RalphVa
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 7,885
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Tractor
- JD 2025R, previously Gravely 5650 & JD 4010 & JD 1025R
Others covered it fairly well, but I prefer to use 0w30 oil year round. Even VW in their new diesels use 5w30 (not 40w) here in central Virginia. Only in very hot areas would I use 40w, but 5w40 would be fine year round in really hot areas south of about South Carolina. When the warranty runs out on my new VW diesel, I hope to get some 0w30 oil for it that meets the VW 507 spec. Mobil 1 ESP does, but I'm not sure what weights it comes in. 0wxx oils will provide protection down to -40 F/C. 0w30 will provide protection year round.
I like to run the carb dry on my one 4 cycle mower by shutting the fuel shutoff valve and using it until it quits. Really need to let 2 cycle machines run dry. They can leave an oil deposit that will make your next startup very oil rich. However, I must admit that on my newer chain saw with its pump button and all, I don't do this. On the older Stihl it's vital to run it dry; otherwise, YOU'LL BE SORRY.
For anti freeze, you should use the same 50/50 mixture year round. On newer engines, they're going to 5 year minimum and up to 100k mile drain periods. On older engines, they generally recommend changeout every other year.
I like to run the carb dry on my one 4 cycle mower by shutting the fuel shutoff valve and using it until it quits. Really need to let 2 cycle machines run dry. They can leave an oil deposit that will make your next startup very oil rich. However, I must admit that on my newer chain saw with its pump button and all, I don't do this. On the older Stihl it's vital to run it dry; otherwise, YOU'LL BE SORRY.
For anti freeze, you should use the same 50/50 mixture year round. On newer engines, they're going to 5 year minimum and up to 100k mile drain periods. On older engines, they generally recommend changeout every other year.
