I have an older push mower. About a month ago, I changed the oil (which looked disgusting, thicker than choc syrup), and after two cuts, it looks like choc syrup again! Can anybody explain what makes oil go from "honey" to "chocolate" and how I can slow this down? Thanks.
2006-09-21 15:25:24 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
That's a normal thing.Because it is mixing with old oil and circulating thru a dirty engine block.
2006-09-21 15:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil color doesn't tell you squat about how the oil actually is!!
If its running rich, this will certainly make the oil black quick, or if it does have some sludge buildup inside, its a possibility.....
If its running rich, replace the air filter, and rebuild the carb (granted you havn't messed with any carb adjustments?) and readjust the jets at 1.5 turns out from all the way in snug as a baseline (this is of course if it has em)
You can try around 4 ounces in some hd-30 weight oil of marvel mystery oil, run it a few minutes and drain it again and refill with fresh oil to clean the engine out (I don't recommend flushes in engines, but this engine should be splash lubed)
Make sure you use a HD-30 weight, or 5w-30/10w-30 oil, not ND-30 (or non detergent) oil
2006-09-21 19:48:20 · answer #2 · answered by 572ci. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're using a non dedergent motor oil which could account for the thickness and black color. Try switching to a mixed viscosity 10w30 for example. Mixed viscoty oils are usually detergent oils. The main thing about lawnmower engines that I have found over the years is to make sure that you maintain the oil level in the crankcase ie ANY oil (thick, black or otherwise)is better than NO oil.
2006-09-21 15:55:39 · answer #3 · answered by Just guessing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drain some oil out, about a pint, and replace with diesel fuel. Run it long enough to get engine hot. Drain. Replace. Do this every once in a while to dislodge the built up gunk that's causing your oil to stain so fast.
2006-09-21 15:34:43 · answer #4 · answered by da_hammerhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has sludge in the sump (lower half of the crankcase) I would't try flushing it because of it's age instead let it go or just keep changing it eventually it will get better. if you mess with those older engines that have low compression as it is sometimes you lose tthem in the process. That's why flushing isn't a good idea.
2006-09-21 15:35:51 · answer #5 · answered by Jack 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋