jeff lary 171 #1 Posted August 12, 2018 I am going to change the oil and filter this summer in my 3/14/8 mower. I only use this tractor to mow with "summer use only". I can go look at the owners manual but I am in here not out there so thought I would ask. I planned on using 5-30 what do you all think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,680 #2 Posted August 12, 2018 Stick with 30 W, you would only want to use multi-weight in the winter. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,898 #3 Posted August 12, 2018 The flathead engines tend to burn more oil if it's multi-weight, especially if it has some hours on it. 30 W will work just fine for you, it's all I use down here, year round. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #4 Posted August 12, 2018 (edited) ya know after I posted this I went to canning some string beans and got to thinking. If I only use it in the summer months a straight 30w would be best for It I think. Do you use a non detergent or not? Nothing like canning vegetables to give ya time to think ! Thanks for the responses I appreciate your input. Edited August 12, 2018 by jeff lary 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,984 #5 Posted August 12, 2018 I use Heavy Duty detergent 30W oil in all my small engines year round (I have a heated shop for the winter). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,898 #7 Posted August 13, 2018 Rotella T1 30 SAE. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,680 #8 Posted August 13, 2018 Tractor supply is the place, $11.50 gal. for the good stuff. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,147 #9 Posted August 13, 2018 My two principal summer mowing tractors get Rotella...everybody else gets the TSC version. Probably no material difference but it makes me feel better. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,277 #10 Posted August 13, 2018 Probably no better than any quality oil but I've used Valvoline products in everything all my life. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #11 Posted August 13, 2018 I use Rotella in the Kubota Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #12 Posted August 13, 2018 (edited) On 8/12/2018 at 6:03 AM, 953 nut said: Stick with 30 W, you would only want to use multi-weight in the winter. I agree with the 30 w in the summer use and the multi-weight depending on your climate. Here in Tennessee the temps don't get that cold, I use 30 w year round and my choice of oil brand would be Valvoline Edited August 13, 2018 by The Tool Crib Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,382 #13 Posted August 17, 2018 I have been using 15W40 Rotella and Wolf's Head for years in ALL of my Wheel Horses (C165, C145, C195, 520H, 312-8s, and 315-8) with no issues. When those guidelines were published for the SAE 30 requirement, oil technology was no where close to today. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #14 Posted August 18, 2018 (edited) I have to ask another favor, I want to buy an oil filter today. I don't know what the part number is? Or what the oil capacity is either, It is a Kohler engine 14 hp and Is wearing a yellow Kohler filter right now. The only way to see the part number if there is one is to loosen the filter so I can turn it to see if there is a number some place on it. Does anyone know the part number I need to ask for? The guy I bought the tractor from only had something he printed off the net. It does not contain any info about the 3-14, it does however have the 3-12 and the 3-16 parts lists ( but does not show a filter number). At some point I will need an owners manual but for now a oil filter number would be a big help. Edited August 18, 2018 by jeff lary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,680 #15 Posted August 18, 2018 36 minutes ago, jeff lary said: Kohler engine 14 hp and Is wearing a yellow Kohler filter right now. You have a 14 HP Kohler single cylinder engine with an oil filter? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #16 Posted August 18, 2018 Yes it says 3-14-8 on the hood.... It has the Kohler engine and a yellow Kohler filter. I found in one of his tractor books, yes I found the original books I think? Where he wrote in pen that the filter in a (WIX) is a 51348. In these photos you cannot see the filter but it is out front down bottom. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,382 #17 Posted August 18, 2018 Jeff, don't waste your money on a Kohler branded filter. I have been using filters that fit Ford Escorts, Fiestas, and Focuses for years; I believe they cross reference to the WIX number you mentioned but much easier to remember the car equivalent. I believe what confused some members here is the engine you have is the new fangled Kohler Command instead of the K-series or Magnums of the older generations. I have a 315-8 with the electric clutch that is nearly identical to your machine. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #18 Posted August 18, 2018 (edited) Yes you are right I was going to try the WIX number. I went searching the web and I found a bunch of the yellow Kohler filters part number : 52 050 02 at tractor supply $ 9.99. I will just go to an auto parts store and see if they can fix me up or maybe Walmart. I need a jug of oil too. I assume this takes close to a quart of oil? I just looked in the book it says with filter 4 pints? why not say 2 quarts? I will go back to the book to see if it says there. So what about the command series are they any good? Edited August 18, 2018 by jeff lary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,382 #19 Posted August 18, 2018 Any store that has oil filters will have one. I bought all that I could carry at Kmart for $.49 each a couple years ago. Better get two quarts of oil. So far I like the CH15 in my 315. I like how quiet and efficient it is but is nothing like my K341 when it comes to low end grunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,898 #20 Posted August 18, 2018 7 hours ago, jeff lary said: Yes it says 3-14-8 on the hood.... It has the Kohler engine and a yellow Kohler filter. I found in one of his tractor books, yes I found the original books I think? Where he wrote in pen that the filter in a (WIX) is a 51348. In these photos you cannot see the filter but it is out front down bottom. Well that changes everything, forget about what we said about 30 w oil, your engine is not the old flathead. You can use multi weight oil 10w30, 15w30, 15w40, in it, just keep the filter, and oil , changed regularly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #21 Posted August 19, 2018 (edited) Ok,... well I bought some Rotella, SAE 30 yesterday. So go with multi viscosity now? I can do that I guess like I said I only run it in the summer April to October. Have to try to find a filter tomorrow, I went to Auto Zone and all they could do was order me a Motorcraft filter they had nothing in stock. So I will find a NAPA and try them,... nothing is ever simple. Edited August 19, 2018 by jeff lary Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bds1984 1,382 #22 Posted August 19, 2018 I am quite suprised they dont have anything in stock... I am inclined to think that nobody there knows much about oil filters then. That is actually what I am using for an oil filter on my 315 and 520... FL910S I believe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #23 Posted August 20, 2018 Auto Zone..... I will try a NAPA as soon as I drive by one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,898 #24 Posted August 20, 2018 16 hours ago, jeff lary said: Ok,... well I bought some Rotella, SAE 30 yesterday. So go with multi viscosity now? I can do that I guess like I said I only run it in the summer April to October. Have to try to find a filter tomorrow, I went to Auto Zone and all they could do was order me a Motorcraft filter they had nothing in stock. So I will find a NAPA and try them,... nothing is ever simple. The SAE 30 will be just fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeff lary 171 #25 Posted August 21, 2018 yea I will go for that I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites