In A Fog Over API Oil Classifications

PineRidge · Jul 31, 2004

Since I'm in a total fog over oil classifications I can really use some help here with a question that I have regarding the differences in oils. This is a slippery subject to me. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I have a new Briggs & Stratton 8 HP engine. The manufacturer calls for the use of non-synthetic, multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 10W-30, etc) in temperatures above 40 degrees F. They also go on to say synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API certification mark and API service symbol with SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING or higher, is an acceptable oil at all temperatures.

That being said I would like to run the same oil as I do in my New Holland TC-40D tractor which is Rotella synthetic 5W/40 API service CH4/SL.

Is the Rotella synthetic oil equal to or better than what the Briggs folks recommend for this engine? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

dass · Jul 31, 2004

If your Briggs has a pressurized oil system with a filter, I'd use the 5 or 10-30w oils. Better flow.

GerardC · Jul 31, 2004

I use a straight 30 weight. G

PineRidge · Jul 31, 2004

Dass I don't think it's a pressurized engine and it has no filter but how could the flow on any 5 or 10-30w oil be any better than any synthetic would be? I thought that the benefit of a synthetic is that it had better flow characteristics at low as well as high temperatures. Am I wrong here?

Noland · Jul 31, 2004

It should be fine. The manufaturer recommends an SJ/CF or higher and CH4/SL is higher.

My tractor says to use CC or CD or higher. Both of those designations have been out of production for years!
I use the syn Rotella in almost everything that I own.

Here is link that shows that it is approved for both SJ and CF.
http://www.shell-lubricants.com/products/pdf/RotellaTSynthetic.pdf

KiotiJohn · Jul 31, 2004

If it says to not use synthetic oils it may be that the internal components won't stand up under synthethic. I've had no experience, but have read that some engines will be ruined if you use the synthetics. John

dass · Jul 31, 2004

Unless it had a lot of hours on it , I would use the viscosity that the manual calls for in your climate , synthetic or dyno. Having said that.....I know that Rotella 5-40 is used in a lot of engines of all types. I guess it's just a personal thing, going by the book.

jayhawkRoy · Aug 6, 2004

I would recheck your owner's manual. If it didn't specifically mention the use of 40 wt oil, then I would not do it. As to API classification you're OK, (SL is newer classification than SJ). As for 10W30 or 5W30 versus 5W40, I would check and see if the owner's manual allows for using the heavier 40 wt oil. As I understand it, most small engines are made to run on 30W oil, either single weight or multi-vis (as specified in the owner's manual). Unless the engine is well worn, the 40 wt oil will not flow as much and may not lubricate protect as much. I can't think of any Briggs, Kawasaki or Kohler lawn mower type small engine I own that called for 40 wt oil. I'm not expert, but I follow owner's manual recommendations for oil weights in all of my engines and do not deviate -- my view of the oil world, anyway.

GerardC · Aug 7, 2004

The attachment is from my B&S 16.5 single OHV lawn tractor owners manual. Hope it helps. G

k8ny · Sep 7, 2004

Here's a quote from the Rotella website:
re: Rotella Syn 5w-40
"Applications • Recommended for new and older diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles, including personal vehicles and commercial vehicles such as on-road, off-the-road, truck rental, pickups, delivery, utility, and school bus fleets. • Meets or exceeds the diesel engine requirements of API CI-4, , Cummins CES 20078, Detroit Diesel, John Deere, Dodge, Ford, GM, International, Mack EO-N Premium Plus 03, Volvo and others. For gasoline engines, it exceeds API SL."