Winter Engine Oil?

[pezsox 31]

What weight of engine oil do you all prefer to run in the winter. I see the Kohler manual suggested SAE 10 in the winter...just curious.

 

I assume everyone has "their brand" so that doesn't matter as much.

[rmaynard 16,291]

I don't think Kohler recommends SAE 10. They recommend SAE 10w30 or 10w40 for below freezing temperatures. Personally, I use SAE 30 year round.

Edited December 20, 2013 by rmaynard

[pezsox 31]

i thought the same thing, but I read this. Thanks

Kohler_K90_OM&IPL.pdf.pdf

[KATO 115]

I prefer Amsoil synthetic 10w30 year round... flows much better in the cold

and can take a lot more heat without breakdown

[cheesegrader 433]

I use 10w30 synthetic in the winter.

It was -22 in the U.P last week.

I have noticed easier starting in the extreme cold with the synthetics.

I use 10w30 Amsoil in the hydro year round.

In the summer I use 30w Rotella

[KC9KAS 4,744]

I think it depends on HOW COLD it gets in your area, and IF you use your machine in the cold.

I have success with 30wt year round.

[boovuc 1,090]

That is an older Kohler that the manual states to using a 10w oil in. Most of the 8, 10, 12, 14 and the 16 HP single K series Kohlers suggest using a 10w 30 oil during winter temps. I would suggest the same with your K 90. 

[Buckshot 1 15]

 I use 10W30 in the winter and 30W the rest of the time. NAPA brand.

[shorts 182]

If you keep it in a warm building just run the 30w, if it is out in the cold use a multi weight for easier starting and lubrication while the engine warms up, most of these engines are splash oiled by a dipper on the rod splashing oil up into the critical wear areas so the oil needs to be water thin instead of like molasses in January when u start them to prevent damage or excessive wear.

[dbartlett1958 99]

Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W-30 in engine and hydro year round.

[Fordiesel69 271]

10w-30 or 5w-30 is recommended in the manual.  Using SAE 30 in the winter will wear the cylinder very heavily as the dipper cannot splash thick oil very well.

 

However, when using a multiweight oil, you will need to check the level each time, even a perfect engine will use a little.