Oil & Fuel X540 First Oil Change

[NYBOB]

I have a new X540 and the manual says to change the oil and filter at the 8 hour mark. My question is, can I use synthetic oil at the first oil change or should I go with regular oil?

Thanks
Bob

 

[jimgerken]

No, do not use synthetic until after approx 100 hours on that engine. My dealer recommended using JD breakin oil for the replacement oil at the 8 hour change. Then mineral based oil until about 100 hours.

 

[NYBOB]

Thanks

 

[PioneerMan]

I know this thread is getting old but I am due for my first oil change on a x540. Does anyone know why it is due at such low hours? I just finished my second mow...

 

[rekees4300]

Does anyone know why it is due at such low hours?

Don't know but my guess is that a new engine could have microscopic bits of metal, dirt, etc. from the manufacturing process? Also the oil filter needs changing at 8 hours.

 

[Eric Barney]

I know this thread is getting old but I am due for my first oil change on a x540. Does anyone know why it is due at such low hours? I just finished my second mow...

The most important part of a break-in period, is piston ring seating. This is where the rings take shape to the cylinders. The process takes a sharp edge off the rings, and at the same time smooths the hone on the cylinder bore surface. This does produce very fine particles that, if not removed by the oil change, could result in scratches or unwanted wear in the engine.

Synthetic oil has very tough film properties, that can actually prevent proper ring seating. If they do not seat properly, it has the same effect as worn rings. Oil burning, and combustion blow-by due to the ring sealing surface not fully contacting the cylinder surface.

Once the engine is broken in, I recommend using Golden Spectro motorcycle engine oil. It is a semi-synthetic oil that will provide positive protection against wear. It has the best anti-foaming properties of any oil I have ever seen. It also will keep your engine very clean inside.

I am not affiliated with Spectro oils. I just know, through use, that it is really good oil.