Havoline 10-30 in Old B&S Mower

[Lurch]

I changed the oil in my old Murray push mower with B&S 3.5 HP motor the other day and added some SL rated Havoline 10-30 oil, from a can that's open and been in garage for years. Is this OK? I live in TN USA. I usually change the oil in it once a year. I only paid $25 for that mower about 3 years ago.

So far it seems to run good on that oil - may be even better than the 30w oil it had in it from last OCI.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Did it have the lid (cap) on it? If so you are prob OK. Those brigss are pretty tough, mine is 19 years old and going strong as new - gets an OC every 2 years only mow about 4 or 5 times a year. I also add a tiny bit of top oil to the gas. Keeping the air filter clean and oiled and tightening the head bolts is about it. The biggest killer is if they get rained on or washed or you hit a rock or stump. The deck will ususlly rust out and the wheels will break before the engine goes.

 

[RWEST]

Yeah, you should be fine.

Reading reports of engines that have lived for thousands of hours on water buffalo squeezings, or whatever, in some third world country, I've come to the conclusion that we worry WAY too much about oil. 'Course, that's why BITOG is here, tho...

 

[greenaccord02]

Not a problem at all. As long as the liquid in the can is somewhat slippery, it should do great.

 

[RWEST]

Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
Not a problem at all. As long as the liquid in the can is somewhat slippery, it should do great.

Fer sure!! Check out the unkillable Briggs thread... Amazing!!

 

[Lurch]

Yes, the cap was on the oil. It may be Citgo brand oil. I think I bought it at a convenience store years ago when I needed it for something.

Lol about the water buffalo squeezings. Maybe next year I'll change it and add leftover Castrol GTX 10-30 or 10-40.

I'll add a shot of MMO or Lucas UCL to the gas can also.