Strait 30 Or 15W40 In Old Briggs That Smokes

[crazyoildude]

i was changing oil on some of my small engines today I have an old snow blower 1966 that runs good but is beginning to smoke i have always used pennzoil strait 30 but am wondering if a 15w40 would make it smoke less.

Also on my generator which is a 70's sears tecumsuh 4 hp i was looking for pennzoil strait 30 in SL but could only find valvoline strait 30 sn should i use it or find the pennzoil SL

 

[901Memphis]

The 15w40 is superior to SAE 30 here I think but have you tried Maxlife 10w40?

 

[Revving2Redline]

Maybe google a low noack 30wt. I think liquimoly makes a no smoke additive which might help too.

 

[bubbatime]

Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
I have an old snow blower 1966 that runs good but is beginning to smoke


There is your answer. SAE30 is terrible in the winter. 10W30, 10W40, 15W40 will all work fine. Try a high mileage like Defy.

 

[crazyoildude]

it starts fine with 30 w its in a heated garage would the 15w40 make it smoke less?

 

[901Memphis]

Yeah the thicker oil will burn less since it's a higher viscosity at temperature. If you start in a heated garage try sae 40

 

[zrxkawboy]

You'll only know if you try it. I'd give the 15W40 a go, and see what happens.

 

[Bror Jace]

It depends on WHY it is smoking. If it is a stuck oil control ring, a HDEO (gas/diesel) oil may free up the ring. You might also give the motor some strong (not TOO strong) doses of a carb cleaner.

If it is just wear causing the smoke, try one of the high mileage oils like Pennzoil High Mileage or Valvoline Max Life ... 10W-30 or 10W-40.

 

[jeepman3071]

I'd use the 15w40.

 

[benjy]

Amsoil 30 wt synthetic acts as a 10w30 without any additives its classed as a 10W30?30 oil its a REAL group IV synthetic, easy starts + long life

 

[Merkava_4]

I used to use SAE40 on smokers, but that was before I found out how easy it is to install chrome ring kits.

 

[slomo]

Using heavier oils is only a band-aid. Rebuild the engine and cure the issue plus keep the environment clean.

slomo

 

[fdcg27]

These old flatheads aren't picky about oil.
The engine will probably smoke less on a thicker grade like a 15W-40.
15W-40 is much thicker than an HD30 at operating temperatures.
Give it a try and see how it does.