Pressure washer???

[Christopher R. Wise]

Just picked up a Honda pressure washer with the GX390 13hp motor and CAT pump, at a auction.

Honda recommends a 10w30, but have heard these engines last longer and like a straight weight oil. Any comments???

What about the CAT pump, what type of oil does it use?

Thanks, CRW

 

[Bror Jace]

Chris, I'm not familiar with that engine. A lot of us use either straight 30 or even 15W40 in these single and twin cylinder engines ... but a good 10W30 changed regularly will probably do fine, especially if cold-weather starting is a factor.

The pump most likely takes a 30 non-detergent oil. Don't get the cheap SA stuff, get a good oil specifically designed for pumps so it will have the barrier anti-wear adds. Schaeffer makes a couple which will work well. I'm using some in a Coleman pump with a Honda engine.

--- Bror Jace

 

[Kestas]

I understand that, as a rule, small air-cooled engines run hotter than automotive engines so they need 30W oil to prevent vaporization or boil-off loss from the high heat. Plus, under steady state conditions it's a superior lube. As Bror mentioned, cold weather is a factor. But most people use small engines during the summertime.

Bror, why a non-detergent?

 

[cousincletus]

Just got a new generator during the power outage here in Virginia with a B&S engine. The owners manual says to use straight 30 oil or 10w30 synthetic. They say that because of higher temps, this type of oil stays in longer and lubes better. Personally, I used 15w40 truck oil (Chevron Delo 400) in the generator with good results. I use this oil in all my small engines and never had a problem. Don't know about Honda, but a Briggs & Stratton will outlast the equipment that it's on if maintained correctly.

 

[Bror Jace]

" ... with a B&S engine. The owner's manual says to use straight 30 oil or 10W30 synthetic."

Cuz', Actually, we had a lengthy discussion about this here around a half year ago. Personally, I think these B&S recommendations are dated. Most "synthetics" these days are Group III pretenders and I don't believe there's that much difference between a Group II+ oil and a Group III. And even then, these are often formulated on the thin side and may shear down with a little hard use.

I too use 15W40 in all my single and twin cylinder equipment. My brand of choice used to be Delo400 but I now have a supply of Schaeffer and will be using that for at least the next couple of years. If I were to buy 15W40 locally tomorrow, I'd probably pick up Pennzoil Long Life to get its moly.

--- Bror Jace

 

[Bror Jace]

Kestas, there are a number of threads around here (somewhere

) dealing with air compressors and they require a non-detergent oil for similar reasons. I believe it is the tendency of typical detergent oils to foam.

Do a search on "compressors" and you'll find all that has been said.

--- Bror Jace

 

[DieselDeere]

quote:

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Originally posted by Christopher R. Wise:


What about the CAT pump, what type of oil does it use?

Thanks, CRW

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Nice find! The best engine for that HP range (In my opinion anyway) paired up with the best brand of pump. I have a slightly smaller 11HP Honda with cat pump, 3000PSI @ 4GPM I use 10w30 in the Honda, and Cat makes their own oil which I use. The Cat oil was expensive and hard to find but it will void the warrenty if you don't use it.

 

[cryptokid]

i would say a good diesel oil 15w40 in the summer and perhaps a 10w30 in the winter.
pennzoil long life!