Real life maintenance

[jmurray01]

In my mower's manual, it says to change the oil every 12 hours and the spark plug every 56 hours.

In the real world what should I reduce those to ?

I have already made up my mind to reduce the oil change time to 5-6 hours (that is basically a years worth of mowing for me so that is easy to keep track off, just change it at the start of every mowing season!), and as for the spark plug, what (if any) should I reduce that to ?

Mower:

2011 Sovereign
Push mower
149.3CC, 3.5 Horse Power Briggs & Stratton engine


Thanks in advance! :wink:

 

[steved]

12 hours? Really? I would expect that to be for the break in...then longer after that. If you plan to change it every 5 to 6 hours (your season), that would be fine. I would change the plug every few years, and don't forget the air filter.

In reality, you could change the plug, air filter, and oil at the start of each season; and it wouldn't hurt a thing.

 

[jmurray01]

Nope, it says 5 hours for run in, and then 12 hours after that.

Also, would the 10W40 4 Stroke oil I'm using just now be fine ? As I think the manual says to use 10W30...

Does it really make any difference with those B&S engines ?

 

[steved]

Wow...I feel bad now...I have an older 3.5HP B&S that probably gets the oil changed every couple years if its lucky! I probably put over 50 hours on it between changes! And I'm not sure I've ever changed the plug!

These newer engines have tighter tolerances, and some don't like 40W oils. I'd probably find a 30W oil since you only need a small quantity and only once a year.

There are two thoughts on oil that I've read...I personally run a dual-rated HD engine oil ("diesel-rated") like Rotella because they protect a little better than the current US passenger car oils. I actually run 15w40 in my 3.5HP B&S because I had it on hand, but its also probably an 1980s model. The other thinking that I have seen recently is to run a motorcycle oil because they are designed around an air-cooled and high revving engine like OPE.

In the intervals you are speaking, it probably wouldn't make any difference as the oil shouldn't even begin to stress.

 

[jmurray01]

Wow...I feel bad now...I have an older 3.5HP B&S that probably gets the oil changed every couple years if its lucky! I probably put over 50 hours on it between changes! And I'm not sure I've ever changed the plug!

These newer engines have tighter tolerances, and some don't like 40W oils. I'd probably find a 30W oil since you only need a small quantity and only once a year.

There are two thoughts on oil that I've read...I personally run a dual-rated HD engine oil ("diesel-rated") like Rotella because they protect a little better than the current US passenger car oils. I actually run 15w40 in my 3.5HP B&S because I had it on hand, but its also probably an 1980s model. The other thinking that I have seen recently is to run a motorcycle oil because they are designed around an air-cooled and high revving engine like OPE.

In the intervals you are speaking, it probably wouldn't make any difference as the oil shouldn't even begin to stress.

Ouch! Get that oil changed before you do the next mow! And at least change it every 20 hours MAX!

Luckily those B&S engines are super reliable and can cope with poor maintenance, but it doesn't mean they'll like it much...

 

[steved]

Ouch! Get that oil changed before you do the next mow! And at least change it every 20 hours MAX!

Luckily those B&S engines are super reliable and can cope with poor maintenance, but it doesn't mean they'll like it much...

I got it used without a manual, and only changed the oil once a season...it held up fine. It boils down to your choice of oil...it drained looking absolutely fine at the end of the season.

I rarely use it anymore...at one point it was used to cut our postage stamp and the wife's grandmother's place...but we moved (requiring larger equipment) and it sits, I really should sell it.

 

[jmurray01]

I'd keep it if I were you. You'd be lucky to get $20 for an 80s mower these days.

 

[KennyV]

("diesel-rated") like Rotella because they protect a little better than the current US passenger car oils.
The other thinking that I have seen recently is to run a motorcycle oil because they are designed around an air-cooled and high revving engine like OPE.

In the intervals you are speaking, it probably wouldn't make any difference as the oil shouldn't even begin to stress.

You are right his oil, any type oil, should be fine with annual changes or even longer...

My gas engines get an annual oil and air filter change ...and spark plugs every 30 years or so... :smile:KennyV

 

[jmurray01]

Strange thing with my mower though, is that no matter how hard I look (even in the manual) I cannot find the oil filter!?

Where (if it is even fitted) is it!?

 

[steved]

Most small engines (typically, under 10HP) don't have filters.