</font><font color="blue" class="small">( cp1969: Thanks for the tip about the engine. These old Cast Iron Kohlers are really built tuff! Probably the best single cylinder engine I've ever owned! I would really like to re-build this fall, but I do use the engine for all my driveway clearing at this time and the snow is a'coming. We'll have to see.
Also, thanks to all who responded! I'll probably use regular oil till the re-build and then switch to Mobile 1 or Amsoil.
Since the manual states to use straight 30 weight oil, is it okay to switch to a multiweight synthetic? If so, what would one recommend for my area (Upstate NY - Summer between 70 - 90 deg F and Winter -10 - 35 deg F)? I know that since it's aircooled I have to be a little careful (at least from what I've read).
Thanks again all! Another informative answer from TBN! )</font>
Well..?? I kinda look at it this way about switching to a MULTI-weight SYN oil for that rig. Its lasted 20 years with "POS" oil in it..? How long would it last with GOOD straight weight 30W in it after the rebuild? Another 20 years?
As someone else posted..keep the air flter GOOD and clean...use 10W-30 or straight 30W in it ( Dino oil) and "have fun". Its been my experience that a 10W-30 will let is "use" a little more than a straight 30 weight does...but not enough to worry about. Cold weather startup is more important that the little amount of oil it may use.