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What Types of Oil Are Used in Lawn Mower Engines?

blue and white lawn mower cutting grass

Multiple different types of oil can be used in lawn mower engines, including conventional and synthetic oils. Generally, for a 4-engine lawn mower, you can use motor oil designed for smaller engines. Grades differentiate the types of oil, based on viscosity. The grades for oil can be single-grade or multi-grade. Below are the different types of oil that can be used in lawn mower engines. 

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is made from mineral-based products – crude oil pumped from an oil well. This oil is more affordable than synthetic oil, as it does not use any additives. It is also more available than synthetic oil as it’s a natural resource. It is best to use conventional oil if your lawn mower is an older model because it might not be made to hold synthetic oil. The types of conventional oil used in lawnmowers are:  

SAE 30

SAE 30 oil is a 30-weight oil, best used in warmer temperatures. This oil is single-grade and has no additives included. It does not work as well in cold temperatures, so you should be using this oil if the temperature is above 40° Fahrenheit. It is most commonly used for small lawn mower engines but can power other lawn equipment like snowblowers, generators, and pressure washers. 

SAE 10W-30

SAE 10W-30 is a multi-grade oil that has different viscosities depending on the temperature. This oil works in multiple temperatures, having a viscosity level of 10 when cold and 30 when hot, hence the name. While this oil can work in colder temperatures, the cold may increase the amount of oil the engine uses. Alternatively, if you use this oil when the temperatures exceed 80° Fahrenheit, you will need to replace the oil more frequently. 

SAE 5W-30

black standing lawn mower with grass bag cutting grass

SAE 5W-30 is an all-purpose oil that is best to work with in very cold temperatures. It also has different viscosities, with 5 being the viscosity at low temperatures and 30 being the viscosity when it is warmed up. This oil protects the engine during all climates without consuming great amounts of oil when you start the engine. It is best used when temperatures drop below 40° Fahrenheit, as it should be used when the temperature is consistently between -20° and 30°. 

Using a Lawn Mower During the Winter

While you may not have to mow your lawn during the cold winter months, it is best to have an oil that can withstand the temperatures so it doesn’t go stale and damage the carburetors or engine. If you want to ensure your engine is protected during the winter, your best option is to empty the tank and refill it once the weather warms up. 

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is created in a lab. It uses conventional oil as a base and then uses petrochemicals to add more refinement to the oil. This type of oil is more expensive than conventional oil but is more environmentally friendly. It works against all temperatures. It uses verified additives to protect the lawn mower during extreme temperatures, breaks down the oil slower, and makes sludge build up slower. 

Synthetic SAE 5W-30

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil is similar to conventional SAE 5W-30 oil as it has the same viscosity, but they are different in composition. The oil is made through chemical synthesis, an artificial process of creating chemical reactions to make products. This synthetic oil provides the best protection against all temperatures, especially extreme cold. Synthetic SAE 5W-30 oil also uses less oil when starting the engine, which improves cold-weather starting. 

Blended Synthetic Oil

Blended synthetic oil utilizes more conventional oil in the base, then has some verified additives in it to improve performance in colder temperatures. This oil is also more resistant to oxidation, improving the lifespan of the oil. It has a good middle-of-the-road price, being more expensive than conventional oil but cheaper than fully synthetic oil. Blended oil offers the benefits of synthetic oil while still being primarily conventional oil.

What To Avoid When Choosing an Oil

  1. Avoid using oils labeled with “special additives”. Briggs & Stratton recommends that you use an oil that is classified as “For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ, and so on”. The higher the service rating, the better. 
  2. Don’t forget to check the oil level in the engine each time you use your lawn mower. If the oil level is too low, moving parts of the engine won’t be as lubricated and can get damaged in use.
  3. Don’t forget to change the oil. If you use a standing mower, change the oil either once a season or after 50 hours of use. If you use a riding mower, change the oil after 100 hours of use.
  4. Using synthetic oil does not mean you can skip out on regular lawn mower maintenance. You still need to ensure it is in proper working condition consistently.  
  5. Don’t use car oil for your lawn mower. This oil is too thick and can clog up the motors. 

Choose Repower Pros For Engine Replacement Parts

All of these types of oil will work for your lawn mower engine, but the one you choose to use will depend on the climate you live in. Repower Pros has all your lawn mower engine replacement parts needs. We offer the best prices on quality OEM and after-market parts. We make adding oil easy with our oil seals and gear oil pumps to help make your lawn mower engine work smoothly. If you have any questions, contact us via our contact form or call us at (717)455-3586.