I've used Castrol GTX conventional oil in my 4-stroke mowing equipment for as long as I can remember. Mostly because SAE 30 was recommended by the mower shop and GTX was the only type locally and regularly available in 30.

Well, it's no longer available locally (doesn't even show on the Castol site on the GTX page) and no one plans to carry anything in straight 30. I just used my last 3 quarts of my stock and I'm looking for suggestions.

Mowing is how I feed the family so I've got to keep these machines running.

Thanks for any advice.

If I understand correctly, you can no longer find 30W by any maker? I can't imagine 10W30 harming anything.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
If I understand correctly, you can no longer find 30W by any maker? I can't imagine 10W30 harming anything.

The only reason I used Castrol is because it was available in 30. Since I have to switch to a winter weight oil I'm asking for brand and type suggestions.

I imagine anything will work.

I just Googled SAE30 and came up with 8 different brands at average under $5 a quart. I know there is plenty oil in Pennsyltucky. Chris

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Anchor:
I just Googled SAE30 and came up with 8 different brands at average under $5 a quart. I know there is plenty oil in Pennsyltucky. Chris

Local shops aren't carrying it. Not Walmart, not AutoZone, not Advance auto, not NAPA, not O'Reilly. Sure, I can buy a jug of shitty, off-brand in SAE30 at a farm store but I'm trying to keep these machines going.

If there's a Walmart nearby, can you order online with free ship-to-store? Just read the fine print that whatever product you order is "Sold and Shipped By Walmart", not some third party vendor using Walmart's website.

As to brands, I can't recommend any one in particular, but always read that most conventional oils were similar, regardless of brand, except for additives for extended life, detergents, etc.

I'll shop their online store and look around.

Does anyone think switching to synthetic has any advantage to a mower that requires oil changes at 100 hours? That's usually around one month. I run Wix/NAPA gold filters that I change at every oil change. Oil filters are suggested to change every 200 hours but I just do it at 100.

Got a Tractor Supply, Farm and Fleet type store nearby? They'll carry Rotella T-1 in 30 weight.

Shell Rotella straight 30w. O Reilly's usually keeps it in the back. Gallon jugs.

I use the 40w in my boat.

In going to pass on the Rotella.

Shell Rotella lubricants are a commonly used brand in aircraft applications....If we're talking about Commercial Lawn Equipment, I'd say Rotella is good to go!

If you want to say with a single weight mineral oil, the Shell T1 would be a good choice. The Rotella oils have a high level of ZDDP (zinc and phosphorus), which adds surface wear protection. Having said that, I run synthetics in all of my small engines. The amount of oil is relatively small, so cost isn't such an issue. There's no reason to run conventional straight weight now.

There are several available on Amazon B&S, Penzoil, Royal Purple) and with Prime shipping is free. You could also use Amsoil but it might be cost prohibitive.

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
In going to pass on the Rotella.

Got a 97 ford f250 powerstroke with a little over 270k miles on it using Rotella. No engine problems ever. Rotella is good schidt.

There's no problem using a 10W-30 in place of the SAE 30. 10W-30 is more fluid at cold starts, but when the oil gets to operating temperature they're the same. Small engines run hotter and operate under a constant load compared to vehicle engines, and changing to a synthetic oil will be a benefit.

I would look at the AMSOIL Small Engine Oil 10W-30. It is specifically formulated for small engines protecting the engine against wear and oil consumption. We have programs available that can save you up to 25% off. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
If there's a Walmart nearby, can you order online with free ship-to-store? Just read the fine print that whatever product you order is "Sold and Shipped By Walmart", not some third party vendor using Walmart's website.

^^ THIS ^^

If I were the OP, here is what I’d do:

order walmart 2 day store pickup for Castrol heavy duty SAE 30.

last oil change of the year, Castrol EDGE 10W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. It’ll start better in fall weather.

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Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.

0w30, 5w30, 10w30, etc. Anything Xw30 is fine.
I'd go synthetic. I use mobil1 10w30 in my mower.

Motor oil isn't really that complicated. The difference in performance between uber-expensive oil & 'meets spec' oil is too small to measure. Marketing hype has overcome that to the tune of glorious profits.

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:

quote:

Originally posted by mark123:
In going to pass on the Rotella.

Got a 97 ford f250 powerstroke with a little over 270k miles on it using Rotella. No engine problems ever. Rotella is good schidt.

I use Rotella synthetic in all of my equipment. It is well known to be good oil. A lot of people even use it in their motorcycles instead of expensive motorcycle specific oils.

You’ll be fine substituting 10w-30 for SAE 30. The only difference is that the engine may consume a little. Just make sure and check the engine oil regularly.

https://www.briggsandstratton....pe-and-capacity.html

^^^^plus one for Power Surge^^^ Your local Napa will get it and maybe stock it if you requested it.....I think 0w-30w is straight 30w, check your manual or call manufacturer for alternative wieght....