what wt oil to use in a lawnmower

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Most utility 4 cycle engines use 10-30 oil. From my lawn mower to my snow blower.
 
Most four stroke engines, specify SAE30 weight oil. You do not want a modern multi-weight that has detergents in it. The detergents keep the crap in suspension to be collected by the oil filter, which your lawn mower probably doesn't have. Thus you are keeping the dirt in the oil where you don't want it. SAE 30 may still have some zinc and being a non-roller type of engine, the zinc is helpful. Truth is that just about any decent oil will work for the short term but the correct oil, is the correct oil.
 
If you ever get a new "small engine" (lawn mower, generator, pressure washer, etc.), it will help to run a break-in cycle with the first oil used. Then change it out. Besides normal break-in wear, I've found shavings & crap in brand new engines due to poor quality control that you don't want in there any longer than necessary, especially with no oil filter.

I've done the same with oiled electric motors, like on air compressors, as well.
 
Rapid Robert said:
getting an old push mower to run, didn't notice what brand. what wt oil should I use? thank you for your time. RR
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i`ve run whatever was handy at the time if topping off, if changing it I run straight 30 weight ...
 
You guys change your oil in lawnmowers? 10 years and never even changed it or put in new plugs lol. Don't fix what ain't broke. Mow 2 acres every week.
 
I use whatever's on the shelf. Or shall I say, I add whatever's on the shelf- usually 10w30. I'm with @Owen 340+6 though. I don't think I've ever technically changed the oil - moreso just add a splash when it gets low.
 
To get an old pushmower going eat whatever you want.

For an old power reel, depends on how old. Old enough and it was using straight 30 non-detergent. If your going to switch something thats been running on non-detergent to a detergent, I might do a 50/50 mix and put a few hours on it. The detergents will start to clean stuff and that stuff will then be floating in the oil.
 
Owen 340+6 said:
You guys change your oil in lawnmowers? 10 years and never even changed it or put in new plugs lol. Don't fix what ain't broke. Mow 2 acres every week.
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Ha use what I drained out of the slant
Oil put 1000 miles on it a year
 
Rapid Robert said:
getting an old push mower to run, didn't notice what brand. what wt oil should I use? thank you for your time. RR
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This is the charr that was in my last 3 B&S products. A call ti them, they shared that also 10w40 could be used and synthetic was best in all the grades listed. And must be detergent. Oil must be changed once a year at begin of season use. Unless used year round. If so 24 to 72 hours max.
Same for my Honda. My Gen gets it at 48 to 72 maximum
The oil has contaminated things in it from carbon and will get some fuel contaminated in it.
Good maintenence is key.

Oil_rec_chart_smaller.jpg
 
pauly said:
A

yup
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I agree. If you look at the chart I posted above the manual says flavors of 30wt are what is right. Muti weight is still 30wt But acts like thinner for cold starting.
Phone tech even email me that.
Only except very hot, extended use non synthetic can go more heavy at 10w40 so 40wt but must be muti weight of 10 as well. Nothing thinner or heavier was recommended.
I have run detergent as recommended. It is whar is remonded as well. Same reasons as it keeps everything clean. Just because there is no filter does not made keeping engine clean less clean. You get the dirty oil out when service is done.
 
quickly grabbed what I saw on the shelf at the closest hardware store. 2 qts of smittys supply co, Roseland Louisiana, synthetic. (2) qts 10W-40 and 1 qt 10W-30
 
The new entry level mowers say no oil needs changed or checked. They are disposable and from what I see only last 4 to 5 years
We live in that era now
 
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