Winter engine start up.

[Retired Wrencher 6,929]

Looking for opinions. I have a B 100 just wondering if I can use 30 weight in the winter I’ve heard people here say it works. I just wondering if I can do this without changing with the seasons. I think the bonus is with these newer engines that has the ACR as opposed to the old engines that don’t I have a 63 64 maybe a 65 10 hp that does not have ACR and I only use that in the summer. It’s not the original engine in a 1056 but it runs good. So let me know your opinion if I can get away using the 30 weight in the winter. Enjoy your day. 

[ebinmaine 80,404]

Absolutely. I do have one engine that I use 10W-30 in the winter. That's a 16 horse on my plow rig. Starts easier. Other than that most of our engines are straight 30 all year long.

[Retired Wrencher 6,929]

3 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Absolutely. I do have one engine that I use 10W-30 in the winter. That's a 16 horse on my plow rig. Starts easier. Other than that most of our engines are straight 30 all year long.

Thanks Eric. I have propane heaters That I use to warm up the garage. I could go that way run them at a safe distance if it gets real cold sub zero type stuff...

[SylvanLakeWH 32,192]

Agree with Eric - I run 30 weight all year. Plow with a C-105 and a C-125. Let them warm up and go... 

[Achto 32,385]

7 minutes ago, Retired Wrencher said:

I have propane heaters That I use to warm up the garage. I could go that way run them at a safe distance if it gets real cold sub zero type stuff.

 

One other option for keeping the oil warm in the winter.

 

https://www.amazon.com/JEENDA-1155x-1155-Surface-Thermostat-Equipment/dp/B0G6K1S72V/ref=sr_1_13

[rmaynard 17,544]

I use 30W in all my small engines year round with the exception of the 416-H which get 10W30.

[JoeM 10,170]

There is no magic in straight 30 weight. The Kohler spec was written a long time ago, way before the advancement of multi viscosity oils.

Plus, there is no oil pump in these engines, it is all slung. That is the reason they recommended lighter oil in winter. It slings easier.

 

The modern day 10w-30 oils have much more to offer, and work very well in these engines. They really do change vis as the temps change. 

 

Another advantage to multi vis oil, you can use full a synthetic. These have way better heat transferring ability and being these are air cooled engines running in a dirty environment, that is a big plus. 

 

If your looking for something industrial look at the diesel oils. I do use a 5w-40 diesel oil in all my engines splash or pressure lubricated. This oil has a good additive package.

Overall they all work, I only have one 100% advice, stay away from the one brand called "lack of"

[WHX?? 57,849]

25 minutes ago, JoeM said:

5w-40 diesel oil in all my engines splash or pressure lubricated. This oil has a good additive package.

Yes from what I read diesel oil has a additive(s) to combat soot and carbon in diesels. Might be a good thing in some of our motors with tired rings? I buy strait 30 in five gallon buckets but all I can ever find on the shelf is diesel rated. 

Winter 520s get syn 10-30 for the convenience of same oil in tranny. 

I use one of those magnetic stick on heaters on the oil pan along with a heater in the radiator hose on my big tractor for those sub zero days. 

Edited 24 minutes ago by WHX??

[peter lena 10,020]

@Retired Wrencher  used to run  30 wt  year round ,  few years back , changed over  to 10-30 , for  easier  winter  spin up ? typical experiment for me , cold sheds , was dramatically quicker / easier  start , also have  battery tenders  wired into , my , horses , so its always a quick easy , plug in .  @JoeM  agree  with you  on ENHANCEMENT  , also  regularly add  sta bil  to all my  tank top offs ? no  fuel hose break downs / carb debris , proof ?  went from  cleaned out tank , new fuel valve , all new hoses , fuel filters at tank and carb , guess what ?  issue never returned , also went after  all related linkages , for MOVEMENT FUNCTION , lubricated choke and throttle  cables , spring pull assist , to close / stop ?  that way you ALWAYS HAVE easy / smooth  cable function . repetitive failures , show you the way , break down every stage , VERIFY MOVEMENT HAND OFF !  once you start  that  basic , you will add it to  everything . pete