Here is the Kohler Command oil recommendation:
Oil Recommendations
Using the proper type and weight of oil in the
crankcase is extremely important. So is checking oil
daily and changing oil regularly. Failure to use the
correct oil, or using dirty oil, causes premature engine
wear and failure.
Oil Type
Use high quality detergent oil of API (American
Petroleum Institute) service class SG, SH, SJ or higher.
Select the viscosity based on the air temperature at the
time of operation as shown in the following table.
Figure 3. Viscosity Grades Table.
NOTE: Using other than service class SG, SH, SJ or
higher oil or extending oil change intervals
longer than recommended can cause engine
damage.
NOTE: Synthetic oils meeting the listed
classifications may be used with oil changes
performed at the recommended intervals.
However to allow piston rings to properly
seat, a new or rebuilt engine should be
operated for at least 50 hours using standard
petroleum based oil before switching to
synthetic oil.
A logo or symbol on oil containers identifies the API
service class and SAE viscosity grade. See Figure 4.
The API spec and viscosity are listed as important characteristics along with regular changes.
No mention is made of BRAND OF OIL! Any oil that meets the recommended APi spec is satisfactory, doesn't matter if it's Wal-Mart house brand or a major oil company.
Looks like the API ratings they recommend for the Command are for plain old passenger car engines. Not diesel, not air cooled, etc.
I've been using Rotella T 15W/40 CJ-4, CI-4, oil for about 20 years now in my PowerStroke, Kubota CT and all my air cooled Kohlers. I don't know If Mr. Kohler would go along with that but I haven't had any problems.
PS. Last I checked, the Valvoline Racing oil is shy of detergents simply because it's expected to get changed frequently. There is also a danger of using too much ZDDP in an engine that doesn't require it like a Kohler engine.
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