Can a Four-Stroke Lawn Mower Use Automotive Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Can a Four-Stroke Lawn Mower Use Automotive Engine Oil? Detailed introduction to engine oil: Engine oil specifications: Specifications include grading and viscosity. The oil specification usually indicates viscosity and quality, with lubricant viscosity often identified using SAE grade standards. Functions of engine oil: The functions of engine oil include lubricating pistons and cylinders, aiding in cooling and temperature reduction, sealing to prevent leaks, and preventing excessive wear of parts by establishing an oil film between two sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby achieving the goal of reducing wear. When the engine is running, the oil can carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, assisting the radiator in cooling the engine. However, the actual cooling effect is provided by the water outside the engine casing. Engine oil can form a sealing ring between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing the entry of external contaminants. Precautions: When adding engine oil, the amount should be slightly below the standard mark. Excessive oil can increase the rotational resistance of the crankshaft, reduce the engine's output power, and cause the excess oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning, blue smoke emission, and increased fuel consumption.
I've used various engine oils, including for lawn mowers, and I can say that theoretically, four-stroke lawn mowers can use car oil in an emergency, but it's not recommended for long-term use. Car oil is designed for automobiles, with different viscosity and additives, such as more detergents. Small engines in lawn mowers operate at high temperatures, and insufficient oil film protection can easily lead to overheating or wear. After trying it once, I noticed increased engine noise and higher fuel consumption. Later, using specialized lawn mower oil like SAE 30, it was noticeably smoother and more durable. The key is to follow the user manual's recommended oil type and not cut corners for convenience. Seasonal changes should also be considered—using thicker oil in hot weather and thinner oil in winter. Regular oil changes can significantly extend the machine's lifespan, and these details are quite important.
