now if I can remember where,where I put put ......