lawn mower oil change?

[ftb87]

I'm getting ready to change oil in my mower. I'm wondering instead of the 30 wt oil, could I use 15/40? Would it hurt anything?



By the way it a 6 hp. deer/home depot mower (no bombs) .

 

[BigDaddy]

I change the oil in my yard equipment at the beginning of every season. I have Honda, Briggs, and Tecumseh engines. I use whatever I have for the gassers. 5w40, 10w40 or whatever. I have had no internal problems and some of my equipment is 20 years old

 

[illflem]

I do the same as BigDaddy with no problems but have to wonder since there is no advantage for the engine maker telling you wrong info. It's not like Briggs has the corner on straight weight oil. Best to follow instructions and not be lazy like me. For sure when non-detergent oil is recommended follow the instructions or you will have big trouble. Don't ask how I know.

 

[Okie-Go]

I buy the stuff that is called for. It is the correct amount and I have none left over. Made by briggs and stratton.

 

[gitchesum]

My father in law has a 25 year old mower. Still on the original engine.



Forthe past 15 years or so, he's been running Rotella T in his mower and his Lincoln welder. Both run great.



My grandfather uses 15W-40 that we drain out of the race car after each race. Works fine in his equipment as well.



These are just two examples, you still gotta make the call.

 

[RottnDogue]

You mean I'm supposed to change it? Damn so just adding Oil when I add fuel is not good?

 

[Scot]

I do not know what the scoop is on the current oil viscosity stabilizers. Some years ago, Porsche did some tests on oils for their aircooled engines. They found any brand name straight weight would last but the multigrades would break down over time due to the fact that an aircooled engine runs hotter. I run 30 wt in all aircooled engines.

 

[Skydiver]

Sae. 30 wt.

Air cooled engines run very hot. Last summer I placed a temp. guage right beside the spark plug of my Yamaha YFM 350 Big Bear 4x2 4-wheeler after running it for 10 minutes and idleing for 2 minutes. 265 degrees F.

Air cooled engines need clean oil if there going to last. Make sure the air filter is clean,Reason:If the filter gets clogged the engine will run rich, further contaminating the oil.

Run your air (shrouded fan)cooled engine at top speed it runs cooler.

As hot as air cooled engines run I am considering synthetic oil.

Tim

 

[tcourse]

Last two mowers just seized up. Girlfriend can't remember where to put the gas.



TC

 

[ftb87]

I'm just trying to figure out what to do with the extra qt. of oil I have when I do an oil change on my truck.



So, do you think If I use the 15/40 PB oil and change it 4x a year... do you think everything will be alright?



If not I'll just use the 30 wt oil.



Frank