[rickwhoo]

What's the best oil to use in my CUB CADET 3X 30HD 420cc engine. Is synthetic 5w-30 the best? I'm in North East PA

 

[Dauntae]

It seems 5W-30 is the best for winter use and most engines say to use it, I use Supertech synthetic in everything including my truck. Though it gets changed a little more frequent in the truck LOL

 

[Tony P.]

What's the best oil to use in my CUB CADET 3X 30HD 420cc engine. Is synthetic 5w-30 the best? I'm in North East PA

I believe you'll find synthetic oil best for your needs and 5W-30 will be fine in Pa. Stay with a full synthetic not a blend and try to stick with a quality brand. I prefer Mobil, Pennzoil, Quaker State, or Valvoline. Buy it in a 5 quart container and you can use it in your mower, as well, as synthetic 5W30 has a broader temperature range than equivalent conventional oil.

While vehicles can go longer between oil changes, small engines (such as snow blowers) require oil changes at the same interval regardless of the oil used.

 

[rickwhoo]

I believe you'll find synthetic oil best for your needs and 5W-30 will be fine in Pa. Stay with a full synthetic not a blend and try to stick with a quality brand. I prefer Mobil, Pennzoil, Quaker State, or Valvoline. Buy it in a 5 quart container and you can use it in your mower, as well, as synthetic 5W30 has a broader temperature range than equivalent conventional oil.

While vehicles can go longer between oil changes, small engines (such as snow blowers) require oil changes at the same interval regardless of the oil used.

I use synthetic oil in all my cars so why not in the snow blower... and lawn tractor.

 

[Tony P.]

I use synthetic oil in all my cars so why not in the snow blower... and lawn tractor.

Rick, I use synthetic as well but I'll answer the question. Although there are several reasons, the primary one is cost. Comparing equivalents, Mobil synthetic ($9 / quart) can cost more than twice as much as Mobil conventional ($4 / quart) motor oil. While this isn't significant in the whole world of things, it's also difficult to justify on the basis of established benefits. (For example, someone with a 50' driveway may not get his snow blower more than warmed up by the time he's finished.) In the case of vehicles, not only is the investment much more significant but the cost can be somewhat justified by longer oil change intervals.

Having said all that, I don't disagree with you and always recommend synthetic for small engines.

 

[rickwhoo]

Rick, I use synthetic as well but I'll answer the question. Although there are several reasons, the primary one is cost. Comparing equivalents, Mobil synthetic ($9 / quart) can cost more than twice as much as Mobil conventional ($4 / quart) motor oil. While this isn't significant in the whole world of things, it's also difficult to justify on the basis of established benefits. (For example, someone with a 50' driveway may not get his snow blower more than warmed up by the time he's finished.) In the case of vehicles, not only is the investment much more significant but the cost can be somewhat justified by longer oil change intervals.

Having said all that, I don't disagree with you and always recommend synthetic for small engines.

I'm running to the store for synthetic oil for my first oil change on my Blower. It has a capacity of 37.2 oz. I have to buy 2 quarts and use just over one quart. 32oz. in one quart. Why couldn't they keep it at 32oz...

 

[RedOctobyr]

37.2 oz appears to be 1.1L, so it seems like they picked a nice even number. Just that they did it in units that no one uses

 

[Tony P.]

37.2 oz appears to be 1.1L, so it seems like they picked a nice even number. Just that they did it in units that no one uses

Great point! Only 95% of the world uses metric, but who's counting.:wink2:

 

[jrcjr]

I'm using Castrol 5w30 in my old 70s/80s Ariens ST 270.

I figure it several ways:
- Oils have changed a lot since the oil was specified for my machine. They're engineered with better anti-frothing agents at this point.
- The 5w20 that was specified for my machine was specified to cover much colder areas than Toledo, Ohio.
- Some wear has occurred in the past 30-40 years of use and a slightly heavier oil is likely within spec considering the wear.
- It starts easier now with the 5w30 than when I got it a couple years ago from my Uncle after he got it from his neighbor. (Two easy pulls maximum.)

 

[Lunta]

Just that they did it in units that no one uses

Best laugh of the day! :grin:

 

[micah68kj]

I have an oil question. Tecumseh says 5w30 SF or SJ. I have 2 cases of 5w30 SN. I've always heard that any type with a later type is fine to use is that a fact? Is it ok to use this oil? Toyota

 

[Oneacer]

In snowblowers, it is recommended to use a Full Synthetic 5W30 .... I don't believe that Toyota oil is a Full Synthetic .... I don't read that anywhere on the bottle.