Darrell41653

Husqvarna YTH 21K46.

The manual calls for API SG-SL.
I like Pennzoil, but it looks like there is a new classification system. Now labeled as
API SN. I havent had the time to research this new classification type. Anyone running Pennzoil 10W30? If not what do you run?

wjjones

SAE HD 30 weight.. Castrol.. I will need to do some research on this new classification system as well..

jhngardner367

The SN designation is the synthetic oil that can be used.Since so many people are switching to synthetics,the engine manufacturers have to keep up,so they don't have to replace engines.Most just use SAE30,or SAE30 HD(high detergent).It's not recommended to use HD in an older machine,as it removes the carbon seal around the piston tops,and may cause smoking,quicker wear.

__________________
" I'm busier than a one-legged cat in a sandbox!"

God gives only that which we can handle......."WHAT'S He drivin' that DUMPTRUCK for!!"

"I can't fix what ain't broke...you want I should break it?"

dangeroustoys56

Having a collection of lawntractors means using alot of oil - over the years and different year motors (1970 to 2003 all used and abused by PO's) , ive found it doesnt make a difference - even in my only brand new tractor way back in 92 - ive run everything from SAE 30, 5w20/30 , 10w30/40, even 15w30 oil - keep in mind 90% of my motors are splash type only- no oil filters/oil pump- and are nearly all flathead briggs motors, with the exception of a few OHV briggs- and some twin opposed motors- and the fact im living in super hot Florida, but even when i lived up north i still ran those oils ( summer only). I also use a couple of ounces of lucas engine oil additive to keep things inside the motor oiled up.

Personally using synthetic is a waste of money in lawn tractors, as often as oil should be changed regular ( depending on conditions, landscape, heavy use, ect - like 2 times a season, at least) and running around $8 a quart seems an unecessary cost .

Now- depending on what the manufacturer says to use is a different story - specially if its a brand new tractor and still under warranty - in that case id go by what they reccomend to keep warranty compliant.

Oil brands i use vary - i like Pennzoil, Valvaline - used Mobil 1 and Shell before also - i used to run Castrol all the time before i found out BP owns it, i refuse to use it and their gasoline after their screw ups in the gulf.

wjjones

Duh Actually i meant sae 30 jhngardner367 is right that high detergent is hard on small engines. As DT said stick with what the manufacturer suggest to keep your warranty. I use the sae 30 Castrol in my push mowers, and tiller, and the Briggs sae 30 in the ys4500..

dangeroustoys56

I should mention the 15w30 was from my dad - he ran it in thier RV and had a galon left over - he had to switch back to 10w30 before they made an emergency trip back north in 35 degree weather- woulda been like thick tar......