subaru robins sx17 on 22" compact snowthrower

[bikerkapa1]

I've been told to use only SAE oil, but would like to use synthetic. What do you pros suggest? Ive had this since 07' and love the machine for my purposes and want it to last into the future. B

[NO0C]

When did synthetic oil become non-SAE?

I use synthetic 10W30 in all my 4-cycle power equipment (mower, snow thrower and edger). Works for me.

[bobodu]

I use whatever is cheap and change it every spring before storing....
The blowers used in residential areas here get run three or fours hours tops per year.
Mine is a 1979..Dad bought it the minute I moved out...also a rider and central air.

[RoyM]

What winter temps are you dealing with? Is it stored inside? A synthetic 5W30 will work just fine in most climates, if you have to store outside in the great plains go with 0W30

[38racing]

I would think anything going to 50 is too heavy for winter operation.

[KE4AVB]

As said use the blend for the temps you are to be operating in. Here in the Southeast we deal with higher temps and Briggs has changed their 5W30 Synthetic recommendation to 15W50 Synthetic as we now experiencing 100+ temps during the Summer months. This makes sense as the 5w30 is so thin at operating temps during these times it doesn't even show on the dipsticks.

This is something I am checking on getting which is 10-15 gals bulk 15W50 Synthetic this week, just awaiting on a reply from one my vendors as to the pricing per quart; not cheap by a long shot but life of the equipment is important.

I personally have been seeing fuel boiling during operation during the Spring and Summer months too causing vapor lock in the gravity fed fuel lines. This is mostly a fuel blending problem by the gasoline distributors as Winter blend is too volatile for hot Spring and Summer months.

[bikerkapa1]

Thank you all, I should have mentioned my location in the first place. My location is Omaha where the winters are always either unusually warm or unusually cold. This winter was unusually warm at first then unusually cold, ending as unusually wet. What I am getting is that good synthetic with 10 30 wold be better than the 10 30 OIL I have used until now. Most years I rarely put more than 15 or so hours on this snowthrower. I also have a 95' Snapper 3202 I mix synthetic in, and a 70' Snow hound. I'm still looking to replace the wheel traction plates if I ever find any again. ENOUGH
Thank you all. Synthetic for next year it is!
Obiously I don't know what SAE IS ?

[NO0C]

Obiously I don't know what SAE IS ?

In Kearney, a quick Gargle search says Society of Automotive Engineers.

Might even have to fire up the Toro with SuperTech (W² brand) 10W30 synthetic tomorrow. Talking some rain turning to snow again tonight.

Stay high and dry!