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

Hi folks,

This forum is a great resource; thanks for all the useful information.

My question concerns the type of oil I should use in my Toro 1028LXE snowblower. The manual says to use straight 30W when the air temp is 32 degrees F, 5W30 or 10W when the temp is 0 to 32 degrees F, and 0W30 synthetic when the temp is below 0 F. From past experience, I'll be using the snowblower in all three of those temp ranges. Changing the oil as the weather conditions change seems like overkill. Is it best to go up the middle and use 5W30 or 10W? Which type of oil offers the most protection over the widest range of temperatures? The snowblower is stored in an unheated barn.

Thanks,
Mike

IM,

If you have changed your oil at least once since new, then go Syn oil, higher flash point  stays thinner when cold, and better lube when first starting you engine.

Change oil in spring when blowing season is over, there is a lot of acids in the oil after using your blower.!!

Do not let the Acid filled oil sit in your engine all summer, I repeat Change after  season is over!!

I have been using Syn 5 /10 W all the winters in my blowers since 1990  ! !

Has worked great for me.

                                                     Fred

I agree with Jubol.  Run mineral oil for the first season then switch to synthetic.    

jubol wrote:

Hi fred how long do you keep you syntetic oil in the engine? 1, 2, 3 years?

Thanks

I keep it in for one season, one year!

Change after snow blowing is over, then do it again after the next snow blow season is over.

                                                                                 Fred