Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Oil type for snowblower

Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

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wojpa

Joined: Sep 8, 2005
Points: 1

Oil type for snowblower
Original Message Sep 8, 2005 11:11 am

hello
It is first time here.

I have snowblower 1986 MTD / tecumseh 5hp snowblower 5-20 .

I read in Manual regards the oil SAE 30 that needs to meet SC , SD, SE, & SF specification.

I went to local CDN-tire to check for right oil and I couldn't find right one.. all are either Ow40 or 20w50 or 10w30 for 4 cycle motor lawnmower..
I have found oW40 for 4 stroke engine but I am totally confuse which one to put..
in Manual states not put 10w40
Is 4 cycle the same as 4 stroke motor ?
Can I use sythentic automotive oil ?
Thanks

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MountainMan

Overpowered is Usually Adequate

Location: Connecticut
Joined: Feb 19, 2003
Points: 1564

Re: Oil type for snowblower
Reply #1 Sep 8, 2005 3:25 pm

You shouldnt use straight 30st oil in a snowblower, it is like Jello at zero degrees. Most snowblower engines run 5w30 or 10w30 for winter use.

You can use any High Quality ( Pennzoil, Mobile, Castroll) as long as its the right weight.

My Tecumseh powered ariens and Sears machines all sport 5w30 for winter use.

Ariens 1128PRO- Honda Generator_ Husky 480-257 Jonsered 2050Turbo- Shindiawa T2500 SCAG Mower -little wonder blower-Sears track blower-Coleman Generator- Bombadier ATV-Stihl HS-45 Etc-Etc-Etc

RalphS

There's a reason for more than one snowblower.
Because.
1974 Ariens 824 SnoThro
197? Ariens ST270 SnoThro
1988 Ariens ST824 SnoThro
196? REO Snowblower
1960 Ariens SnoThro
1964 Ariens SnoThro

Location: MA
Joined: Dec 21, 2004
Points: 70

Re: Oil type for snowblower
Reply #2 Sep 9, 2005 7:51 am

The manual for my 1974 Tec SnowKing (8HP) says to use straight 30 weight above 40 degrees F, 5W20 below 40.

The manual for my 1988 Tec SnowKing (8HP) says to use straight 30 weight above 32 degrees F, 5W20 or 5W30 below 32 F. It also says you can use straight 10 weight below 32F. Below 0 degrees F ONLY: 10 weight diluted with 10% kerosene or 0W30. This manual specifically states to NOT use 10W40.

FYI- These manuals are from my Ariens SnoThro- which can also be used with other attachments for cutting grass, that's why there is information for operation above freezing.

I have been using 5W30 in both for years (Winter only). You should be able to find 5W30 just about anywhere- I get mine at WalMart. Any 5W30 will do.

Some on this and othe boards use synthetic, but I never have. Shouldn't hurt anything except your wallet just a little more.

Good Luck

Ralph

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