Hi,
I know all the B&S and Tecumseh manuals state to use SAE
30 weight oil, and that is what I always have used, until
my last oil changes, on my 3.5 hp Tecumseh mower and 3.5
hp Tecumseh pressure washer.
Since they only take a pint each, and I only usually
change their oil once a year, this time around I put in a
synthetic blend 20w50 CF/SJ rated oil.
My thinking here is that even for my air cooled Harley,
they recommend CF/CH 20w50 (diesel oil spec). They only
recommend straight weight oil if the ambient temperature
does not drop below 75 degrees.
Unless I am missing something, I believe that engine oil
has progressed a long way since running straight 30, and
that even these little flat heads could benefit from a
multi-viscosity synthetic blend.
The 20w50 borders the 30 wt spec nicely (a little thinner
for easier starting and better lubrication when cold, and
a little more protection when hot).
Maybe a 20w40 would be a closer match, but the question I
am asking is, I suppose, is why have the small flat head
engines retained an oil spec that, for all other internal
combustion engines, was abandoned years ago? Maybe they
believe it is still "adequate," but would these small
engines not benefit from using more modern oils?
Is there some reason to avoid the newer, more modern oils
in these little flatheads. I am just curious as to why
they retain this spec.
thanks,
doug
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