Multi or Single Weight Oil?

[thiggy]

My generator with a Brigs OHV engine recommends 10W - 30 for temps under 30f, while above 30 deg, it suggests 30 W. Well I never know what temperature it will be when I need to run the back-up generator. It may be in the middle of a winter ice storm, or a warm spring tornado season. Which oil is is most likely to cause the least wear if used in the wrong ambiant temperature range? I'm not going to leave the crancase empty an fill with the proper lubricant at the time of use.

 

[thiggy]

Oops, please don't critique my spelling. I should have proofed it prior to posting. Thiggy

 

[ATS-V]

I would run a quality 10w30 synthetic, best of both worlds.

 

[Schmoe]

Ditto.

 

[Rickey]

5W40 Rotella T Synthetic.

 

[80caprice]

I'd use a good 5w-30 or 10w-30 synthetic....

 

[JHZR2]

there are a bunch of threads on this in this topic area alone...

B&S is suggesting to use syn oils now, for the most part.

Id suggest amsoil ACD which meets SAE 30 straight and 10w-30 milti grades, and also has a diesel add pack.

Otherwise, id use chevron delo 15w-40 if youre not plannng to start up at under 50F. Itll give a bit more viscosity at the bearings, which will be beneficial, IMO.

JMH

 

[Triple_Se7en]

quote:

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Originally posted by Rickey:
5W40 Rotella T Synthetic.

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Bingo
Yahtzee
Kismet

I think I've used every oil mentioned in this thread. This Rotella really works well in my two push mowers with my northern climate.

 

[n8wvi]

Amsoil ACD covers BOTH of those specs. It really is a straigt 30 oil, but it flows so well cold that it qualifies as a 10w-30 too.

Dave