Is 5w30 OK for new mower?

[Triple_Se7en]

No bag of oil in the new box and I wasn't taking the new mower back to Lowes. It's a 163cc Yard Machine push mower and she fired up on the very first pull. Did not smoke - nor did I hear any engine displeasure over the thin oil.
I want to use this leftover half-quart of Formula Shell 5w-30 in it for another 8-9 weeks of grass-growing season. Then in the spring I'll switch to Rotella 5W40.

Thanks

 

[Eddie]

B&S states that a Synthetic 5w30 is the preferred oil. B&S states to change the first fill at 5 hour running with new oil. Ed

 

[camrydriver111]

I find that multi-weight oil gets burned off faster in mowers. I would check the oil more often.

 

[MParr]

Shell Rotella SAE 30

 

[goodtimes]

5w 30 synthetic only, is recommended for all temps. All others don't cover the ranges. I have the 163cc in my new mower. It says to never change the oil just add. It came with SAE 30 SJ oil in a bag. I think I will be using M1 5w 30 I have a quart I found. I may change it once after a few hours but then that's it. You can look up all info on Briggs site.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

It will be fine

Most lawn mowers don't take a full quart. My recommendation is that cute little 16oz bottle of 10w30 from the Dollar Tree.

 

[Rolla07]

I put 5w30 syn in an old mower and it works fine. Still full and on my 2nd season now.

 

[Barkleymut]

put pretty much any new oil in there and mow. change the oil once every year or 2 years. check the air filter 2x a year, clean it with a screwdriver if needed, change it every 3 or 4 years. My B&S is on year 14 with this maintenance schedule. Lawnmowers are like a good girlfriend, the more you maintain them the worse they perform, just give them a little love and you will keep it for forever.

 

[Astro_Guy]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
B&S states that a Synthetic 5w30 is the preferred oil. B&S states to change the first fill at 5 hour running with new oil. Ed

+1 with emphasis on changing the oil after the first five hours.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: Astro_Guy
Originally Posted By: Eddie
B&S states that a Synthetic 5w30 is the preferred oil. B&S states to change the first fill at 5 hour running with new oil. Ed

+1 with emphasis on changing the oil after the first five hours.


Yep, that's my theory too. I want to start with conventional for break-in purposes of this new engine. Conventional 10w30 is what supposedly came in that oil bag in the new box. That was the oil that was missing from the lawnmower box.

I have a small lawn. Takes me 20 minutes to cut the front and back yard. So this thin 5w30 conventional will likely only see 5 hours on this Formula Shell. Then next spring I'll swap it-out for Rotella T6 5W40.

 

[LeakySeals]

I was running supertech 5w30 syn in everything, but switched to 10w30 syn in the tractor after the generac generator repair man convinced me that going a little thicker is better for small engines. They are harder on oil, thin out oil quicker, the engines run hotter. I bought into it. Mainly because my generator has always started automatically when I needed it. My tractor actually does seem smoother than it was on 5w30 after 2 hours cutting in 90f.

 

[JLawrence08648]

I prefer straight 30.

 

[bubbatime]

Yes your formula shell 5W30 will be fine break in oil until you swap it out.

 

[joekingcorvette]

You will be fine with the 5w-30. I would change it in 5 hours.

 

[Lubener]

Was it also missing the manual??

 

[goodtimes]

15 oz of oil needed. Some other oil info from manual covering the 163cc Briggs.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Thanks to everyone for help / encouragement

 

[Oildudeny]

same question I got.. my lawn mower was left by previous homeowners from what was left in the garage they used briggs sae30. the oil was absolutely disgusting last year when I changed it out to formula shell 10w30. the mower was built in 2012 I found the manual and says a 5w30 synthetic is acceptable for all operating temps, my concern is the fact it never had 5w30 syn and if switching would make an issue I know there's no effect switching from conventional to synthetic in cars.


this is one of those newer briggs where you add as needed, I take it the previous homeowners did this. also I did notice the 10w30 is consumed it has been a hot summer. what stumbles me is if multi-grade oils are consumed quicker than a sae30, "what makes synthetic 5w-30" more resilient to burn off?

 

[Kamele0N]

You are overthinking....ALOT

Just change your oil after every or every 2nd season...and your lawnmover engine will outlive its deck...

 

[Kamele0N]

Annnnd get one (neglected) engine for spareparts..and tear it appart...and you will discover that there is no way that sludge will built on inner polished aluminium walls....