Generator Oil Change

[JRJ]

Re: Generator Oil Change

From the Craftsman book that came with my mower (6.5 B&S motor)that I bought in August 2004. "use detergent API SG-SL 30W for 32 degrees F and above. Although multi-viscosity oils improve starting in cold weather, these oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32 degrees F." That's what the book says. I put 10-40 in it last oil change and haven't had to add oil yet.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

From the Craftsman book that came with my mower

That information is outdated. One more time:
www.briggsandstratton.com/display/router.asp?docid=64066

10W-30 0 to 100 °F (-18 to 38 °C) is better for varying temperature conditions.

Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120 °F (-30 to 40 °C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.

Notice the domain name, briggsandstratton.com. There is no more accurate source of information. This recommendation is not coming from me, or lubedude, but very highly paid engineers employed by the company who made your engine. I have a 2.5hp B&S from 1960 and the manual (which I still have) also says to use 30w. I use synthetic 10w30 and it doesn't drink a drop.

When your engine is at operating temperature, a 10w30 oil is exactly the same as a 30w oil. When your engine is cold, the 30w oil just sits in the crankcase for a little while, when 10w30 would already be flying around. It also makes it easier to pull start so many engines that never start on the first three tries. The only reason it increases consumption in extremely hot temperatures is because the 10w30 will break down and thin out a little faster than 30w, but only in extremely hot temperatures.

10w40 is not recommended because it will break down faster than a 10w30 at high temperatures, and the extra weight will cause HP loss and increase fuel consumption.

 

[xtraham]

Re: Generator Oil Change

a little confusion here how oil works,
30w is just that 30w
10w30 is 10w oil that has the lubricating abilities of 30w it does not change weight it is multi viscosity NOT multi weight
10w40 see above
5w30 is 5w oil that stays at 5w but has the ability to lubricate as well as 30w

either or will be fine in any 4 cycle engine you wish to putt in

 

[JRJ]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Yep, went to briggsandstratton.com and found mower oil........30W or 5W-30 synthetic guess I'll put 5W-30 in it next time.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Generator Oil Change

PAkev,

Here is what my owner's manual says.

"When adding oil to the engine crankcase use oily high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF or SG SAE 30 weight. Use no special additives.

Select the oil's viscosity grade according to the expected operating temperature. Do not use SAE 10W-40.

Above 40 degrees F, use SAE 10W-30 or SAE 30.

Below 40 degrees F, use synthetic 5W20 or 5W-30.

Although multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 10W-30, etc) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32 degrees F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible damage from running low on oil."

I hope this answers your question.

Regards to all,
Gold Bear 8)

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Just put 90w gear oil in it and no matter how hot it gets it will be there for ya. In the bottom. In a pile of useless sludge.

I'm kidding. Don't do that.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Generator Oil Change

I made the big mistake of putting 10W-30 in a B&S engine. Oil consumption was higher than expected and I ended up burning up the engine from lack of oil. When I bought a replacement engine, it was made clear to only use a straight weight oil.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Generator Oil Change

I made the big mistake of putting 10W-30 in a B&S engine. Oil consumption was higher than expected and I ended up burning up the engine from lack of oil. When I bought a replacement engine, it was made clear to only use a straight weight oil.

Well, there you go.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Generator Oil Change

I made the big mistake of putting 10W-30 in a B&S engine. Oil consumption was higher than expected and I ended up burning up the engine from lack of oil. When I bought a replacement engine, it was made clear to only use a straight weight oil.

Well, there you go.

Pilot error!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aren`t you suppose to check the oil every time ya use it?????????????????????????????

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

I made the big mistake of putting 10W-30 in a B&S engine. Oil consumption was higher than expected and I ended up burning up the engine from lack of oil. When I bought a replacement engine, it was made clear to only use a straight weight oil.

Don't blame your lack of maintainence on the oil. First of all, your engine was already worn out if it burned that much of any sort of oil. It would have burned 30w too. Secondly, you should check your oil much much sooner than that. It takes a long long time to burn up an entire crankcase of oil and that's the only way you could ruin your engine. You probably left the oil in there too long before changing it allowing it to thin out. That doesn't happen if you keep it clean.

Can any of you please explain to me how you think a 10w30, which is exactly the same thickness at operating temperature as a 30w, leaks past the rings and valves faster than a 30w? Do you have any sort of logical explanation for that?