Cub cadet 1450 oil type (Kohler K321)

[Kirby7887]

I am wondering if anybody knows what oil to use in kohler k321. I live in Ohio and it gets cold but not freezing most of the time in the winter. I know I need to use detergent oil for tappet head in the older engines, does anybody know the oils I should use, do you also know a brand I could use? Could I also use something all year round as well? Any tips are appreciated.

Thank you,
Kirby

 

[Tinhack]

According to this LINK, it calls for API SF or SG 30W in summer and 5W-20, 5W-30 in winter. I lived near the "north shore" for many years and used 5W-30 oil in nearly everything gas powered.

It's not the detergent that helps tappet head engines, it's the zinc. For engines with oil filters, use detergent oil. For engines without filters, use non-detergent. Non-detergent oils allow particles to settle to the sump.

 

[RalphVa]

When I had air cooled gasoline engines, I used 5w30 M1 in them. Now all electric. No gas. No oil. No gear boxes. No belts.

 

[Richard001]

Kirby - welcome to TBN

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I ran a 1450 (my first Cub) for 26 years in Northern Ohio using 5W30 or 10W30 oil, primarily Quaker State but also other brands. I mowed 1 acre in summer and snow-plowed with it in winter. I had to replace Kohler oil pan (cast aluminum) at 1000 hours because engine mounts failed and engine dropped causing the mounting flanges on oil pan to badly wear. The crankcase was clean as a whistle inside. I traded it in at 1250 hours for a 3235. The 1450 was built by IH and the 3235 by MTD.

Bob B.