SAE30 in the Cold - Need help

[itguy08]

I'm in Central PA and missed probably a key opportunity to get the leaves off my lawn this winter last weekend prior to the snow. However we missed the snow and it looks like it will be clear the next few days so I'm hoping what little snow/ice will melt off when the sun hits it tomorrow - it's supposed to be 28 so I think with the sun I may be back to bare ground again.

Now my question is: Planning to get the riding mower out there and finish the mulch job before the next round this weekend. Problem is it's on its factory fill of "summer Oil", which I think is SAE30. Plan on doing this Friday when the high is supposed to be 32.... OK for the Briggs V-Twin or should I get it out of there ahead of the mow for the Pennzoil Ultra 5w30 that will be going in after the last cut? Briggs just says under 40, SAE30 may cause hard starting. Don't really care about that - I can jump the mower from the car if need be.

The other thought would be to dig out the push mower that has 5w30 in it and use that but @ 32 I'd rather ride for 45 minutes vs push for an hour and a half.

Both are getting oil changes after this as they are done for the season.

 

[Ramblejam]

Man, you must have a great life...

 

[QuietPortage]

One cold start won't be catastrophic. You'll want the oil hot when you change it anyhow. It's not ideal, but it'll be okay.

 

[itguy08]

One of those things where our one tree was a late dropper and is just about done now vs a few weeks ago like all the others. And there was no time to do it Sunday. If the weather doesn't cooperate the backup plan is to use the blower and then just bag 'em.

 

[AandPDan]

I don't think you'll have a problem but you could stick a drop light next to the block, under the hood, overnight. You're not looking to add 100 degrees, just 8 or so.

Give it a minute or two to warm up too.

 

[Hermann]

Are we assuming that the mower is stored outdoors? It will be OK, the light bulb idea is a good one IMO. Can you crank the engine without it starting, if you can, give it about 20 or 30 revolutions then hook up the plug or whatever and youre good to go.

 

[JR]

I would run a drop light. and let it idle for several minutes to get engine warm anf oil flowing good. this is why i don't run straight weights anymore.

ken

 

[Warstud]

Originally Posted By: itguy08
Both are getting oil changes after this as they are done for the season.


Be on the safe side and change it now.

 

[itguy08]

Thanks guys. I don't have a drop light handy - just one of those 500w halogens but I do have a space heater. I'll probably go out to the shed an hour before and plug that in and point the air at the engine to get it a little warm. Idling it will be part of the deal as it's also time for the monthly generator test. I'll probably pull the mower outside and let it idle while I set up the generator and get that started.

 

[itguy08]

Just an update for closure.

Ended up doing the leaves this evening and used the leaf blower to make a pile and then the push mower to mulch them and then blow them back over the lawn.

Fired up the rider in the shed and ran it lightly for a few minutes and then ran it for probably 10 until the oil filter got warm. Got the SAE30 out and put in the new filter + Pennzoil Ultra 5W30. I was amazed how much easier it seemed to start on the 5w30.

Also changed out the oil in the pouch mower and put in 5w30.