re: 22 hp Kawasaki,Scag mower using oil.

This is very interesting to me. After reading this thread, I went check my oil level in my Scag mower with 515hrs on it. The dipstick was almost bare (just the tip had oil on it). Changed the oil in March/April time frame. While this is not what the OP is seeing, the unit is burning oil or something. I'm very happy to come across this so I can stay on top of it.

I have a Toro z master with 1000hrs and never had the oil level move. Both mowers have Kawasaki engines (Scag 23HP, Toro 21HP).

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Kawasaki also states that using multigrade oils can show increased oil consumption, so if the OP is using automotive multigrade engine oils that are too thin for the operating temperature he is using them in, that's probably the issue.

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I dont understand this. Even in locomotive engines, using the proper multi-grade generally reduces oil consumption vs the proper monograde m, 20w50 vs SAE50, for example.

The kawasaki engine im sure is just a regular flat tappet pushrod horizontal engine. How would monograde oil reduce consumption for the average user?

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Last VOA on Kawasaki OPE oil had around 1400ppm zinc

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Got a link? I haven't seen one that high in a LONG time.

The issue with the kawis has always been sheer. Which is why they rec straight weight.

While I've never done it...and not sure why I haven't, the 0w40 would be a great fit there too. Higher HTHS value. Higher film strength.

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still doesn't make sense to me that they would spec monograde oil with the expressed benefit of reduced oil consumption. Ev

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It does if the engine has larger tolerances.

There's no benefit to running multiweight oil in a hot climate other than a 1-2% reduction in FUEL consumption.

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start with doing what the people who built the engine say to do.

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This is correct.

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don't see any reason why someone running one of these engines during the deep South's mowing season would run anything but 20W-50 or straight SAE 40.

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Well, I had to ride my kid on the lawnmower during the blizzard last year so that may be a consideration.

OP definitely should try it.

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Well, I had to ride my kid on the lawnmower during the blizzard last year so that may be a consideration.

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I considered running my heat gun to anything I would have needed to start, my generator is stored in an indoor storage room at least but I went nowhere except taking the dog for a few walks in the backyard.

I've done the same with Delvac 5W-40, think my generator and pressure washer still have it in their sumps and I used in my daily beater vehicles. Right now I have Valvoline R&P, mainly because I got it at a very low price and my lawnmowers have leftover M1/PP/Castrol 10W-30 for this season. I had way too many bottles of various engine oils and needed to consolidate and put to use...

I agree, it doesn't really matter.

I'm no oil nerd like some people. The delta in viscosity narrows between the two as you get close to 212* but at 100* there is still a non-negligible difference between them. I can un-scientifically tell by how easy my mower is to start on 5w40 vs 15w40 in the summer. I have to give it some throttle to stay running the first 30 seconds or so with 15w40 and with 5w40 it easily stays running at low idle. Once it's warmed up it starts easily on both.

Based on my experience with my stuff, 5w40 is the general purpose go-to for everything but I go back and forth between that and 15w40 based on what I have laying around.

Wasn't calling you out, apologies for making it read that way. I meant those BITOG hard core lube nerds.

The bad thing about monograde oils is the lack of options and availability over parts counters. I would probably use SAE 40 or 50 in my generator in the summer time if it weren't such a PITA to find suitable stuff that I didn't need to buy by the 18 wheeler tank full. I also have lots of 15w40 or 5w40 laying around all the time, so in reality that's what I'll stick with regardless of what sounds cool or what the manual says. Some things you have to elect to just be like everybody else and act like you don't know any better.

Do the OPE dealers carry the Kawasaki 20w50 or SAE 40?

Some of the local commercial OPE dealers carry it and I know I've seen 5-gallon pails of straight 30W and 40W recently, can't remember if it was a Tractor Supply or Northern Tool tool though. That would still be a lot of oil to deal with in one container though.