Going to make the first oil change on my PD as I have reached 10 hours. Do I need to change anything else besides the oil? Planning on using 10w-30. Don't know much about oil, though. Will this oil be able to withstand WI weather, starting in 10-15 degrees or less? Someone told me I should run a thinner oil to make coldstarting easier, but I want to make sure that the motor is protected enough for summer running. We get 90-100 degree days for a month or two in summer.

Thanks in advance. Tried using search, but oil and pro-drive are too common so it won't include them.

10w-30 should be fine. You could use a 5w if you want.

Check your valve lash when you do the oil change.

WHEN THE COLD WEATHER STARTS TO KICK IN WHICH SHOUD BE SHORTLY. I SWITCH TO 5W30. THEN WHEN THE SUMMER COMES AROUND I WILL GO BACK TO 10W30.

The clearance between the rocker arm and top of the valve stem. You should check this at your first oil change and then every 50 hours or so after that. I would assume that most of us check this whenever we change fluids.

I would think there is instruction in the owners manual. Def in the service manual. There is also links and lots of help on this site.

This should get you started.

search.php?keywords=setting+valves&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search

http://vanguardengines.myfaqcenter.com/ ... faqid=1419

Found this on the Briggs website's FAQ. It has a nice graph showing what oil to use under what temperature. After reading this I think I'm going to run 5W30 Synthetic. I don't run any temps beyond 120 F or -20F. If the weather is that ridiculous, I'm staying in! I wish they had mentioned 10W-30 synthetic, though. I was already planning on running synthetic.


Oil Recommendation

SAE 30 40°F and higher (5°C and higher) is good for all purpose use above 40°F, use below 40°F will cause hard starting.
10W-30 0 to 100 °F (-18 to 38 °C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80°F(27°C) or higher.
Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120 °F (-30 to 40 °C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
5W-30 40 °F and below (5 °C and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions.

Im pretty sure Briggs says use 5w30 synthetic per the manual.

So that's what manuals are for?

Left it at the cabin. Can't download one from the vanguard website, it aint working right. Keeps saying the file doesn't exist on the server. Wanted to use it to check out the recommended procedure. Just gonna wait till I head up there friday night and change the oil when I get there. It's not like it's gonna take long. Besides, why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?

Seriously though, thanks for the advice guys.