What oil to buy?

[Mr Sparkle]

Honda Brushcutter requires SAE30 4 stroke oil

What brand oil would you guys recommend?

 

[Burnerman]

Air cooled engines do prefer a monograde oil as this tend to stay in viscosity better due to the variety of temperatures encountered during use - horticultural dealers can supply the genuine stuff or a similar brew from Briggs and Stratton etc or indeed any of the major oil manufacturers.
However in reality a multigrade 10/40 semi synthetic lube will be absolutely fine on these engines.....easier to get, too.
Do be aware that these splendid but tiny Honda engines only contain a cupful of oil at best, so regular changes are essential, as is keeping an eye on the oil level.
John

 

[JohnD]

Air cooled engines do prefer a monograde oil as this tend to stay in viscosity better due to the variety of temperatures encountered during use

I don't understand that.

Surely the point of a multigrade is that it attempts to reduce the changes in viscosity due to temperature change.

 

[Burnerman]

A liquid cooled engine runs at a fairly constant temperature, between 90 and 95 deg C as a rule. Air cooled engines can run much hotter - or cooler, depending on ambient temperatures and the work load.
A monograde oil is less likely to break down at these temperature variations and that's why it's recommended.
I should have phrased my reply better - multigrades will stay in viscosity better when the ambient temperature varies.
John

 

[Munroast]

I have a 30 year old Briggs and stratton (and a fairly big garden) I've been putting the cheapest sae30 in or decades,, change the oil once every year. Considering the use it has had, the cheap stuff must be ok ? (it does need topped up mid summer now, so it must be burning a little)

And another thing - I'm still on the original spark plug - so changing that one a year seems an unnecessary waste of money and land fill.
(how much are plugs ?£2.50? so that has been £75 saved)

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Air cooled engines do prefer a monograde oil as this tend to stay in viscosity better due to the variety of temperatures encountered during use - horticultural dealers can supply the genuine stuff or a similar brew from Briggs and Stratton etc or indeed any of the major oil manufacturers.
Do be aware that these splendid but tiny Honda engines only contain a cupful of oil at best, so regular changes are essential, as is keeping an eye on the oil level.
John

Honda brushcutter needed an oil change before use yesterday.

So I purchased the following
No Nonsense 4 Stroke Engine Oil

Is this decent enough or should I ditch this in favour of a better brand like Briggs and Stratton?

The machine is a brilliant bit of kit and the last I want to do is prematurely shorten its life with crappy oil (if there is such a thig).

And yes, the oil tank is tiny. I was shocked at how little it needs.

I have a 30 year old Briggs and stratton (and a fairly big garden) I've been putting the cheapest sae30 in or decades,, change the oil once every year. Considering the use it has had, the cheap stuff must be ok ? (it does need topped up mid summer now, so it must be burning a little)

And another thing - I'm still on the original spark plug - so changing that one a year seems an unnecessary waste of money and land fill.
(how much are plugs ?£2.50? so that has been £75 saved)

Thanks for the comment.

Yes I use the same spark plug for years (in lawnmower). Never had a problem. I feel that manufacturers go a bit OTT with the guidance sometimes

 

[Burnerman]

I have to say, the No Nonsense products appear to work well - although I haven't used this particular oil. However, it isn't as cheap as all that so I would go for it.
Please realise that your Honda engine has no internal oil pump or filter so it's a good move to replace the oil frequently - I don't even allow it to discolour before changing mine!
John
P.S. I also agree that plug changing is often a waste of time and money - however if a customer books a machine in for a repair / service or whatever they do expect to see a new one, just like they would as if it was their car.
Either way, I always have some in as spares.
J.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

I have to say, the No Nonsense products appear to work well - although I haven't used this particular oil. However, it isn't as cheap as all that so I would go for it.
Please realise that your Honda engine has no internal oil pump or filter so it's a good move to replace the oil frequently - I don't even allow it to discolour before changing mine!
John
P.S. I also agree that plug changing is often a waste of time and money - however if a customer books a machine in for a repair / service or whatever they do expect to see a new one, just like they would as if it was their car.
Either way, I always have some in as spares.
J.

Yeah I used the brushcutter for about 8 hours and was surprised at how discoloured the oil was

The manual says to change the oil every 6 months or 50 hrs. How often do you change yours?

Given how easy the oil change is, I will do it frequently.

Glad to hear that No Nonsense is 'good enough'.

 

[Burnerman]

With mine (Honda UMK x2) I start the season with fresh oil and change it half way through....maybe around 10 hours. I use 10/40 semi synthetic oil in all of my air cooled machines as I do use a fair bit!
John

 

[Keithmac]

Motul 300v..

 

[Mr Sparkle]

With mine (Honda UMK x2) I start the season with fresh oil and change it half way through....maybe around 10 hours. I use 10/40 semi synthetic oil in all of my air cooled machines as I do use a fair bit!
John

I have Honda UMK 425

Do we have the same model?

Thanks for the tip