Cub Cadet 12 hp Engine

jb9959

Member
My Kohler 301 is beginning to use oil. I would like to continue using the tractor until fall before overhauling the engine.

Any pros/cons about using 20-50 wt motor oil?
 
I run 20W-50 oil in just about every thing I have be it a lawn mower or a car or tractor so go ahead and run it, it will not hurt a thing
 
I don't think those engines are all that fussy.Any quality oil,whatever flavor you prefer.I have one in a 73 that has had nothing but 15-40 Rotella T in it since new.That engine started to use a little oil about 4 years ago.We have no clue how many hours are on it,but it has never had the head off.It has had either 3 or 4 carbs,the throttle shaft wears the aluminum body away,and a couple of fuel pumps.The tractor has worn through 3 or 4 mower decks shells also_Oil is cheap,unless it has been run out of oil I think I would keep using it.
 
Might be better to switch to straight 30wt. oil. No thickness variations through heat range. Give it a try.
 
I'd use 30 in it. I like those old Kohlers, got a 14 horse that had a new short block in the early 80s, must have a million hours on it now, seems to rattle a little more but won't use a drop of oil. It's semi retired to tiller duty now.
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Quick lesson on Multi viscosity oils. In case you do not know..

Take a 10W30 for example.

10W = Viscosity of the oil in cold weather.

30 = Viscosity of the oil at operating temp.

So a 10W30 oil is the same as straight 30 weight when hot. But the 10W offers far better flow and protection when cold starting and during warm up.
 

straight 30 non-detergent is the only oil I would recommend, none of these modern synthetic and detergent oils were even available when that engine was built.
 
I would just keep using the oil you have been using. Half a pint of oil use per tank of gas is not really that bad. Just ALWAYS remember to add oil between tanks of gas.
 

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