Tweet
Hey guys, just a simple question. I haven't got a manual for my max yet and I'd like to change the oil. On the 18hp vanguard what is the recommended summer viscosity? I figure it's either 30wt or 10w30. Thanks!
-
Joe
2000 MaxIV
1969 F-250 Crew Cab 4x4
2000 Jeep Cherokee
"If some is good and more is better then too much is just enough." -
Same motor as my lawnmower. I don't know where my manual went, but 10w 40 would be better for summer heat. I would even consider 20w50 if you are using it hard. I like using synthetic oil in air cooled motors, they run hotter and the synthetic can hold up better. No need to buy the expensive briggs filter either. If you have the space a ford filter will fit, FL400 I believe is the #. -
Everybody seems to have their preference with no problems. I think briggs recommends straight weight, and that's good because conventional multiweight oil like 10-40 uses polymers or something which allows viscosity to change with temperature. The polymers break down, esp the broader the weight range 10-40 more than 20-30. So I don't like to run dino 10-40 a long time between changes. I went to synthetic anyway, and buy walmart syn for $17, 5 qt jug. Used to buy Castrol syn until oil prices went up. A walmart filter 4967 will work but it's a small filter. I like Purolator pure one filters, also I use a bosch 3330 'cause autozone is right down the street. I don't use the cheaper fram filters, they are made of cardboard.
The EPA lowered the level of anti friction additives like zinc, etc, allowed in oil because it messes up cat converters in cars that burn oil. Racing oils are exempt, so is diesel oil like shell rotella. These additives are esp important to flat tappet cam followers during break in.To Invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. (Thomas Edison)Comment
-
Just went out and looked at my engine. There is a sticker on it that says Summer 30 wt or 10w30 wt, winter 5w30 wt or 10w 30 wt.
I have heard that multi viscosity oils break down faster, so changing oil more often is probably a good thing. As far as the cost, I think it only takes like 1.5 qt of oil. $4 a qt, plus $4 a filter= $10, new motor $1700.....seems like a no brainer to me.Comment
-
Thanks for the input guys. I really like the Rotella 15w40 for my truck, so I'll probably do either that or straight 30. I've got some of both downstairs; I'll probably just use what I have more of. Thank again!Joe
2000 MaxIV
1969 F-250 Crew Cab 4x4
2000 Jeep Cherokee
"If some is good and more is better then too much is just enough."Comment
-
smart man rotella all the way in ever thing i have excpt the 2 strokes . love it .. robbieOriginally posted by fomocoguy View Post1999 max 2 18 b&s 22 tires custom . new max iv 23 k 26 i/n tires brown . ht cable promark winch . new toy 1972 attex st400 400ccjlo and she will be bad . ( the frog )
if it don't float with out you getting wet . don't bring it ! 
R.I.P sage rogers 4 11 09 . you can't fix stuped !!!!! raceone 3 .)Comment
Comment