Decided to buy a new mower and start mowing my lawn again. I live in SW Florida so it’s hot and humid. B&S says use a straight 30wt or a synthetic 5w30 / 10w30. They even mention using a synthetic 15w40 for outside temperature over 110 degrees. Just wondering what everyone else thought about just using a HD 15w40? They did say that with 5w30 or 10/30 you need to watch more closely the oil consumption. It isn’t ever over 100 degrees out when I mow but it can be really hot. Is HD oil safe for a small motor like that? What about an passenger car oil like 10/40?
Florida push mower oil recommendations
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Been using whatever I have enough of leftover from my last vehicle change in my 5HP B&S for over 20 years. Engine doesn't really seem to care. Still going strong.
Same as Doyall for me. Whatever I have in garage left over goes in push mower every year. My mower has a little Honda engine. 12 years old. Runs fine.
Originally Posted By: Jake777
Decided to buy a new mower and start mowing my lawn again. I live in SW Florida so it’s hot and humid. B&S says use a straight 30wt or a synthetic 5w30 / 10w30. They even mention using a synthetic 15w40 for outside temperature over 110 degrees. Just wondering what everyone else thought about just using a HD 15w40? They did say that with 5w30 or 10/30 you need to watch more closely the oil consumption. It isn’t ever over 100 degrees out when I mow but it can be really hot. Is HD oil safe for a small motor like that? What about an passenger car oil like 10/40?
Use whatever you got. Its just a lawn mower.
Was in HD yesterday. The Toro machines claim lifetime oil- no need to ever change. Get that one
Decided to buy a new mower and start mowing my lawn again. I live in SW Florida so it’s hot and humid. B&S says use a straight 30wt or a synthetic 5w30 / 10w30. They even mention using a synthetic 15w40 for outside temperature over 110 degrees. Just wondering what everyone else thought about just using a HD 15w40? They did say that with 5w30 or 10/30 you need to watch more closely the oil consumption. It isn’t ever over 100 degrees out when I mow but it can be really hot. Is HD oil safe for a small motor like that? What about an passenger car oil like 10/40?
Use whatever you got. Its just a lawn mower.
Was in HD yesterday. The Toro machines claim lifetime oil- no need to ever change. Get that one
Check out briggsandstratton.com. It’s updated for 2018. They also mention to change your oil after the first 5 hours and then every 50 hours or annually. All the 30 weight and 30 weight variations are good to 100 F. Florida rarely gets above 100F, but if you feel like moving up to xw40 go ahead. Your mower engine will last at least 20 years regardless of your choice.
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It wants a 30 something. I'd do SAE 30 HD for sure, but that's just me
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Use 5w30 in both my Honda mower and my Briggs 12.5 Snapper Rider. They still live.
Use what ever oil the manual recommends. I had craftsman lawn mower last 20 years using whatever oil was left over from my vehicle oil changes 5W-20 through 20W-50. I tossed the lawn mower the third time the frame cracked and I didn't feel like welding the cracks Now I have a Honda commercial mower and I still use what ever oil I have left over. I'll recommend 10w30 or Straight 30 or 15w40 or 5W-40 or 20w-50. syn or conventional. Change is as required and don't worry. check the oil level before you cut the lawn.
Up here in Jacksonville I've been running 15w40 for the last 5 years. Not sure it really makes any difference over a SAE 30 5w30 or 10w30 but I have a ton of 15w40 so why not.
I use leftover 10w40 Motorcycle oil in my OPE. Works just fine!
Like other have said use leftover or whatever else you want. Check the oil every time you mow and keep it topped up. Even with 0w-20 it will most likely last longer than the deck and wheels.
A non-ilsac 10w30 like M1 HM 10w30, a straight 30 or a HDEO 10w30. If you’re going to run constantly all day you could benefit from a 40
I dont care for briggs 5hr break in and then leave the next batch the full 50 reccomendation. I changed mine in my new 175cc ohv after another 5 as there was still obvious break in metal in the oil. I used MC 10w30 syn blend HDMO (free fiddy from the bulk tank). At 15 ill do it again. If metals are down to minimal to none i will then pour in the Valvoline 5w40 PBX i use in everuthing i own with an engine
i think a LOT of folks use the very similar Rotella T6 5w40 with very good results. Also ive heard good things about liqui moly mos2 in small engines. So i might experiment with their products and other high dollar stuff just because i think its fun to buy overpriced oil for a cheap little engine that will run on anything on the shelf happily, just to see if it lives longer. I have a bank that may be steep enough to cause poor oiling. Its not long, so it would never starve more than a couple seconds, but i forsee it accelerating wear. If it hasnt already and may be the reason for the metals hanging around... If nothing can save the day, Kawi FJ180V with pressurized oiling and filter here i come!
I had a friend give me a Craftsman mower with the red Tecumseh engine on it back in the early 80s.
I used it for 30 years or so at camp cutting weeds & stubble mostly. Last last year I gave it back to him because he needed a mower and I hadn't been using it all that much since buying a riding mower.
The mower did see hard service for a good 30 years and got nothing but left over oils ranging from 5W30 to 15W40. The engine is 40 plus years old and on it's second deck. It's still running strong despite the tough life it's had because it always had oil in it.
Oil choice is of no significance as long as it has sufficient oil.
I use a lot of 15W40 Rotella and/or other brands of conventional HDEO of same viscosity so much of my OPE gets the same. Anything operating in colder temps with get the 5W30-15W40 blend.
I used it for 30 years or so at camp cutting weeds & stubble mostly. Last last year I gave it back to him because he needed a mower and I hadn't been using it all that much since buying a riding mower.
The mower did see hard service for a good 30 years and got nothing but left over oils ranging from 5W30 to 15W40. The engine is 40 plus years old and on it's second deck. It's still running strong despite the tough life it's had because it always had oil in it.
Oil choice is of no significance as long as it has sufficient oil.
I use a lot of 15W40 Rotella and/or other brands of conventional HDEO of same viscosity so much of my OPE gets the same. Anything operating in colder temps with get the 5W30-15W40 blend.
Originally Posted By: wag123
Originally Posted By: Jake777
B&S says use a straight 30wt
So, why don't you just use what B&S recommends? A good brand name SAE 30 HD motor oil is best for small air cooled 4-cycle engines used in warmer climates.
Is best? Some might disagree.
Originally Posted By: Jake777
B&S says use a straight 30wt
So, why don't you just use what B&S recommends? A good brand name SAE 30 HD motor oil is best for small air cooled 4-cycle engines used in warmer climates.
Is best? Some might disagree.
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