Kt17 Series 2 oil question

[Torino 15]

Getting ready to change oil in a kt17. The book says 10w30 below 32F and 30w above. Around here in the winter it can be above 32 one day and below the next. What weight should I use? What about synthetic?

[1maidenfan 202]

10w30 will work in both conditions. my :twocents-02cents:

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

Torino, use Lubrication Engineers motor oil. Use 10W 30 until Spring. Then Change to Lubrication Engineers 30W.

Is your KT17 a series 1 or series 2?

[SousaKerry 503]

I run good old RotellaT-1 30W year round in my KT17-II never have a problem. I have an oil gauge hooked up on my dash and cranking I get 80PSI all year, falls off to around 60PSI when running and warm. Now the transmission is a completely different story, takes a good 10 minutes sometimes to get it operating well in the lower temps.

I have on occasion used a heat lamp on the tractor a couple hours before starting it in extreme cold, usually plug it in before going to bed when I know there is going to be an overnight snowstorm.

[Torino 15]

It is a series 2.

[JackC 617]

"I run good old RotellaT-1 30W year round in my KT17-II never have a problem."

Can't go wrong with that. Even better if the engine is worn and using some oil.

I find that a strong battery is one of the most important factors for easy starting in cold weather.

[midnight rambler 36]

the way oil was formulated back then is a lot different than now. i would run 5w30 in the winter due to the presserised system, the lighter weight oil will get pumped throughout the engine a little faster than the 10w30, i know in the past they were after pressure, now volume is better. i would ask your small engine mech to be sure, im going to put 5w20 in my k341 since im not sure it will sit in the garage or outside.