Just purchased a new mower and the manual has oil recommendations but it stated that the motor could have oil consumption on the multi viscosity oils like 10w-30. Would it be best to use SAE 30 being the mowing temperatures are above 60 degrees most of the time.
multi viscosity vs SAE
- Thread starter chevydude
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I run straight 30 in mine, in the old days mowers were shear-prone using the old multi-visc oils-but newer multi-visc should be better.
In NC, 30 weight will work great for most small four strokes. Is it a flat head Briggs?
I have used multi weight oils (often mixed with straight 30) in my old 20+ year old Briggs flat head and have never experienced much oil burning with it, but a lot of people do have at least some oil burning with these engines.
I have used multi weight oils (often mixed with straight 30) in my old 20+ year old Briggs flat head and have never experienced much oil burning with it, but a lot of people do have at least some oil burning with these engines.
Probably. Briggs now recommends either 5-30 synthetic or 30 weight conventional.
Really consumption probably isn't a huge issue, how many hours do you mow a year?
FWIW I run 5-30 conventional in all mine. Briggs oil recommendations can be a bit whacky. My 1970 flathead manual recommends (and I'm not making this up) 5w-20 in the wintertime and to add kerosene to that if it's still difficult to start. I didn't even think 5w-20 was available then (I know sae 20 was).
Really consumption probably isn't a huge issue, how many hours do you mow a year?
FWIW I run 5-30 conventional in all mine. Briggs oil recommendations can be a bit whacky. My 1970 flathead manual recommends (and I'm not making this up) 5w-20 in the wintertime and to add kerosene to that if it's still difficult to start. I didn't even think 5w-20 was available then (I know sae 20 was).
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I've been using 5W30 and 10W30 conventional in my Kawasaki v-twin with no oil burning.
Personally, I think conventional 10w-30 HDEO's are ideal for small engines. Rotella makes one available at Walmart. I have a large stash of Motorcraft "Powerstroke" 10w-30 oil that I use on mine.
I personally like T6 5W-40 in my OPE, it's a tough oil, and should be good for those splash lubricated engines.
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
Originally Posted By: 92saturnsl2
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
Most of these engines now have a oil pump an oil filter, at least the OHV type do
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
Most of these engines now have a oil pump an oil filter, at least the OHV type do
Originally Posted By: 92saturnsl2
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
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Once it's hot and up to temperature, it will be more than fine. I like it for the additional ZDDP component and anti-wear. No catalytic converter to worry about (on mine anyway) so I'm going to use something a little heavier duty.
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
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Once it's hot and up to temperature, it will be more than fine. I like it for the additional ZDDP component and anti-wear. No catalytic converter to worry about (on mine anyway) so I'm going to use something a little heavier duty.
Originally Posted By: skellyman
Originally Posted By: 92saturnsl2
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
Most of these engines now have a oil pump an oil filter, at least the OHV type do
Yes on some larger engines for riding mowers. But a filter and pump on a typical 21" size - not many, if any.
Originally Posted By: 92saturnsl2
Thicker, more viscous oil seems like a bad idea on an engine that relies on splashing around the crankcase and moving parts for lubrication.
Most of these engines now have a oil pump an oil filter, at least the OHV type do
Yes on some larger engines for riding mowers. But a filter and pump on a typical 21" size - not many, if any.
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Superbuick96
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I used 10w30 last season in my 675 briggs and experienced oil burning issues switched to sae 30 the consumption stopped
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