Small engine oil?

[o---o]

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Disclaimer: I know very little about oil and I'm trying to learn from the members here what they use. Most of you know much more about engines than I do. I'm just trying to keep my old Cub healthy along with my other equipment.

I've always bought Kohler SAE 30 oil by the quart for my M18 engine and now use it in my Briggs on the zero turn. I also have a small Briggs motor on a pressure washer. I'd like to have just 1 oil for all of them, but will buy different oils if it's better that way.

Do I need to use oil specified for "small engines"? Should I stick with the Kohler oil? Should I quit using Kohler oil? Or is it ok to use Rotella SAE 30 diesel oil?


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[jimbob200521]

This thread will not end well

That being said, I will state my opinion and then fade into the background to enjoy the show.

First off, THE SINGLE most important thing about these small engines and the oil you use is that you keep it full, and change it regularly. That is more important beyond weight and type (within reason).

That being said, most people out there run straight 30w (Shell Rotella and Penzoil are a couple popular choices). If your tractor sits out in the elements during the winter you can switch to a multiweight conventional oil (10w-30 is a good place to start) but it is not absolutely necessary. I would, however, not recommend running multiweight during the spring/summer months. Multiweight has more additives in it to allow it to be multiweight and it tends to "break down" faster. As far as synthetic vs conventional, I will always run conventional oil; it's my personal preference and what has worked for me. Some will recommend conventional, some will recommend synthetic but in the end, it is your choice. ONE WILL NOT MAKE YOUR ENGINE LAST NOTICEABLY LONGER THAN THE OTHER. There isn't enough (or possibly any, for that matter) lubrication difference nor temp difference between the two to really affect engine longevity on these older and air cooled engines.

So in the end, keep it fresh and keep it topped off and the rest will take care of itself.

That's all I've got to say so now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to enjoy this here popcorn and see what happens next

[o---o]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

This thread will not end well

Much like religion and political threads lol. I'm hoping people here are mature enough to keep this civil.

When you say Rotella, is it the diesel oil or is there a gas version I should look for?

I change my oil often, too, and use conventional.


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[jimbob200521]

Originally Posted by o---o

Much like religion and political threads lol. I'm hoping people here are mature enough to keep this civil.

When you say Rotella, is it the diesel oil or is there a gas version I should look for?

I change my oil often, too, and use conventional.


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You've lured me back in

The Shell Rotella I speak of is "Diesel" engine oil. I snag it from Wallyworld for something like $13 or $14 a gallon.

[Shrewcub]

Get the diesel or small engine oil. On road gasoline oil has less zinc and other anti-wear additives so they are safe for use with catalytic converters.

[olds45512]

I run valvoline conventional in everything and I've never had an issue.

[o---o]

Originally Posted by jimbob200521

You've lured me back in

The Shell Rotella I speak of is "Diesel" engine oil. I snag it from Wallyworld for something like $13 or $14 a gallon.

Price is why I inquired about the Rotella since it's half the money of the Kohler oil.

Originally Posted by Shrewcub

Get the diesel or small engine oil. On road gasoline oil has less zinc and other anti-wear additives so they are safe for use with catalytic converters.

I used the Rotella diesel oil in my '78 F150 because it's better for the flat tappet cam

Originally Posted by olds45512

I run valvoline conventional in everything and I've never had an issue.

Same here, it's kept my stuff going so far


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[Sam Mac]

This is what Lew P claims he uses, says he runs it for a while then drains it and pours it on his salad.

[OldSkull]

For my personal use in my diesel and gas engine I use Delvac Elite but a friend of mine who is a engineer but far from been a beans counter one try many test on his very modified CRD engine like mine (Centrifuge oil filter)

He use Rotella T6, Mobil 1 and many brand syth oil, the one who get the best result was the Amsoil with Zinc I can't find that oil yet otherwise I run all my equipment with it.

This one in the CRD...http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=AROQT-EA

This one for lawn mower?? (Not tested yet) http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...tic-motor-oil/

The secret name additive is "Zinc" the one your wonderful EPA green pot smoker ban ...

[Steve149]

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

This is what Lew P claims he uses, says he runs it for a while then drains it and pours it on his salad.

That is too funny Sam...