[Scotte54]

I recently pursched a new X500 and really like it - miles ahead of my old LT160. My only concern is the rough cold start; hardly wants to run at all - lumpy idle, misses, and is just generally unhappy until it warms up. Is this normal for this engine? It seems to be very cold blooded, but I read nothing but good things about these engines.

I'm using high-test gas treated with StarTon and the engine has less that 5 hours on it.

Opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

Scott

 

[jfoi]

i think your fine, the only thing i would say is to when your letting it warm up, keep it at low idle and choke it for 10 seconds after its running.

also what oil did you put into it when you changed it

 

[Scotte54]

Im still running the factory oil until it has 8 hours per the owners manual. I plan on running Penzoil 10W-30 full synthetic. It does not get super cold here in the winter and I'll run it every 2 weeks or so during the winter just to keep battery up and not let it sit too long.

 

[jfoi]

i know you like running the Penzoil, but i would recommend the John Deere Turf guard Oil. it is specially formulated for small engines, and if there are any problems with your engine the dealer cant say you didnt use john deere oil.

i personally use john deere oil in everything as well as filters, grease, oil, cleaners, etc.

also i would let your tractor run for 3 hours straight and change your oil, get the break in oil out for the winter

 

[Dave T]

Im still running the factory oil until it has 8 hours per the owners manual. I plan on running Penzoil 10W-30 full synthetic. It does not get super cold here in the winter and I'll run it every 2 weeks or so during the winter just to keep battery up and not let it sit too long.

Scotte54,

While I don't think running an oil that meets JD specs will cause you any warranty issues, I did discuss the "synthetic oil" question with the service manager at my dealer. According to "him", he says that JD does not recommend using synthetic oil in any of the Kawi engines until 50 hours. He says any sooner, and the rings won't be seated, and it will always use oil. However, I've not been able to find that in writing anywhere, and I doubt that JD will answer any of my emails on the subject to confirm.

 

[Dave T]

also i would let your tractor run for 3 hours straight and change your oil, get the break in oil out for the winter

jfoi,

Why should one try and get the break-in oil out for the winter? I have only .4 tenths of an hour on mine and parked it for the winter. Should I also just run it for 8 hours to get it out?

 

[Brian]

Scotte54,

While I don't think running an oil that meets JD specs will cause you any warranty issues, I did discuss the "synthetic oil" question with the service manager at my dealer. According to "him", he says that JD does not recommend using synthetic oil in any of the Kawi engines until 50 hours. He says any sooner, and the rings won't be seated, and it will always use oil. However, I've not been able to find that in writing anywhere, and I doubt that JD will answer any of my emails on the subject to confirm.

This myth has been around since synthetic oil was created. Many, many sport cars and bikes come from the factory with synthetic oil and it does not inhibit break in! The combution pressure that is put on the rings forces them into the cross hatch pattern on the cylinder wall and wears the peaks down fairly quickly no matter what oil is used.

I do like the JD oil as its additives and qualities are meant for the type of work our tractors do, but any oil will work, especially if its changed often.

 

[Dave T]

This myth has been around since synthetic oil was created. Many, many sport cars and bikes come from the factory with synthetic oil and it does not inhibit break in! The combution pressure that is put on the rings forces them into the cross hatch pattern on the cylinder wall and wears the peaks down fairly quickly no matter what oil is used.

I do like the JD oil as its additives and qualities are meant for the type of work our tractors do, but any oil will work, especially if its changed often.

I agree Brian, and I sent an email to JD to ask them to clarify their reasoning. I know my X320 will never make it to 50 hours before it gets synthetic. My LX288 made it 11 years running synthetic at the first change (think that was at 25 hours). It ran great, and never used a drop of oil.

 

[8086Bruce]

I had a X500 and it was cold blooded. I would leave the choke on for about 10 seconds also and then it was good to go. It did seem to get better after it had some hours on it so maybe yours will too.

 

[jfoi]

jfoi,

Why should one try and get the break-in oil out for the winter? I have only .4 tenths of an hour on mine and parked it for the winter. Should I also just run it for 8 hours to get it out?

just a personal preference, especially if running in the winter

 

[Scotte54]

Thanks for the information and replies. I managed to get another 1.5 hours on the X500 today so I have another week or so to consider the oil issue. I've seen nearly identical discussions when I had HD and BMW motorcycles in the past and was looking into oil issues. There is a good oil-related site called "Bob's the Oil Guy" that has a surprising number of mower/garden tractor threads. Again, thanks for the help.

 

[RonS]

With respect to your engine being cold blooded, I believe that is a trait attributable to all KAWI motors. My X540 has the same issue as does my 15hp Husky with a KAWI motor. FWIW, my Honda 350 Rancher was also a little on the cold blooded side.

 

[Dave T]

Thanks for the information and replies. I managed to get another 1.5 hours on the X500 today so I have another week or so to consider the oil issue. I've seen nearly identical discussions when I had HD and BMW motorcycles in the past and was looking into oil issues. There is a good oil-related site called "Bob's the Oil Guy" that has a surprising number of mower/garden tractor threads. Again, thanks for the help.

LOL... I'm visualizing you riding around, and around, and around the yard, and the neighbors are looking at you and starting to worry. :crazy: :laugh::laugh::laugh:

BITOG is a neat site, with a lot of info. Problem is... sorting out the info and determining who is correct. :laugh: