What oil for my Kawasaki FH531V engine?

[hitmanharleyk]

Changed my oil Friday and used 5w30 Amsoil. After the fact I find a service manual online and I see that they recommend SAE40, SAE30, SAE10W-30/SAE10W-40 or SAE5W-20, will what I used be ok since it was $20 plus???

I seem to be good at the after the fact stuff these days.

 

[possum]

I would think it would depend on if the engine is under warranty or not. You can do as you please if warranty is not a consideration. Quite a few folks run 5/30 synthetics in generators and some on here run 5/40 synthetic in lawn tractors. Im old fashioned, but if it runs ok and you keep an eye on the oil level, it is up to you.

 

[Rivets]

When overhead valve Kaws come into our shop for service, we use 10W-30. 5W-30 should be ok if unless you have to use it in extreme heat. 5W-30 is more of a cold weather oil. If you have to use it in high heat, I would change it. Sorry for the bad news.

 

[hitmanharleyk]

Here in south Georgia it is pretty dang hot, 95 to 100 degrees right now.

I'll drain it and put something else in it.

 

[hitmanharleyk]

I would think it would depend on if the engine is under warranty or not. You can do as you please if warranty is not a consideration. Quite a few folks run 5/30 synthetics in generators and some on here run 5/40 synthetic in lawn tractors. Im old fashioned, but if it runs ok and you keep an eye on the oil level, it is up to you.

Motor is 6 years old with 358 hours on it, out of warranty.

I'm gonna find some SAE30 tomorrow and go ahead and swap it, I hate I'm wasting the Amsoil.

 

[possum]

Yeah, but think how much better you will feel when putting the thunder to it. If I had 358 hours on it I would use what ever has been in it the last 358 hours. Try to find some shade, I got overheated last week and I still feel poorly.

 

[hitmanharleyk]

If I had 358 hours on it I would use what ever has been in it the last 358 hours.

Problem is I inherited the mower from my deceased father and I've only put about 40 hours on the mower, I have no way of knowing what he used.

I picked up 2 bottles of B&S SAE30 this morning, I'll run this for the next year and then buy the Amsoil product I need.


AMSOIL - Formula 4-Stroke® 10W-30/SAE 30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil

According to this from the B&S page, the 5w30 synthetic would be best for all temps.

Oil Recommendation

•SAE 30 40° F and higher (5° C and higher) is good for all purpose use above 40° F, use below 40° F will cause hard starting.

•10W-30 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80° F(27° C) or higher.

•Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120° F (-30 to 40° C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.

•5W-30 40° F and below (5° C and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions

 

[hitmanharleyk]

Spoke with a local Lawnmower shop this afternoon and they said the Amsoil 5w30 would be fine and that Amsoil was a great product. They said run the 5w30 this cycle and then go with a SAE30 or 10w30 next go round.

I'm taking the B&S SAE30 back in the morning and keeping the Amsoil in my mower.