Redline

 

amzoil 10 degrees cooler.
10 years no problems

 

Here we go again...get the popcorn!

Started with stock Dino...went to Syn3...I pretended that there was a difference.

Switched to Amzoil 20-50 Synth, and there IS a big difference, even in finding neutral. I'm sticking with Amzoil.

Do a search on this site, and besides 1,000 different opinions, there is even a published poll with numbers.

 

SynSynSynSynSynSyn

 

What is one big critical point of the oil you use is its flashpoint. Partial synthetics like Syn3 are better than pure dino oil, and either are better than no oil, but the oils with the highest flashpoints are the pure synthetics.

"Flashpoint is the temp at which the lightest ingredient will vaporize enough to burn, and is a damn good indicator of the peak temp limit of the oil.

Here are some representative temps at a steady speed of 65 mph in 90 degree still air-

cyl head 275 d
cyl base 230 d
cam cover 210 d
primary 190 d
eng oil 'feed' 190 d

At 75 mph these temps will be about 10 degrees higher./ At 95 mph, well results will vary, but the point is higher velocities result in higher temps. Logical enough ehn you think about it for a minute, but theres another extreme too, the one you might not have thought of so much and the one that makes this bell curve so interesting.
At the end of each test come to a stop, then watch the cyl head temp shoot up to around 325 (or more) as the motor idles. Often it will continue to rise, even to temps you will never see while moving-at any speed! An extended period of idling (10 minutes) could easily produce a measured 375 d in the heads, and 400 d at the spark plug-or more! And don't be surprised if those temps stay over 300 d up to around 40 mph, only gradually dropping as speeds increase.

A few 'cool' facts-

Air cooled motors run hotter than water cooled, 1.5 to 3 times as high.

The 'flashpoint' of oil is the point at which it begins to vaporize (burn).

The higher the 'flashpoint' the better the oil will hold up in high temp environments.

Pure synthetics basestocks have a much higher flashpoint than dino oils.

Syns are made up of particles of uniform size, thus they have less 'internal friction' than dino oils.

This uniform size lowers the temp of the oil, improves cooling qualities and reduces overall engine temps.

Syn oils have smaller particles which all flow freely through the center of the oil galleries within your engine.

Larger, more irregular particles in dino oils will be pushed to the outside of the oil stream-next to engine components-remain there and do not distribute heat from engine components back to the oil.

Heat carried away lowers engine temps by as much as 20-50 d's significantly extending the life of engine components while putting less stress on the oil, extending its useful life as well.


Most major brand dino 20-50 oils have a flashpoint of 425-450 d but with some breakdown and oxidation occurring at lower temps a few manufacturers quote a max continuous service temp as being 275-325 d.
Syn3's rating is 300 d.

Amsoil- 449 d
Havoline Formula 3- 465 d
Pennzoil GT Performance- 460 d
Castrol GPS 20-50- 414 d
Mobil1 VTwin 20-50- 518 d
Redline 20-60- 490 d
Bardahl American Classic- 20-50- 500 d

just to name some...."


so you decide

 

I have searched other threads and found nothing. So what oil you guys using in your lawn mowers?

 

Sounds like that enquiry is going off topic! I would start a new thread if I were you....

 

My used syn engine oil!

Is that OK to use syn oil in the mower, it's after the break-in period?

 

I personally like Royal Purple synthetic. I have seen huge differences when using it in my vehicles. Especially in the transmissions and differentials. Day and night improvement. Now they make a bike oil.

However, the oil you use is up to you. The only point that I believe is important is that some brand of synthetic oil be used. The lower friction, better flow when cold and most importantly in a bike, the ability withstand heat and still retain proper viscosity are all very important points to consider.

.

 

Its a no brainer.