So what actually is the best small engine oil?

[Saturnguy]

Shell Rotella T6 in either 5W-40 or 0W-40

Still working my way through 200 jugs of 0W-40 bought when Advanced Auto cleared them out at $5 a jug…

I help take care of OPE at a summer camp for kids,
keeps me out of trouble…

 

[kschachn]

I would imagine a solid 10W30 full synthetic would be more shear stable in ope vs a 15W50 being there’s less viscosity improvers

It completely depends on the tendency of a specific engine to actually shear the VII (not prevalent in OPE), the quality of the VII and the specific base stocks. ExxonMobil does not use inferior VII.

Even if it does happen to some extent, the increased HT/HS over a typical 30-grade is the point for hot weather usage.

 

[762fermeandyou]

I use Valvoline Maxlife 10W-30 in my Honda mower. It requires only 12 ounces which is worrisome.

I have a Honda powered mower too that takes about 12oz. I put 18 oz in it anyway and have no problems. You check with the dipstick just resting on the threads, not screwed in.

 

[Elkins45]

I used to buy HD30 up until I bought a tractor and started buying 15w-40. Now I just use it in my mowers too.