Re: Multi-function engine monitor gauge
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2022 8:28 am
So looking for ."what is operating temp air cooled engine " here is a few results .
Quote I recently installed an oil pressure gauge and a temp gauge on my 20hp Kohler engine (Craftsman tractor). I glued the temp sendor against the block (don't know how accurate that is, but it gives me a baseline). After running a while in 100 degree heat, I'll see 240F on the gauge. When I shoot the oil filter with my temp gun, I see 240-245F. Oil pressures run 35-40lbs. BTW, I'm running 15w40 Delo and an ST8 Supertech filter, (yes it't big and it fits!)
Quote : My John Deere runs at 200F in the crankcase with a 13 HP Tecumseh single cylinder using 0W30 GC. Outside air temp was 102F. This was during and after mowing 1/2 acre. I would stop in the middle of mowing and raise the hood and take the reading immediately with my IR temp gun.
Quote :Oil from the sump just after 2+- hour run is 250°on our Kohler Courage 25HP on Gravely ZTR. I used Rotella 10w-30 CJ4 since new. No oil consumption. I just switch over to Rotella T5 10w-30.
Quote :Normal for aircooled engines is generally below 260F. Ideal is about 220, that way it boils off moisture but it not too thin due to excess temperature. I generally use Mobil 1 15-50 for my air cooled engines here in Florida. I lost 2 Honda powered water pumps using conventional oils. The reason was, as you noticed, excess oil temperature. The switch to M1 15-50 did nothing to address the excess heat. However, the oil is able to handle the heat and remains in grade while hot. For engines that don't run as hot, I use M1 5-40 Turbo Diesel Truck. It is ideal for air cooled requirements, with plenty of ZDDP. As I keep saying, generators here in S. FL fail with alarming regularity using 5-30 oils. And, it's ABSOLUTELY an oil related issue. Thin, modern auto oils are not engineered to run at such high temps and the results are obvious. Put another way, air cooled engines with plain connecting rod bearings require a certain viscosity. Do you think 5-30 dino oil provides this at 290 degrees F?
Quote :OK Guys: I just spoke with a real, live Kohler Engine Tech and he informed me that 280-290 is "normal" for the CV730S 25 HP engine and will see temps up to 310! Guess I will let er rip and stop the worrying.
I know from my days in auto repair and racing that liquid cooled engines the oil runs hotter than he oil . That is why a lot of HD and performance engines run "oil coolers" . You are seeing them on air cooled small engines now as well to keep the oil from breaking down . That being said , as stated above in one quote , there is a lot to be said for not running hot enough or running long enough to dry out condensation . I personally have had my farmers JD gaters blow white smoke in the spring like it blew a head gasket on a liquid cool engine and it is air cooled . Check the oil and it is milky and over full due to all the condensation built up in it . Winter time they were doing short runs cleaning stalls and not letting in run long enough . Now water boils at 212F / 100C . So based on that , ideal oil temp in my mind would be between 225F and 250 F / 107C and 121C.
Quote I recently installed an oil pressure gauge and a temp gauge on my 20hp Kohler engine (Craftsman tractor). I glued the temp sendor against the block (don't know how accurate that is, but it gives me a baseline). After running a while in 100 degree heat, I'll see 240F on the gauge. When I shoot the oil filter with my temp gun, I see 240-245F. Oil pressures run 35-40lbs. BTW, I'm running 15w40 Delo and an ST8 Supertech filter, (yes it't big and it fits!)
Quote : My John Deere runs at 200F in the crankcase with a 13 HP Tecumseh single cylinder using 0W30 GC. Outside air temp was 102F. This was during and after mowing 1/2 acre. I would stop in the middle of mowing and raise the hood and take the reading immediately with my IR temp gun.
Quote :Oil from the sump just after 2+- hour run is 250°on our Kohler Courage 25HP on Gravely ZTR. I used Rotella 10w-30 CJ4 since new. No oil consumption. I just switch over to Rotella T5 10w-30.
Quote :Normal for aircooled engines is generally below 260F. Ideal is about 220, that way it boils off moisture but it not too thin due to excess temperature. I generally use Mobil 1 15-50 for my air cooled engines here in Florida. I lost 2 Honda powered water pumps using conventional oils. The reason was, as you noticed, excess oil temperature. The switch to M1 15-50 did nothing to address the excess heat. However, the oil is able to handle the heat and remains in grade while hot. For engines that don't run as hot, I use M1 5-40 Turbo Diesel Truck. It is ideal for air cooled requirements, with plenty of ZDDP. As I keep saying, generators here in S. FL fail with alarming regularity using 5-30 oils. And, it's ABSOLUTELY an oil related issue. Thin, modern auto oils are not engineered to run at such high temps and the results are obvious. Put another way, air cooled engines with plain connecting rod bearings require a certain viscosity. Do you think 5-30 dino oil provides this at 290 degrees F?
Quote :OK Guys: I just spoke with a real, live Kohler Engine Tech and he informed me that 280-290 is "normal" for the CV730S 25 HP engine and will see temps up to 310! Guess I will let er rip and stop the worrying.
I know from my days in auto repair and racing that liquid cooled engines the oil runs hotter than he oil . That is why a lot of HD and performance engines run "oil coolers" . You are seeing them on air cooled small engines now as well to keep the oil from breaking down . That being said , as stated above in one quote , there is a lot to be said for not running hot enough or running long enough to dry out condensation . I personally have had my farmers JD gaters blow white smoke in the spring like it blew a head gasket on a liquid cool engine and it is air cooled . Check the oil and it is milky and over full due to all the condensation built up in it . Winter time they were doing short runs cleaning stalls and not letting in run long enough . Now water boils at 212F / 100C . So based on that , ideal oil temp in my mind would be between 225F and 250 F / 107C and 121C.