Kohler Magnum 18 - winter oil weights?

[wildbill59]

Hello! New member, have some oil questions, looking forward to learning and sharing on this forum. My first question is concerning my new-to-me Deutz Allis tractor with an M18S. It's set up with a plow, I'll be using it in cold weather. My manual says to only use SAE 30 over 32 degrees F, and is says do NOT (yep, in capital letters) use 10w30. But then, under the little graph with the degrees and arrows, it says that 5w20 or 5w30 synthetic can be used up to 40 degrees. I'm fine with using synthetic, and I like the idea of up to 40. There are days when you're plowing way below freezing, but also still plowing on days when it's warmed up and above 32 degrees. But it just seems strange to me - to go from straight 30w to 5w20 - wouldn't it make sense to go from 30 to 10w30 synth? I'm new to using these Magnum engines in the winter - I've used Commands before, and with their hydraulic lifters, it was pretty easy - 10w30 synth, summer and winter. I love my Kohler manuals, but I've found some pretty glaring misprints (or just plain old mistakes) concerning things like spark plug gap, gasket application, and torque specs. So I normally listen to manuals, but I'm a little nervous about going from SAE 30 to 5w30, especially in an engine with solid lifters and 500 hours on it. What do you all think? I'd love to hear some opinions, thanks in advance!

 

[Greasymechtech]

Probably because they want a shear stable or higher HTHS oil

I'd have no problem running a Full Synthetic full SAPs 5w30 or 10w30 year round. I'd even use a 0w30 or 0w40 euro oil. Motorcycle oils, 4 cycle oils, and HDEO are also good choices.

I just don't care for enrivo-eco-greenie low additive sn/gf5 and low SAPs oils in my worked equipment and small engines. I also don't use conventional oils.

Plenty of good oils to choose from at your local autopart store and Walmart.

 

[artbuc]

Better have a [censored] good battery if you run straight 30 in the winter. I run 10w30 in my M18S all year long. Used to change to straight 30 for the summer but stopped that many years ago.

 

[The_Jeff]

I like the way you think.

Run, don't walk, to Autozone's syn clearance and see what they still have. Anything ending in 30 or 40 weight should work for you.

 

[901Memphis]

5w30 synthetic is what you want.

 

[Pontual]

Manual translation is. If you are going multi, prefer synthetics. No 10w30 conventional, but syn. They clearly dont like viscosity drop, by shearing of cheap oils.

 

[JTK]

Given how these flat head, horizontally opposed twins run so rich and dilute the oil will fuel, I wouldn't go too high dollar for your winter oil choice. I'd run an inexpensive 5w30 or 5w20 in it if cold starts are an issue. Like art said above, 10w30 will probably suit your needs.

 

[wildbill59]

Thanks guys, lots of great opinions. I'm a member of a couple of OPE forums, and I've asked this question on all of them. I'm leaning toward a good 5w30 synthetic - I've had pretty good luck with Rotella, good price at Walmart. I've heard lots of good things about Amsoil's 10w30/30 4-stroke oil - hard to find and kinda expensive, but would have given it a shot. Honorable mention - lots of people talking about Auto Zone's synthetic clearance, have to check that out. Always glad to hear more opinions, thanks for all the great ones so far!

 

[tig1]

Use Mobil 1 5w30 or 10w30 year round.

 

[cronk]

Those opposed twin Kohlers are pretty hard on oil.
I would go with the Amsoil 10w30 4 stroke oil.
Rotella T6 5w40 or T5 10w30 would work well also (or the Delo equivalent).

 

[JR]

14hp Magnum here. Just bought of action sale. Powers champion air compressor.
Just put in maxlife syn 0w-20 in the sump.
I will let you know when it blows, it won't. Briggs ran with 5w-20 spec for years, preferred over a 5w30.


Harvey