Should I stock up on SJ rated oils while I can?

[The motor guy]

I notice even the ope oils are now SN rated. Not sure if maybe that's because it's all they have to choose from now or what, but I was thinking it would maybe be a good idea to stock up on SJ rated oils and atleast use it for the break in run. I never know when I'll be buying another small engine. The briggs oil that came with a mower I just bought was SJ.

I know many people say you can use SN oils in small engines, but I haven't really seen any actual proof. I think it just gets used because there isn't any other option, other than diesel oil. I guess even CK-4 would be fine for break in on a small engine.

 

[901Memphis]

No.

 

[Rolla07]

Whats bad about using SN? It will work fine in OPE

 

[FCD]

If you can get it cheap sure.

 

[Ducked]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
No.


SJ = Just old enough
SN = Not old enough

 

[Superflan]

Running SN/CF in 2 briggs engines (lawn mower 50hr/year, 2 OC, maxxed output -- generator, some hours here and there, 1 OC/year) for a long time. No visible harm to the engines, even rhe mower one which is abused (going into grass taller than himself, non-level)

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I notice even the ope oils are now SN rated. Not sure if maybe that's because it's all they have to choose from now or what, but I was thinking it would maybe be a good idea to stock up on SJ rated oils and atleast use it for the break in run. I never know when I'll be buying another small engine. The briggs oil that came with a mower I just bought was SJ.

I know many people say you can use SN oils in small engines, but I haven't really seen any actual proof. I think it just gets used because there isn't any other option, other than diesel oil. I guess even CK-4 would be fine for break in on a small engine.


This is why there are HDEO, not need to stock up on SJ motor oils.

 

[NH73]

Originally Posted By: motor_oil_madman
I notice even the ope oils are now SN rated. Not sure if maybe that's because it's all they have to choose from now or what, but I was thinking it would maybe be a good idea to stock up on SJ rated oils and atleast use it for the break in run. I never know when I'll be buying another small engine. The briggs oil that came with a mower I just bought was SJ.

I know many people say you can use SN oils in small engines, but I haven't really seen any actual proof. I think it just gets used because there isn't any other option, other than diesel oil. I guess even CK-4 would be fine for break in on a small engine.

First off, all those ratings are backwards compatible. Secondly, Briggs does say "API SF, SG, SJ or later". So there's the actual proof. If your worried about the reduced ZDDP, that is only required in xw20 and xw30. I don't think its required in straight 30. But any 40 and 50 weight oils are also ain't required. But where it is required, they usually have other anti-wear additives to substitute the reduced ZDDP levels.

 

[69GTX]

The phos/zinc in the SJ oils isn't really different than what's in the current 0w-40 A3/B4 SN oils. I think the SJ specs allowed 1000/1200 Phos/Zn. Even some of the 0w30 SL/SN oils are up near 1,000 ppm.

 

[lukejo]

You can always get Amsoil's ASE 10w30 small engine oil, or their AMO 10w40 Premium. Both are loaded with zinc (over 1300), and neither will be chasing an SN or beyond formula. The ASE is just over $6 per quart...not much when you figure how much you'll actually need per year.

 

[BrocLuno]

OPE's don't have enough valve spring pressure to warrant worrying about Phos/Zinc. Yes some is necessary, but 800 ppm should be fine. I'd worry more about the base stocks. In TX I'd just run a good HDEO

 

[Red91]

If you want SJ oil, Delo 400 monograde 30wt is CF/SJ with 1220 zinc and 1100 phosphorus. Looking at PDS documents for Penn Grade products, I noticed they are offering an SJ monograde 30wt PCMO, although I don't know specs as I didn't look at the document. So you do have options for SJ oils.

BTW, the Penn Grade oil I mentioned is NOT the Penn Grade 1 green oil I've posted about.

 

[4WD]

Like others - I have run M1 10w30 in OPE for many years ... but lately have been snagging other 10w30's at end of year sales and got 10w30 Magnatec for OPE this season ...
Theses are splashed lubed and my walk behind and 3 gens are pull start ... so like 10w30 ...