Lawnmower Lubricity?

[Debs.]

It`s half way through the mowing season and I have a couple of 4 stroke petrol-engine powered garden machines which are now due for some fresh engine oil: a Honda GX 25 brushcutter and a Briggs & Stratton 'DOV' (lever operated valve, 'hemi' head)...both of which are specified to use SAE 10-30 'detergent' lubricating oil.

I have a few litres of Mobil 5-30 fully-synthetic oil, bought a while ago for use in a Ford Mondeo (which I now, no-longer own): so, being a keen "tight-wad" and not wanting the Mobil oil to go to waste, but not knowing much about the differences in modern oils, might I ask if anyone here knows if the Mobil fully-synthetic oil would be classified as 'detergent' and suitable for use in air-cooled engines?

There`s so little oil volume in these engines and I don`t want to ruin them by being a cheapskate (by using what`s to hand) but I`m diligent about servicing them myself and have previously used 'ordinary' mineral 10-30.....`just thought I`d better check before getting the filler-funnel out.

 

[tigler]

That will be fine Debs. They specify detergent in case anyone is tempted to use straight oils without additives. All modern motor oils are detergent to some extent or other, in fact the vast majority are detergent enough to be used in Diesels ! The exception being extreme duty truck or plant diesels which need a specific oil. The Mobil is overkill but it will do the job.

 

[Debs.]

Thankyou Tigs.

It`s a rainy afternoon here, so it`s perfect for working in the barn, servicing Deb`s lawn fleet.

.....now I know what to put in the engine; what`s going in Deb`s cup-2-go?

 

[tigler]

Sounds like a great ambience, tinkering away in the barn, nice cuppa and the rain pattering outside ! Wish I had a barn or workshop to enjoy the same experience.

 

[shenion]

It will work but you may see vertical shaft engines smoke when firsts started. Synthetic has a high capillary action and will get past the piston rings when they sit.

Just keep an eye on the level, you will likely need to add oil more often.

 

[tigler]

Thats more to do with the oil settling out of the ring pack into the bore on a horizontal engine than a property of the oil. Porsches have the same habit regardless of the type of oil used.