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

Is it okay without any predicted problems to use sae5w20 motor oil instead of sae5w30 marine oil for this model snowblower. It,s a hs928 honda model

5w20 is a little light for snow blowers. All the 4 stroke blowers I have seen in the last 20 years suggest 5w 30. As far as the marine grade they usually have rust inhibitors because of the environment (humid) marine engines run in which is not unlike a snow blower. It brings up an interesting point especially in consideration of the high alcohol content of the fuel we are now getting which absorbs moisture like a sponge. I believe the 5w30 is pretty much what you want to use. Marc

The manual for my Honda 928 specifies 5W30 oil, SJ grade or better.  No mention of marine grade.  Been blowing snow here for 30 years and never used anything else and never had a problem with it. 

The alcohol would absorb water into the fuel. But you really shouldn't have fuel in your oil in the first place. Even if you did, I presume the high heat while running would help to evaporate the water (and the alcohol) fairly quickly?

I'm not saying that oil meant for damp environments is a bad idea or anything. Just that hopefully the situation here isn't quite as bad as on a boat.