Originally Posted By: atc250r
The oil will be used in a welder powered by an air cooled 23hp Kohler. I'm working on a pipeline all winter and being air cooled, I can't preheat the engine in any way. Just 1 start a day, everyday. I have already seen 0 degrees fahrenheit here this month, so much colder weather is certain. I have learned (from this site) that a HDEO is best for my engine.
Fwiw, I have found Delo 0W-30 locally, for $98 per case (3-4 qt jugs). Dealing with 1qt bottles is much more convenient though, so I'm still debating what to go with.
That helps us understand a bit more.
First of all, I don't know that I agree completely with the concept that HDEOs are "the best". They are excellent products, but they are not for all applications. They won't hurt, but they do NOT assure performance past some other great alternatives.
Given an air-cooled K motor on a welder, I'd actually suggest a good quality 5w-30 or 0w-30 PCMO in synthetic, group III or IV. There is no reason to believe you need a diesel oil here in this application. You can use one for sure, but for the challenges you're going to encounter, I'd say use a syn PCMO.
Here's why ...
The syn PCMO will certainly assure good start up. It will protect very well. It will respond well to both the brutal cold, and the long extended runs. And I would think you could find any PCMO syn on the shelf a LOT easier, and cheaper, than seeking out some unique, rare syn 0w rated HDEO syn.
A PCMO syn is going to be easier and cheaper to get, and still provide all the protection you'll ever need.