Briggs and Stratton's generators stand out for their performance and reliability. They provide reserve power for your home, office, and outdoor needs. To enjoy its maximum functionality, you want to ensure the best oil is used in running its engine. You are on the right page! For your convenience, we gathered information, and here’s what we found.
Briggs and Stratton rolled out their engine oil brand to be used for their generators. If you live in temperate regions, the best oil is Briggs and Stratton SAE 30. You can use the synthetic version SAE 5W-30, which is good for all temperatures. For temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, use SAE 10W-30.
Keep reading to learn why Briggs and Stratton recommend their brand of engine oils for their generator engines. What makes it perform better than others? How does each oil type differ from the other? We'll also discuss choosing the correct engine oil and what makes your Briggs generator worth your investment.
What Is The Best Oil For Briggs And Stratton Generator?
Briggs and Stratton is the global leader in the manufacture and design of small engines. Over the years, their generator product line has carved a niche among other competing brands in this category. They have garnered favorable product and customer reviews due to their optimum engine performance.
Engine oil is necessary to keep your generator well-functioning at all times. Luckily, Briggs and Stratton engineers have developed their own house brand and have successfully marketed it to be the best oil used in all their engines.
The Briggs and Stratton SAE 30 is the best engine oil for generators operating in warmer temperatures. For winter use, the best oil is the synthetic version, the SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30.
What Makes Briggs and Stratton SAE 30 The Best Engine Oil For Their Generators?
Here are some SAE 30 engine oil characteristics that make it work best for Briggs and Stratton generators.
- Best for warmer climates. Apply it to your generator if the outdoor temperature is 40 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 to 38 degrees Celcius.
- Specially formulated for small and portable generator engines, which Briggs and Stratton's brand specializes in.
- Works for 4-cycle engines. Most generators in the market nowadays are 4-cycle engines.
- It contains additives that afford good lubrication, which is essential for small engines' components. This is a crucial element in prolonging engine life.
- A non-detergent oil, conducive for small engines. It contains no additives that trap dirt and dissolves oil sludge until the next oil change.
- By using their house brand, you comply with the original equipment specifications and can be assured of full warranty coverage.
- A US-made brand, so you are assured of the best manufacturing standards.
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Can You Use Synthetic Oil For Briggs and Stratton Generators?
For improved adaptability, Briggs and Stratton have modified their engine oil recommendations. They have formulated their brand of synthetic oil, the Briggs and Stratton SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30. These oils have the following characteristics:
- Formulated for 4-cycle air-cooled engines such as the generator.
- Wider operating temperature of up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Approved for use during winter.
- Since they have the same viscosity rates of 30, they are fine substitutes in case SAE 30 isn’t available.
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How SAE 30 Differs from SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) sets the industry standards for engine oils. The viscosity or the fluidity of the oil at a specified temperature is an important determinant of the best oil to use. Viscosity ratings are from 0 to 60.
SAE 30 is a monograde oil with one viscosity grade of 30. A lower grade below 30 means a thinner oil, while a higher rating reflects a thicker consistency. As such, SAE 40 is thicker than SAE 30.
SAE 30 is rated only for hot viscosity. This reflects how fluid the oil is at the boiling point of 100 degrees Celcius, which is why this oil is limited to use in warm temperatures only.
SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 are multigrade oils. There are two numbers separated by 'W,' which stands for winter. The number preceding W is the viscosity grade at low temperatures, while the number after W is the viscosity grade at high temperatures.
Being multigrade oils, this reflects that these synthetic oils can be operated at low temperatures like those you'll find during winter. In contrast to SAE 30, they have a wider temperature tolerance.
What Are The Factors Considered In Choosing The Right Engine Oil For A Generator?
When you use your generator, always consider the air temperature. This is because the outside temperature affects your choice of engine oil. There are oil types that can only work at certain temperatures.
The temperature has a direct impact on oil viscosity. At warm temperatures, oil can flow freely. When the air temperature falls, the oil transforms into a semi-liquid state, restricting its fluidity. This is why engine oil used for low temperatures should have a special viscosity rating for cold temperatures.
As an example, if SAE 30 is used below its operating temperature range, this will result in hard starting.
Therefore, temperature and viscosity are the factors in determining the right oil. The air temperature at which the generator will be operated will determine the thickness of the oil used for the engine.
SAE 10W30 is perfect for cold weather starting but consumes more oil. This leads you to check the oil level frequently. SAE 5W-30 is recommended for very cold temperatures and improves starting with less oil consumption.
How To Choose The Right Engine Oil
In the preceding discussion, you have learned how temperature impacts the choice of oil for your generator. Nonetheless, take these extra steps to know the correct engine oil.
First, refer to the owner's manual. Portable generators come with a user's guide when you purchase. In the maintenance section, you should read which exact oil your generator engine should use in certain situations.
Second, know the engine type of your generator. Luckily, most generators in the market are equipped with 4-stroke engines. This makes choosing easier since the engine oil used is commercially available.
By taking the above steps, you can confidently make an informed choice on the best oil for your home generator. After all, they are investments to make your home comfortable, and you won't waste your money on repairs from using the wrong kind of oil.
What Makes Briggs and Stratton A Good Brand For Generators?
When a power outage occurs or when the conventional power source isn't accessible, a portable generator is a great asset to have available. Generators can also help you be prepared for critical situations beyond your control, such as hurricanes and other calamities. From this perspective, the wisest move for every homeowner is to purchase a generator before the need arises.
Briggs and Stratton's generators are worth your investment. They boast these superior qualities:
OHV Engine:
- Equipped with OHV (overhead valve) engine to deliver more power and torque to enhance productivity at low fuel consumption, saving you money
- Quiet operation. The noise of a generator's startup and running can disrupt your normal activity, but not with their generators.
- With the OHV engine, your generator is environment-friendly. It uses less gas and creates less carbon dioxide emissions to prevent machine wear and tear.
- The recommended house brand of engine oil is available commercially, so accessibility isn't an issue.
- Recognized globally, the company is only one of two manufacturers of this engine type. The other manufacturer is Honda.
Fuel Tank with AVR:
- A minimum of 8-liter fuel tank capacity to operate for 8 hours and beyond with a built-in automatic voltage regulator (AVR).
- Safe for sensitive devices like mobile phones and gaming systems. Forget those erratic power voltages, thanks to its AVR.
- Higher wattage gives extra power to attach multiple appliances.
- Multiple AC/DC outlets let you connect devices that need power sources simultaneously.
Exterior Design:
- Its lightweight, sturdy built-in handles and mounting stand make it easily portable. Some models have added wheels and stroller handles to make towing a breeze.
- Safety features are in place. Anyone with ample knowledge can operate the machine.
- Small body size which can fit comfortably in your car's trunk. Perfect for the family's leisure activities outdoors.
- The body design is sleek and compact. The exterior is sturdy to withstand frequent transport, handling, and rugged exposure to the outdoor elements. You are guaranteed durability for long years of use.
Indeed, with its long list of superior qualities, be proud to own a Briggs and Stratton generator. Easy starting engines, a blend of power, performance, and value for money put the brand ahead of the competition. They are the market leader in portable generators.
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Learn more about other brands of generators in this post:
9 Best Generators For Running An Air Conditioner
The Takeaway
There are many engine oil types in the market. Choosing the best engine oil depends on the temperature you will operate your generator.
To enjoy your Briggs and Stratton generator for many years, there is no substitute for maintaining the engine in top shape by using the correct oil. SAE 30 engine oil is perfect for warm climates. It also recommends synthetic oils SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 for winter use. House brands should be used in all engines to comply with original equipment specifications and be assured full warranty coverage.
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