Merk.....I actually agree with this statement. 10W-40 and 20W-50 are my go to grades for OPEs', although I have SAE 30 in my mom's generator at the moment, all the mowers just got 10W-40 yesterday.
Sae 30 vs 10w30 oil?
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Originally Posted By: lawnguy
When starting up a lawn mower engine would a thicker Sae 30 oil protect the engine better while warming up as opposed to using 10w30? Isn't 10w30 a 10 weight oil while cold until the engine/oil warms up?
I don't completely understand this. I know that when the weather is colder the 10w30 will be better at the initial start because it's a 10 weight oil until it warms up. Is this correct?
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not the same HTHS viscosity... an SAE30 will be well above 3.5
the suggestion by the manufacturer for SAE30 implies HTHS to be important. It's the single most important (numerical) parameter of any oil. too low isn't good, no such thing as too high but fuel consumption could suffer if higher than required.
I understand SAE30 might not be available locally so my suggestion is to get an oil with suitable viscosity, from what IS available.
Originally Posted By: Jetronic
the suggestion by the manufacturer for SAE30 implies HTHS to be important. It's the single most important (numerical) parameter of any oil. too low isn't good, no such thing as too high but fuel consumption could suffer if higher than required.
I understand SAE30 might not be available locally so my suggestion is to get an oil with suitable viscosity, from what IS available.
It would be so much easier if the engine could just talk to us and tell us which viscosity it likes best. 
Originally Posted By: NH73
Originally Posted By: Jetronic
the suggestion by the manufacturer for SAE30 implies HTHS to be important. It's the single most important (numerical) parameter of any oil. too low isn't good, no such thing as too high but fuel consumption could suffer if higher than required.
I understand SAE30 might not be available locally so my suggestion is to get an oil with suitable viscosity, from what IS available.
In your other post, you said you were running a Kawasaki commercially in Florida.
WHY are you pondering running a 10W30 or SAE30 in a Kawasaki?
Just go down to Wally Mart, buy 5W40 synthetic if you want synthetic, or ANY of the conventional 15W40 oils if you want conventional, or SAE40 oil if you want to run a single weight conventional, and call it a day.
5W40/SAE40/15W40 is what you want for commercial use, in Florida, in a Kawasaki. If you have an Kohler or Briggs engines, these oils will work fine in them as well. Kohler Command engines get heavy duty 10W30 oil ONLY.
I have done thousands of oil changes on commercial power equipment in Florida and am pretty in tune with what works down here.
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
In your other post, you said you were running a Kawasaki commercially in Florida.
WHY are you pondering running a 10W30 or SAE30 in a Kawasaki?
Just go down to Wally Mart, buy 5W40 synthetic if you want synthetic, or ANY of the conventional 15W40 oils if you want conventional, or SAE40 oil if you want to run a single weight conventional, and call it a day.
5W40/SAE40/15W40 is what you want for commercial use, in Florida, in a Kawasaki. If you have an Kohler or Briggs engines, these oils will work fine in them as well. Kohler Command engines get heavy duty 10W30 oil ONLY.
I have done thousands of oil changes on commercial power equipment in Florida and am pretty in tune with what works down here.
Originally Posted By: Jetronic
Originally Posted By: NH73
Originally Posted By: Jetronic
the suggestion by the manufacturer for SAE30 implies HTHS to be important. It's the single most important (numerical) parameter of any oil. too low isn't good, no such thing as too high but fuel consumption could suffer if higher than required.
I understand SAE30 might not be available locally so my suggestion is to get an oil with suitable viscosity, from what IS available.
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Originally Posted By: NH73
Is there a reason that you can't use any of those 40 oils in a Kohler Command, other than the manual saying only 30?
Originally Posted By: NH73
Couldn't you use the heavy duty 10w30 in the Kawasaki?
Directly from Kawasaki's website:
Kawasaki Genuine engine oils, formulated specifically for high performance constant-speed engines, are strongly recommended for maximum cooling, lubrication and protection. Follow this guide for proper application. For the ultimate performance in low and high temperature applications, use Kawasaki Genuine 10W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-50 synthetic blend.
Although 10W-40 engine oil is the recommended oil for most conditions, the oil viscosity may need to be changed to accommodate seasonal temperature changes. Using 20W-50 oil in higher ambient temperatures may reduce oil consumption.
I use Mobil 1 5W30 in my lawn mower tractor and snowblower. Just easier to start. No issues
small engine mechanic I talked to says... flat head Briggs 30wt, OHV Briggs 10w-30
Originally Posted By: hatt
If you're going to use 10w-30 use one of the diesel(HDEO) oils. Most 10w-30s are very thin 30s, much thinner than SAE30 at operating temp.
I've always wondered what benefit one really gets with a low number before the w, as in a 5w-30 versus an SAE 30, on a splash lubed engine. Some OPE certainly have oil pumps, but plenty do not.
As for HDEO, that would be my preference, although I just used whatever is lying around. It's interesting to note there that Imperial Oil doesn't market any Mobil monogrades that aren't diesel rated. They're either dual rated monogrades or two-stroke diesel only lubes. Of course, there are compressor lubes, but that's another matter.
This subject comes up frequently, and always ends deadlocked, for the most part. I think it's a good idea, especially in light of years of experience, to start with a 30w and work from there with your choices. Whether you go straight 30w or xw30 it matters not. If you've got your heart set on 40w or xw40, it's not a huge jump, go for it. These small engines are known to run forever on almost water. I think there is some evidence, anecdotal as it may be, that HDEO oils are a great idea. The extra additives seem perfect for small engines. Sine there is little real world difference between a 30w and a 15w40, it seems a fine candidate. The truth is this is way over thought.
I know that often "any fresh oil" is enough for a long ope life. The question about 30 related to 10w30 or say 5w30 is so common and I know that's because there are more tha two variables...
But a good question to answer by us could be something like:
What to look for to be sure that my multiweight is not outperformed by the standard lawnmower 30?
Like "if the multiweight have these properties, X, Y, Z, it will be on par or better than the common lawn shop 30".
I am interested to know what happens with lubricity and protection at temps above 100c, should we look at VI and HTHS and flash?
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