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 10w30. 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 5w30 synthetic or 30 weight conventional.
Really consumption probably isn't a huge issue, how many hours do you mow a year?
FWIW I run 5w30 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 5w30 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 10w30 HDEO's are ideal for small engines. Rotella makes one available at Walmart. I have a large stash of Motorcraft "Powerstroke" 10w30 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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