Gord Baker
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Since most if not all newer vehicles use Synthetic oil, the price of 'Standard non-synthetic' is rising. Remember there is little difference in Quality Brand oils.
Can't find 30W oil anywhere in my area, or on line.
- Thread starter Alex Ethridge
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Any HD30 is fine for Lawn equipment. It's gonna get dirty quickly anyway, and changed more often. I get a 2 gallon jug from Atwoods. Don't be swayed and use 10W30, It Will Burn off faster, especially in older motors designed for HD30. I'm in Texas with record heat. I like the oil thick.
Hammermechanicman
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I like to go green so I use Wesson canola oil.
Here is a good link to learn the principles and purposes of modern oils,and a lot of legends are busted.
https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/
https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/
The best natural lubricant is actually whale oil.It had superior lubricating properties that was unequaled by modern oils.With the rightful protection of whales, a substitute was sought,and the closest,almost identical oil, is Jojoba oil.It is hard to find as an engine oil,because it is more profitable used in cosmetics.
Here is a link to Jojoba oil :
www.lawnmowerforum.com
Can't find 30W oil anywhere in my area, or on line.
I'm looking for Castrol 30W oil and cannot find it anywhere, on-line or locally. I've checked AutoZone, Advance, O'Reilly, Walmart, Lowe's and Home Depot. So I decided to try for other brands, brands I recognize, not this cheap unknown stuff. The only straight 30W I can find is Super Tech but...
www.lawnmowerforum.com
I’ve used 10W30 in my residential lawn equipment for years without any issues. I just change it yearly. I know that people believe whatever they want to believe about oil brands and I have no idea where you are getting your information, but Super Tech (typically relabeled Warren oil) has worked perfectly fine for me for years. If you want to believe that manufacturers (be they automotive or small engine) use only the best, highest end products as OEM then that is up to you, but they definitely do not! They buy from the lowest bulk bidder, relabel it, and sell it for a premium through their dealers. Don’t get me started on VWs version of Toyota “world” automatic transmission fluid that started failing at 30,000 miles. My only (most recent) issue with Super Tech oil is that my closest Wal Mart store hardly ever has it in anything other than synthetic or synthetic blend varieties. They tend to only continue to stock the top selling products and, I guess, conventional motor oil is slowly become a thing of the past. You could probably even use synthetic 10W30 oil successfully if you wanted to, but I don’t see the need to pay up for it unless I absolutely have to. I am definitely in the camp of using the most cost effective oil that has the API "Service Symbol Donut" SJ, SL, SM, or SN markings on the label that I can find and change it regularly. If the engine is older, you might want to use Shell Rotella for the added zinc; otherwise, anything else is just overthinking it.
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I'm not sure where you are located but I am in the Seattle WA area and several of the O'Reillys have it in stock at $8.99/qt. A little steep on the price but what's another couple bucks for the peace of mind if that's your brand and weight choice. I'm also a Castrol "fan" and I will be using their 30W in my chipper when I change it soon. Amazon also has a 6 pack for @$42.
The oil debate continues……
I live in an area where the temperature in the cutting season in generally 80° or more. I’ve changed many Briggs engines over the years on tractors I flip. The rule of thumb is to Change the oil at least once
during the season or more based on hours of usage. It’s cheaper to do it more often than replacing the engine
. Based on temperature I have always followed the Briggs recommendation of 30w. I just looked and they have updated their guidance for use of Synthetic oils. I always check the level prior to cutting and have not used 10w30 as Briggs clearly states in 80° temps you may burn some oil with the multi weight.
I live in an area where the temperature in the cutting season in generally 80° or more. I’ve changed many Briggs engines over the years on tractors I flip. The rule of thumb is to Change the oil at least once
during the season or more based on hours of usage. It’s cheaper to do it more often than replacing the engine
. Based on temperature I have always followed the Briggs recommendation of 30w. I just looked and they have updated their guidance for use of Synthetic oils. I always check the level prior to cutting and have not used 10w30 as Briggs clearly states in 80° temps you may burn some oil with the multi weight.