Small engine oil vs regular oil

[thatguy]

I just bought another EU2000 Honda generator to have around after our power went off this weekend..

I have been using regular Amsoil 10w30 (ASL model) oil in my small engines (generator and push mower)..

What is the difference between a 10w30/30 'small engine' oil and a regular 10w30?

Looking on the amsoil website the regular 10w30 has a higher TBN rating than the 'small engine' 10w30/30


just curious

Brian

 

[brokenknee]

I just bought another EU2000 Honda generator to have around after our power went off this weekend..

I have been using regular Amsoil 10w30 (ASL model) oil in my small engines (generator and push mower)..

What is the difference between a 10w30/30 'small engine' oil and a regular 10w30?

Looking on the amsoil website the regular 10w30 has a higher TBN rating than the 'small engine' 10w30/30 just curious

Brian

I wasn't aware that TractorByNet rated oil.

 

[thatguy]

I wasn't aware that TractorByNet rated oil.

you are new with only 326 posts... TBN rates EVERYTHING, along with over analysis of the same things


Brian

 

[thatguy]

Let me add - that i shoot for oil changes on the generator between 25 and 50 hrs of use (or annually).. I think honda says 100 hrs after the first initial oil change, but when I need the generator it runs pretty hard

Brian

 

[boomer1025]

Pull up the data sheets on both oils an compare the numbers. The small engine oil has like you said 8 TBN. The automotive 10w30 has 12 TBN. The small engine oil is wet clutch compatible. Look at the volatility between the 2 oils.

 

[DEWFPO]

The small engine oil has different additives. It typically runs in air cooled engines which have larger operating tolerances and no oil filters as compared to the automotive rated 10W30 that lives typically in liquid cooled engines (with tighter tolerances) and oil filters.

DEWFPO

 

[thatguy]

Pull up the data sheets on both oils an compare the numbers. The small engine oil has like you said 8 TBN. The automotive 10w30 has 12 TBN. The small engine oil is wet clutch compatible. Look at the volatility between the 2 oils.

I am not an oil geek, so i have no idea how to compare the two except fot the tbn - which means the higher the longer it lasts in my understanding

Do most ppl run small engine oil in their small engines, air cooled.

Thx

B

 

[Mud Mechanik]

Small engine oil has a detergent that "congeals" suspended particles and makes them settle in the bottom of the crankcase and can be removed when drained. Automotive oil does not need it due to being filtered, I have used regular 10w-40 in my mowers for a long time with no ill effects, but once I learned what the detergents do I started using small engine oil. The TBN number is total base number, the higher the number the higher the alkalinity reserve which equates to longer oil life by suspending particles so they may be caught by the filter.

 

[thatguy]

thanks Mud Mechanik - that is a great explanation of the the difference..

Fedex just delivered my new generator and this post has educated me, but Honda recommends a 10w30 'automotive type' oil...

So I reckon I will use a dino oil for the break-in and then switch over to the amsoil

Brian

 

[DEWFPO]

The generator probably came with it's own oil (that you must obviously add to the crankcase), and it will be dino oil. My new generator suggested it be dumped after the first 5 hours then the new oil can go 100 hrs unless used under high heat/severe conditions (then it's 50 hrs.). Mine is air cooled with no oil filter and specs automotive 10W30 (dino or synthetic). It's a 15 HP unit.

DEWFPO