Recommend a Synthetic for my Mower

[vtb]

I have a Craftsman Mower, B&S 24 hp engine. Bought it new last year, and have 43 hours on it. I changed the oil once (winter storage) already, it now has Pennzoil Conventional in it. I'll change the oil again at 50 hours. No oil consumption noted at all.

I live where the summer will hit the upper 80's, and the winter's always go well below zero. I don't use the mower at all in the winter, though. It is only run from May to September/October.

Can I run Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 with no worries? Or does someone recommend something cheaper? Supertech? B&S's website recommends synthetic 5w30 as the best in all scenarios.

Any suggestions? I want this mower to last as long as possible.

 

[barlowc]

What exactly does the owner's manual recommend? Does it suggest multi-viscosity oils or something like a straight 30?

I've read some things where folks experience consumption when using multi-viscosity oils in their smaller engines.

While my mower is much smaller (a 6.5 hp B&S) I'm using Pennzoil conventional HD-30 in it.

 

[javacontour]

Astroturf, that synthetic grass will never need watering or mowing, LOL

I think most engine makers allow a synthetic 5W30. I think almost any synthetic 5W30 or 5W40 will work well for you.

 

[S2500Dog]

VTB, If you're looking for a good 5w30 Synthetic Oil, I would recommend Supertech Full Synthetic, Pennzoil Platinum, Quakerstate Ultiamte Durability, Valvoline Synpower, and Mobil 1 dpending on your budget. Briggs and Stratton states that 5w30 is applicable for all temps and climate conditions.

 

[hate2work]

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ase.aspx

 

[willix]

I used a HEDO, Rotella 10w30. It would serve you well for 50 hr OCI's. You don't really need a better cold start capability. In the N.E. you won't encounter unusually hot weather. I would get a car filter for it they are 3 times bigger and cost 5 times less. there are many filters that will cross reference.

 

[semaj281]

I vote for 30 weight because of the temperature level. I'm sure a 5w30 will work fine but I doubt that is what B&S designed to engine to run on.
I realize that with the 30 weight, options are limited when it comes to synthetics. Two brands that I can think of now are Amsoil and Redline.
Now, whether those brands are overkill on a lawnmower engine is a different subject. =)

edit: I see that the Amsoil was mentioned before.
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ase.aspx

 

[willix]

You will need just under 3 qts. You can get a gallon of Rotella for $12 and a filter for $3 or less. Amsoil is $24 for 3qts. if you find a deal.

 

[SrDriver]

I recommend Super Tech Synthetic. Use whatever grade the owners manual recommends.

 

[Jim_Beverlin]

I have a 2005 Yardman with a B&S 22 hp Intek Twin. I have used B&S synthetic since I bought it. However, B&S is now about $13/qt and will switch to Mobil 1 5w30. A B&S Technical Update Seminar stated that Mobil 1 was recommended in place of B&S synthetic and had the same formulation. It was the only synthetic oil besides their own oil that is approved for use in air cooled engines. I have used Mobil 1 for years in a 5.5 HP Intek used to power a centrifugal pump with excellent results.

http://www.genspringparts.com/id16.html

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Jim_Beverlin
I have a 2005 Yardman with a B&S 22 hp Intek Twin. I have used B&S synthetic since I bought it. However, B&S is now about $13/qt and will switch to Mobil 1 5w30. A B&S Technical Update Seminar stated that Mobil 1 was recommended in place of B&S synthetic and had the same formulation. It was the only synthetic oil besides their own oil that is approved for use in air cooled engines. I have used Mobil 1 for years in a 5.5 HP Intek used to power a centrifugal pump with excellent results.


http://www.genspringparts.com/id16.html


My buddy is a certified Generac tech. and he use Mobil 1 5w30 in all his PM oil changes.

 

[spasm3]

mower engines are pretty tough, any syn will probably work well, i use rotella t-6 just because i usually have some left over. i use it in my mower, 4cycle weedeater.

 

[odie]

new 13.5 H.P. Briggs & Stratton riding mower . Three 3+ hour mowings with 10w30 PLATINUM with no consumption as of yet .

 

[Ross]

I have a honda mower and found that it burns some of the ligher weight 5w30 oils. I am now usnig GC 0w30 and it uses very little oil.

 

[Cujet]

You really cannot beat Mobil 1 5W-40 turbo diesel truck. It has a robust additive package with plenty of ZDDP for flat tappet camshaft life. Plus it's a group IV synthetic with the ability to handle the heat produced by air cooled engines.

 

[rainman49]

I'm with Cujet. I've got Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40 in my Scag Freedom Z with the 26hp Briggs ELS in the stifling heat of the Gulf Coast. About 130 hours on the motor. Runs like a champ.

 

[Pete591]

I have tried Amsoil ASE 10w30/RP 10w30/Mobil 1 15w50 Redcap/GC 0w30 and Redline 10w30 motorcycle.

Of the bunch.. the one's that held viscosity best after 50 grueling hours and a used oil analysis.. were M-1 Redcap/RP/Redline and GC. ASE went to a 20wt as did the conventional 30wt oils.

Engines:

Briggs Vanguards 18-20 HP
Honda 9HP's
Honda 4 Hp's
Tech 8 HP

I now use RP 10w30 or GC 0w30 as the valves run quieter as well.

 

[greenaccord02]

Rotella T Synthetic.

 

[Dantheman]

Briggs and Stratton recommends 5w30 synthetic for all temp ranges .