Kawasaki 15 w 50

Tiger Small Engine said:
I was raised in Alabama and that is what we always used in mowers and cars, 10W-40 oil. Been in Missouri last 30 years and now always use 10W-30 in mowers. Cars these days are often different on oil.
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True. Cars these days are running lower viscosity oil to achieve federally mandatory fuel mileage requirements. Also, air cooled automobiles are a thing of the past.
My 22KW air cooled generator specifies 5W30 synthetic oil. I run a 0W40 or 5W40 European oil in it. That allows for easy cranking in the dead of winter and good high ambient heat performance in the summer.
 
MParr said:
It's 108F in the full sun, here in my part of Georgia. I personally won't use anything less than
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Outdoor ambient temp is always tested for in the shade. In peak summer like now, add another 25-30 degrees F on to that temp value. Sun wants to play too.
 
slomo said:
Outdoor ambient temp is always tested for in the shade. In peak summer like now, add another 25-30 degrees F on to that temp value. Sun wants to play too.
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Just trying to think through this statement;
Ambient is air temperature
An aircooled engine may be slightly impacted by direct sunlight however its cooling system is responding to local air temperatures.
Localised air temperature will be effected by a range of factors eg proximity to;
  • Heat absorbing surfaces (eg roads, rocks, dark roofing, walls, etc) Raise temperature
  • Cooling - trees, large water surfaces. Reduce temperatures
So yes you may be asking your engine to operate in higher local air temperatures however its only " Mad Dogs And Englishmen That Go out In the Midday Sun" ie you can choose to mow at cooler times of the day - better for you & your engine.

I would also question the heightened risk (fire & heat stroke) of mowing in temperatures above 40C (104F).
:devilish:
 
Skippydiesel said:
Just trying to think through this statement;
Ambient is air temperature
An aircooled engine may be slightly impacted by direct sunlight however its cooling system is responding to local air temperatures.
Localised air temperature will be effected by a range of factors eg proximity to;
  • Heat absorbing surfaces (eg roads, rocks, dark roofing, walls, etc) Raise temperature
  • Cooling - trees, large water surfaces. Reduce temperatures
So yes you may be asking your engine to operate in higher local air temperatures however its only " Mad Dogs And Englishmen That Go out In the Midday Sun" ie you can choose to mow at cooler times of the day - better for you & your engine.

I would also question the heightened risk (fire & heat stroke) of mowing in temperatures above 40C (104F).
:devilish:
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Lawn services mow all day. I usually mow right in the middle of the day when it is hot.
 
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