Earlier this year I got this used mower with a 18hp.These engines must run kindof hot as it is recommended to run a longer filter to help it cool. I plan on using a fram 3600 instead of a 3614. Initial research I could find recommended a Shell Rotella or Mystik 10w30 JT8 synthetic blend (CJ-4,CI-4PLUS,CI-4,CH-4/SM). But that was based on the theory that these engines needed high levels of ZDDP and the synthetic blend was a plus. I also have a new Briggs 6hp mower this year using this oil.They are only used when the grass is growing. Now that I am a user of this great forum, I thought I would get your opinions on this Mystik oil for now and what would be a better choice down the road. Thanks all
Kohler CV18 Engine oil ?
- Thread starter Toaster_Jer
- Start date
- Status
My grandfather has a Scag zero turn mower with that same engine. It burns a bit of oil with 10w30. I use Rotella T 15w40 in it and it uses no oil and runs perfect. I'd give that a shot.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 9,729
These bigger v twin engines run MUCH hotter than regular lawn mower engine.
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2009
- Messages
- 9,729
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
My grandfather has a Scag zero turn mower with that same engine. It burns a bit of oil with 10w30. I use Rotella T 15w40 in it and it uses no oil and runs perfect. I'd give that a shot.
0
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
My grandfather has a Scag zero turn mower with that same engine. It burns a bit of oil with 10w30. I use Rotella T 15w40 in it and it uses no oil and runs perfect. I'd give that a shot.
0
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
PS: Does anyone know what percentage of this Mystic oil is synthetic compared to Shell? Again Thanks
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
Yes stick with heavy duty 10W30 due to the hydraulic lifters.
Rotella 10W30 is a most excellent choice, and would be hard to find a better, more stout oil, in my opinion. I run Rotella 10W30 in all Kohler Command engines.
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
Yes stick with heavy duty 10W30 due to the hydraulic lifters.
Rotella 10W30 is a most excellent choice, and would be hard to find a better, more stout oil, in my opinion. I run Rotella 10W30 in all Kohler Command engines.
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W30 meets the API SL boosted zinc and has a loaded additive package plus the benefit of synthetic base oils which help resist high temperature of air cooled engines
I have a "72" Kohler ball bearing 12 hp in my "72" Wheel Horse
and it has never had internal engine work. Back in the day they called for straight 30 but I used...... Arco graphite until they took it off the market. I just did two tunes on a 18 and a 23 hp B&S and used Citgard 700 10w30 and MPT 5w40 on the other.....
Whatever spare bottles I had laying around is the rule of the day.
On the 23 hp like you I got rid of the B&S S model short filter and put on a long Amsoil EA filter just for kicks
and it has never had internal engine work. Back in the day they called for straight 30 but I used...... Arco graphite until they took it off the market. I just did two tunes on a 18 and a 23 hp B&S and used Citgard 700 10w30 and MPT 5w40 on the other.....
Whatever spare bottles I had laying around is the rule of the day.
On the 23 hp like you I got rid of the B&S S model short filter and put on a long Amsoil EA filter just for kicks
I recommend rotella 15-40, i use it in my truck and have a lot left over for my mowers and snowblower. It has never let me down, even in the motorcycles. I have even seen a semi-syn T5 15-40 as well as the 10-30, i have used both and they worked well.
Last edited:
To the OP.
I realize its not the same engine.
However FWIW my Kohler CH-16S has hydraulic lifters as well.
The valve-train actually "seems" quieter with 5w40 Rotella T6 VS: 10W30.
The Motorcraft FL400S and FL910S also fit these engines.
FL400S is too long to clear the "fender skirt" on my 2166 cub.
Good luck Sir.
Rickey.
I realize its not the same engine.
However FWIW my Kohler CH-16S has hydraulic lifters as well.
The valve-train actually "seems" quieter with 5w40 Rotella T6 VS: 10W30.
The Motorcraft FL400S and FL910S also fit these engines.
FL400S is too long to clear the "fender skirt" on my 2166 cub.
Good luck Sir.
Rickey.
I use the Mystik JT8 10w30 in all my OPE. You can't beat the price at Farm & Fleet.
Rotella is fine and all, but at least $1.00 more per quart. It does come in smaller jugs if you like that convenience.
Rotella is fine and all, but at least $1.00 more per quart. It does come in smaller jugs if you like that convenience.
Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
My grandfather has a Scag zero turn mower with that same engine. It burns a bit of oil with 10w30. I use Rotella T 15w40 in it and it uses no oil and runs perfect. I'd give that a shot.
0
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
I've never seen an issue running 15w40 with the hydraulic lifters in many different Kohler Commands.
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
My grandfather has a Scag zero turn mower with that same engine. It burns a bit of oil with 10w30. I use Rotella T 15w40 in it and it uses no oil and runs perfect. I'd give that a shot.
0
I always thought kohler was sensitive to using anything other than 10w30. Something about hydraulic lifters. idk that may be incorrect info.
I've never seen an issue running 15w40 with the hydraulic lifters in many different Kohler Commands.
Yep, Bought a 2gal. jug of the Mystik at Farm & Fleet last summer. With the rebate at the time the Rotella was a better buy,was too busy to do that then. Forgot which contained more zinc but they are both loaded with it. Of course I am reading, less is now better.
The filter comes straight out the side and doesn't impact the shroud or anything, so a Fram longer than a 3600 would work. Not sure of the other options.
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Do you have room for a filter larger than the 3600?
The XG3600 size is overkill for almost anything,it's got tons of holding capacity.
Do you have room for a filter larger than the 3600?
The XG3600 size is overkill for almost anything,it's got tons of holding capacity.
These motors run pretty hot. The thoughts behind many sites suggest a larger filter to increase the ability to cool the oil.
Originally Posted By: Toaster_Jer
These motors run pretty hot. The thoughts behind many sites suggest a larger filter to increase the ability to cool the oil.
Oh yeah i love the XG 3600, i was wondering why he sounded like he was suggesting something bigger than that!
These motors run pretty hot. The thoughts behind many sites suggest a larger filter to increase the ability to cool the oil.
Oh yeah i love the XG 3600, i was wondering why he sounded like he was suggesting something bigger than that!
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Do you have room for a filter larger than the 3600?
The XG3600 size is overkill for almost anything,it's got tons of holding capacity.
The Fram xx16 or the xx8A are bigger though.
If there is room, why not?
Walmart has the Motorcraft FL-400s (3600) and the FL-1A (xx8a) for under $4. I'd personally look into those.
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Do you have room for a filter larger than the 3600?
The XG3600 size is overkill for almost anything,it's got tons of holding capacity.
The Fram xx16 or the xx8A are bigger though.
If there is room, why not?
Walmart has the Motorcraft FL-400s (3600) and the FL-1A (xx8a) for under $4. I'd personally look into those.
- Status
Similar threads
