ATV oil for mowers?

[nomas]

What year was that?

1968 - 1973

 

[Lubener]

It will be fine but pricey. I use the cheapest oil that makes the grade. Presently, I am using Prime Guard which I had bought on a BOGO sale. Mower engines are very forgiving.

 

[Japanese]

1968 - 1973

Back then the gasoline has lead in it which contributed to the engine lubrication. Also the oils were different more robust formulas because there weren't cat. converters on the cars. Older engines require more ZDDP in the oil. Today's oils are very environment and cat. friendly and that's to a part affects their lubricating properties.

 

[FordFETruck]

I also doubt it matters much. I'm still using the same mower my dad bought new in 1977, well the engine that is. It's on its third body now, ironically its back on the identical model lawn chief it came from originally. I searched high and low for 15 years to pull that one off. It's always had its 2 oil changes per year and always kept full. That engine has around 1600 hours on it and has had everything under the sun put in it for oil. It's never made a noticeable difference what was in there brand wise of viscosity. HD30, 10W30, 10W40, 15W40 it doesn't seem to matter. It still starts first pull just about every time only on its second replacement spark plug, 2 sets of points, 1 air filter foam and 1 carburetor rebuild. It uses maybe 2 ounces of oil per change if that. This one hasn't had any leaded fuel run though it that I know of. It runs better than my neighbors brand new lawnmower does....

 

[Starving Electrician]

I am running motor cycle 15w40 Supertech in my power equipment right now because I caught it on a sale. As far as benefits of ATV oil in a mower nothing at all as long as its thick enough. Some swear by straight 30 but I generally run 10-15W 40 and my push mower is almost 17 years old now and starts on the first pull.

 

[UNC054]

Based on this VOA : https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/super-tech-10w40-synthetic-motorcycle-oil-voa.393391/

The Supertech Full Synthetic motorcycle oil has a good amount of anti-wear additive, high Zinc & Phosphorus. Probably a somewhat comparable option to the Kawasaki or other small engine branded oils.

 

[JHZR2]

Based on this VOA : https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/super-tech-10w40-synthetic-motorcycle-oil-voa.393391/

The Supertech Full Synthetic motorcycle oil has a good amount of anti-wear additive, high Zinc & Phosphorus. Probably a somewhat comparable option to the Kawasaki or other small engine branded oils.

Thanks for reminding me of that. I appreciate that @53' Stude did that UOA on what probably isn’t a particularly popular oil. But it is a good source of zddp and moly, which ought to be very good for any old school stuff.

 

[53' Stude]

Thanks for reminding me of that. I appreciate that @53' Stude did that UOA on what probably isn’t a particularly popular oil. But it is a good source of zddp and moly, which ought to be very good for any old school stuff.

You sir are very welcome. Always makes me glad to contribute.

 

[PACSUNSD]

There is no issue running motorcycle/powersport oil, you just may not want to run conventional oil in a motorcycle. Many motorcycles use engine oil for the wet clutches and some "motorcycle" oils have additives that help with wet clutches.

 

[dlundblad]

In terms of performance, I can’t see it behaving much differently than an HDEO.

 

[97prizm]

Back then the gasoline has lead in it which contributed to the engine lubrication. Also the oils were different more robust formulas because there weren't cat. converters on the cars. Older engines require more ZDDP in the oil. Today's oils are very environment and cat. friendly and that's to a part affects their lubricating properties.

We also thankfully don't have flat tappet cams any longer which don't require high zddp. I don't know if I'd say older oils were more robust as the oils we have today last and lubricate longer than ever.