80's TNT 100 Eating Oil

[GreenMachine]

This engine has had a long life and some top offs and changes in its history. Its on a Toro and I've looked up info on it and its "TNT" or "Toro N' Tecumseh" motor. The label on the engine itself tells me to use 10w-30....

I however neglected changing the oil in it for 3-4 years and changed it this year (beginning of the seasion) using just a cheap bottle of SAE 30 branded by Tecumseh for summer use, was next to the 5w-30 Winter blend (see my post here on that stuff: http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ue#Post483538). When I made this decision I didn't even notice that the mower engine itself did indeed request 10w-30.

My question is, should I continue to stick with the SAE 30 that it seems to be eating during use or should I fill it next time with a 10w-30? From my understanding SAE 30 should slow consumption...or do I have that backwards.

Any tips on slowing consumption? Its not alot really, from the full line to just about the add the line each time, and I guess constantly adding new oil each use could only help it in the long run.

Any info would be of use, thanks

 

[80caprice]

Theres no problem in using straight 30......, they just recommend 10w-30 for cold flow reasons.... Its still a 30 weight.
Yes 30 weight should slow it, not make it worse... I'd go ahead and change it back to 10w-30 and see how it does.
And no, always change the oil, tiny bit at a time will not replenish the oil, as for helping with consumption, if going back to 10w-30 does nothing, try a 15w-40.

 

[Rickey]

I second the 15w40.

 

[geralds50]

looking for green machine gas cap

 

[boraticus]

If it's going through straight 30, switching to 10W30 will likely be worse. I think I'd be looking at the reasons for the oil consumption. First thing I'd check is engine compression. You might need new rings and a hone job. You can try the heavier oil but, considering it's an old engine with lots of use, I have doubts that it will stop oil consumption.