Kohler 5e oil

Liberty44140

what are you guys using for oil in the genny? I’ve been using sae 30wt the last 3 seasons per the book but wondered if there is something different or better that I should be using? Thx 

reneechris14

Listening, I have troubles getting the oil out. This year plan to suck it out with my pump. Sae 30 wt.

Dream_Inn

I use SAE30 as well.  I use an electric pump to draw it out.  Seems to work fine (been doing it that way for 12 years).

Liberty44140

Thanks. I'm thinking I'll just stick with the Valvoline 30wt I've always used. I've just been sucking it out through the yellow cap too, seems to work ok. I always refill from the black cap at the top of the unit. Thx 

Dream_Inn

I assume when you say thru the yellow cap, you mean the little turn nozzle on the side?  That NPT fitting is where I connect  hose and draw it out from.

Liberty44140

I mean the yellow dip stick. I suck the oil out from the generator dipstick opening and refill from the black oil cap up top. 

Dream_Inn

Liberty44140 said:

I mean the yellow dip stick. I suck the oil out from the generator dipstick opening and refill from the black oil cap up top. 

You did notice right next to the yellow dip stick is a twist knob and a npt (for a hose connection) to drain the oil?

Liberty44140

Thanks! Yep I am aware, I suck out both mains oil through the dipsticks so I then just shove it in to the generator and suck that out at the same time. Maybe I’ll try the npt this year. Thanks!

reneechris14

Yous guys are learning me. I have use the turn knob, mine has a drain line connected to it most I have got out is about 8oz. 

Liberty44140

reneechris14 said:

Yous guys are learning me. I have use the turn knob, mine has a drain line connected to it most I have got out is about 8oz. 

When I suck out the dipstick on the 5E I dont get the full 1.44 qt out but I do get more than a qt. out.  I really fish around with the tube to suck out all I can (tube is fairly firm). 

Black_Diamond

Multi weight oil is not recommended. 

I run 30W synthetic with a Wix 51394XP filter

Liberty44140

Got it

LaRea

From the Kohler 5E operator manual.  The note at the bottom says "use of multigrade oil causes greater oil consumption."

Liberty44140

Thanks LR! I’ve got that out of the book, just wondering what the consensus was. Some
of you have found better filters and what not. Thanks again!

Spyderweb

I'll be changing the oil on my 330 this Fall for the 1st time.  With the oil warmed up, and the top black cap removed (for venting), shouldn't opening the nozzle on the 3/8" fitting allow most of the oil to readily drain by gravity?  I know I change the oil on my snow blower through a 3/8 fitting this way and it flows very readily.

Dream_Inn

Spyder, yes it should be able to drain by gravity.  I just connect a pump to it because I already have it in the engine room after doing the engines and it makes it quicker.

reneechris14

Snyder I have tried this maybe not hot enough but did not get good flow.

YYZRC

Seems like Kohler is now recommending 5W30?!

Black_Diamond

Maybe on newer gennys. The older ones will consume oil if you use multi-weight. These are all lawnmower engines at heart. lol

I ran 30W NEO Synthetic oil in my 5e. I ran that genny a lot and the oil looked like new at every change.  Used the WIX XP filter too. 

YYZRC

30W seems hard to find but I'll seek it out.

aero3113

YYZRC said:

30W seems hard to find but I'll seek it out.

I bought 6 quarts from a reputable dealer on eBay last year.

YYZRC

Yeah but you live in the land of everything great at low prices. Plus a few randos. 

aero3113

😂

Liberty44140

30wt is hard to find. Menards was carrying it, the last season I had my 342 I was ordering it on Amazon. But agree with BD I never burned a drop in the 5e and it didn’t change much in color all season. To the lawnmower point the Briggs n Stratton oil that most hrdware stores stock is 30wt so that’s an option. 

YYZRC

I can buy this locally but the statement about OHV engines is concerning. Pretty sure the Kohler is OHV…?

goalie59

15w40 Shell Rotella. Liberty do you not have a diesel genny ? 

bella-vita

Sae 30 is at my local auto store napa that’s what i have always used

Liberty44140

goalie59 said:

15w40 Shell Rotella. Liberty do you not have a diesel genny ? 

Hi Goalie, my above comments are regarding the gas 5e that I had in my previous boat, 342 FV. Yes, my current boat is a diesel Koehler genny like yours and I use the same 15w40 in that genny that I use in my mains. 

Grahamu

I use Castrol HD 30 Heavy Duty SAE 30 motor oil. It's available at Napa.

YYZRC

Thanks @Grahamu !

rasbury

I just order it all from Kohler as I like to pay 2x the price for everything....