New 3.5 hp briggs push mower question

[Stoney57]

The manual says I can run 10w30 synthetic oil across all temp ranges, but should I start this new engine with some full synthetic 10w30 Mobil 1 to break it in?, or would some dino 30 weight be a better break in oil? I know, its just a little 3.5 HP motor, but hey, I want to be nice to it.

 

[seotaji]

use good quality 30w dino for break in.

 

[Bror Jace]

I would use any 5W30, 10W30 or straight 30 for break-in. synthetic vs. mineral does not matter. What matters is that you swap it out after 6-8 hours or run time the first couple of times to remove the wear metal debris.

I find mineral oils costing $1.00-1.75 work best for this. I don't feel so bad draining them after just a few hours.

Once it's broken in, feel free to use the $3-5 per quart stuff.

--- Bror Jace

 

[Korean_redneck]

Huh? My Classic 3.5 HP Briggs and stratton push lawn mower saids to Never use synthetic oil and use only a quality SAE 30.. I use Supertech SAE30 oil

 

[SteveD2]

quote:

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Originally posted by Korean_redneck:
Huh? My Classic 3.5 HP Briggs and stratton push lawn mower saids to Never use synthetic oil and use only a quality SAE 30.. I use Supertech SAE30 oil

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Things change. Briggs and Stratton knows nothing about oil compared to the knowledge on this board. They now know slightly more than they did when your manual was made, that's why they noew recommend synthetic.

 

[65hoss]

Get Opti-4 straight 30w. Its designed for air cooled motors. My motors have run it for years with great results.

 

[1999nick]

Your new Briggs and Stratton engined mower should have came with a bottle of 30W oil for the break-in. According to the official Briggs and Stratton website, either 5W30 or 10W30 synthetic oil is recommended for any temperature.

 

[Marty]

quote:

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Korean_redneck:
Huh? My Classic 3.5 HP Briggs and stratton push lawn mower saids to Never use synthetic oil and use only a quality SAE 30.. I use Supertech SAE30 oil

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You must have an older engine. Briggs & Stratton changed their recommendation a few years ago and now include synthetic in the recommendation.

There really is no break-in on the small B&S engines. The piston and rings are running an aluminum cylinder bore.

 

[NThomas]

I would use a straight 30. Chevron Supreme oil is what i have used for breakin.

 

[budweiser]

Use dino first,then 10-30 syn. I use napa brand 10-30 syn.[valoline] Budweiser

 

[Jelly]

I've used all sorts of lubes in the engines of lawn care equipment, and now have standardized the "fleet" on 15w40 HDEO.

If you want to stick with a thirty weight though, I had the best success with Chevron Delo SAE 30. Available at AutoZone.