Egine oil not for cars

[Norm201]

I would like to hear what people have to say. Our cars use a multi weight oil. That's because we drive our cars in all kinds of temps and weather conditions. The oil needs to be viscous at varying temps. Makes sense.
Now my question. Why do lawn mower engines specify just plain 30 weight oil and do not want us to use a multi-weight? I understand that we use our mowers mainly under the same temp and weather conditions and a multi weight isn't necessary. But, what harm will it do if we do use a multi weight oil such as 10w-30 or 5w-30? And another question...Any reason that we can't use syn oil in our lawn mowers?

[Audrey]

This question is so weird... (I have no idea of the answer).

[3Mach1]

Actually, the newer engines for mowers specify 10w 30. Years ago 30 weight was the standard because most mower are used in hot weather. Also, you can use synthetic as well. Briggs and stratton actually wants you to use this. Check your specific motor for proper weight ect but nothing is stopping you from using 10w30. I have used 5w 30 mobil one synthetic for years in a Briggs Vanguard.

[BondiBlue]

Originally Posted by 3Mach1

Years ago 30 weight was the standard because most mower are used in hot weather.

Crap. I was making mine double as a snow thrower.

But yeah, my mower is a 1 year old Craftsman with a 6.75 B&S and uses plain old 30 weight.

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by 3Mach1

Actually, the newer engines for mowers specify 10w 30. Years ago 30 weight was the standard because most mower are used in hot weather. Also, you can use synthetic as well. Briggs and stratton actually wants you to use this. Check your specific motor for proper weight ect but nothing is stopping you from using 10w30. I have used 5w 30 mobil one synthetic for years in a Briggs Vanguard.

Are you sure of your info? At the store we are selling brand new mowers and they come with a straight 30 weight oil and each mower we sell must be signed off that the buyer is informed that he must use SAE30 HD oil only. We also sell an oil that is stated as lawn mower oil only and is 30 weight.
I'm going on the B&S web site and see what they say about syn and multi weight. However, I also use a multi-weight oil in my own mowers and have not seen any ill effects.


My main reason for asking is that many customers come in and ask what oil to use for their mower. Store policy says we must tell them SAE30. But that bothers me and I want to tell customers the correct info or any options. If I can get manufacturer proof that multi-weight is OK I won't get into trouble by offering an alternative.

Price does not seem to be a point...our lawn mower oil is priced higher than most oils per quart!

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by BondiBlue

Crap. I was making mine double as a snow thrower.

But yeah, my mower is a 1 year old Craftsman with a 6.75 B&S and uses plain old 30 weight.

That would be interesting. Perhaps a modified blade that would scoop the snow and fling it out the side. But then rear baggers would be a bummer!
I would've expected you to mod out your mower. Say perhaps custom wheels and chrome tip exhaust. Be sure send pics when you do it!

[billnchristy]

My dad told me he never changed his oil and owned his mower for 15 years so I am seeing how that will work out for since the whole setup is stupid (having to basically tip the mower over to change...or use a vampire pump).

So my answer...WGAS?

[Norm201]

Originally Posted by billnchristy

My dad told me he never changed his oil and owned his mower for 15 years so I am seeing how that will work out for since the whole setup is stupid (having to basically tip the mower over to change...or use a vampire pump).

So my answer...WGAS?

Tipping mower over to drain the oil was never a very good method even though they suggest that as the way to do it. All the mowers I worked on have a drain plug on the under side of the mower housing. Makes draining very easy.

[Norm201]

I haven't gone to any manufactures web sites yet, but here are some of the feedback I've gotten from my work associates.

The best comment...Not necessarily including riding mowers most mowers do not use an oil pump, but a splash system to get oil to the cylinder heads. Single viscosity oil in normal grass cutting weather will insure better lubrication at start up.

Other comments...Mower engines are not made with the same materials as car engines and the multi-weight oil additives will harm rings and seals.

I don't totally buy into any of these reasons.

BTW...My generator uses a Subaru engine and they also specify a straight 30 weight oil. And that;s for use in any weather conditions.

[Norm201]

Just went to the B&S web site. This is their recommendation:


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Engine Oil Recommendations

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Oil Recommendation

• SAE 30 40° F and higher (5° C and higher) is good for all purpose use above 40° F, use below 40° F will cause hard starting.
• 10W-30 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80° F(27° C) or higher.
• Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120° F (-30 to 40° C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.
• 5W-30 40° F and below (5° C and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions.