I'm talking about the newer B&S engines which say oil changes aren't neccesary, only add oil if needed. I bought one last Summer and used it about once a week for an hour or so to cut the lawn for maybe 15 weeks. I've been doing the same this Spring, having only checked the oil, not changed it. Lately I'd noticed it would produce a puff of smoke upon start-up, so I decided to go ahead and change the oil even though it's a bit of a pain because there's no drain plug! (Correct me if I'm wrong)
I had to tip the mower upside down and hold it while it drained. That's when I saw the oil which looked like a metallic grey slurry. I have never seen oil like this even doing a regular break-in oil change. I wish I had thought of collecting some for a UOA as I'm sure the wear metals would've been unbelievably high. Anyhow, I filled it back up with Supertech Synthetic 5w-30 and I no longer get the puff of smoke upon start up and have some peace of mind.
No complaints about the engine otherwise. It starts first pull every time, burns clean and has plenty of power. I think it's the 725exi. I wish B&S would stop advertising "no oil change needed" but I suppose it's based on a calculation of the average mower lifespan and whatever else. I know mine will be getting annual changes from now on.
Thoughts? Experiences?
I had to tip the mower upside down and hold it while it drained. That's when I saw the oil which looked like a metallic grey slurry. I have never seen oil like this even doing a regular break-in oil change. I wish I had thought of collecting some for a UOA as I'm sure the wear metals would've been unbelievably high. Anyhow, I filled it back up with Supertech Synthetic 5w-30 and I no longer get the puff of smoke upon start up and have some peace of mind.
No complaints about the engine otherwise. It starts first pull every time, burns clean and has plenty of power. I think it's the 725exi. I wish B&S would stop advertising "no oil change needed" but I suppose it's based on a calculation of the average mower lifespan and whatever else. I know mine will be getting annual changes from now on.
Thoughts? Experiences?