Lawn Mower Oil Tips

Oil serves two purposes: it lubricates the engine and it works as a coolant for the engine. It lubricates by separating the moving metal components of the engine. As the oil deteriorates it loses it ability to perform this function and can cause damage to the engine if it ever gets to metal on metal. Lawn mower oil acts as a coolant by transferring the internal engine heat to the cylinder block and then to the outside air. It is important to prevent damage to the engine because blow by can occur in which oil is shot into the combustion chamber which can cause increased hydrocarbon emissions.

Make sure to use a high quality detergent oil that is classified as for service SF, SD, SE, SC or better. Other factors depend on the temperature you will be operating in. If you normally operate above 40 degrees then you should use a 30W. 10W-30 is acceptable but most engines use it more rapidly so keep a close eye. Do not use 10W-40 because it can cause most engines to fail rather quickly. Make sure to check your mowers operating manual to see if they recommend a special grade of oil, but most likely you will be o.k. with what we recommend.