Just got a Hustler!

[Bradleyj]

I just bought what I think is a Hustler 900 (poly body, Kohler 440, single shift lever, 21" tires), so this is the first of what will probably be many questions I'll be posting as I get familiar with this thing.

The Hustler manual specifically says to not use outboard motor 2-stroke oil. The Kohler manual says to use SAE 30 oil. Is this just plain old straight 30-weight motor oil? What are others out there using?

[JoeMeg]

Congrats Bradleyj! I'm working on a complete restore with additions/modifications to an older fiberglass unit.Post lots of pic's,?'s and ideas.Not 100% certain but I have used nothing except Klotz red in every 2 cycle engine I have ran in the last 35 years and it has yet to fail me! (honestly believe it makes them run stronger simply by blending and burning more efficient). Joe

[JoeMeg]

P.S. See thread "Hustler 440" Thats where I'll be posting things on mine as they begin happening.(which should be sometime soon)

[6X6]

It's an air cooled engine, so you should not use a water cooled engine oil. If you use straight weight oil it must be Non-Detergent. Just use a good 2-cycle oil designed for Air cooled engines. I stress not leaning out the oil/gas ratio like crazy. More oil and you actually can make more power, to a point. Most people seem to run ~ 40:1, and that should be fine. I do run about 20:1, and have good luck as well as no issues with touchy tuning or lack of power. I had some issues last year at busco but it was an absolutely filthy filter and a piece of mystery debris jammed between the flywheel and pull-start housing. Good luck!

[LarryW]

I use to run straight 30 non detergent mixed 32:1 on my bikes with no problem. I currently run outboard 2 stroke cheap gas station quality crap on my quad with no problems at 32:1. I always use 32:1. I find it strange people can run it 40 or 50 or 100:1 or what ever. I dont have the balls to try that. I like my engines running. Not apart with holes in the pistons. Thats just me and my experience.

[Bradleyj]

Thanks for the input. I run Amsoil products in most of my vehicles and boats, so I'm going to go with their Saber synthetic oil for two stroke air cooled engines at 40:1 (as the Kohler manual suggests). Whatever the PO put in there smokes quite a bit and Amsoil says that their stuff doesn't smoke. We'll see.

[racerone3]

i've been running golden spectro Spectro Oils of America - 2 Stroke Engine Oils at 40:1 in everything except my 2 outboards for about 15 years. i only have 1 jug for 2 strokes and that's what is in it. Attex, Rokon, wead eater, chainsaw... anything that needs mix gas comes out of that jug. knock on wood, i've never had an issue with a 2 stroke that was fuel/ oil related. once the cylinder head temp is up to normal operating temp it is pretty well smokeless. everyone has their own opinions on oils and ratios... find something that works for you and stick with it, whatever it happens to be.

[Bradleyj]

Any idea where I might find a serial number on this Hustler? I can't find a nameplate anywhere except the one on the motor.

[jpswift1]

On the later model Hustlers the serial number is very well hidden. On my 980 BIGFOOT it is on the inside of the C shaped channel where the idler sprocket/roller is located......the one where you adjust chain tension for the T-20 to the middle axle.

[Bradleyj]

I checked this and no SN there. It doesn't look like this piece of channel is original anyway. Appears to be a welded on replacement. This Hustler is most likely a Model 900 from the mid-70s. Any other ideas?

[jpswift1]

Post some pics and we'll be able to help you out more.