when should i use non detergent motor oil

by Juana Klein Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Full Answer

Should I use detergent or non-detergent motor oil?

With a newer engine or an engine that has been running on a detergent oil for years this is the right choice, it keeps your engine cleaner and running smoothly. You may ask yourself, “Should I make the switch from a non-detergent to a detergent motor oil?” In my opinion, you can but you shouldn’t.

Can I use detergent oil instead of non detergent?

In my opinion, you can but you shouldn’t. If you have an engine that has been running on a non-detergent oil for years it could actually damage your engine to switch to a detergent oil. You see, after so many years your engine is going to have sludge and contaminants built up within it.

Can I use detergent oil in my lawn mower?

Manufacturer's Recommendations. If you're torn whether to use a detergent or nondetergent engine oil in your lawn mower, always consult the owner's manual first. While most manufacturers recommend detergent oils, you may find that yours, especially when it's an older model mower, may recommend using a nondetergent oil.

What is a detergent oil used for?

Detergent oils have enhanced additive packages blending in them to prevent rust, break down engine sludge and stabilize acids to prolong oil life. With a newer engine or an engine that has been running on a detergent oil for years this is the right choice, it keeps your engine cleaner and running smoothly.

Why would you use non detergent oil?

This is commonly known as engine build-up or “sludge”. Non-detergent oils are compatible with unrestored engines on older vehicles and vehicles that are consistently using non-detergent oils. A non-detergent oil may be the best choice for your vehicle, it does its' job by lubricating all of the correct parts.

What's the difference between non detergent motor oil and regular motor oil?

Detergent additives are the one that differentiates between a detergent oil and a non-detergent oil. If the engine or motor oil contains detergent additives in it, it is called a detergent oil. If there are no detergent additives added, then the oil is called as non-detergent oil.

Why do small engines use non detergent oil?

Non-detergent motor oil is commonly used in lawnmower engines because mower engines are not used daily like passenger vehicles; the engines are not as large as in passenger vehicles; and do not contain multiple cylinders and as many components as passenger vehicles.

Can you put non detergent motor oil?

2:313:54Non-Detergent Engine Oils | Overview - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipExactly. I will add there are some instances where non detergent engine oils are still specifiedMoreExactly. I will add there are some instances where non detergent engine oils are still specified like you said in small engines. And even some antique vehicles that have never been overhauled.

Does full synthetic oil have detergent?

Older vehicles and those shipped with conventional oil can also benefit from using synthetic oil, mostly because of its detergent properties. A synthetic oil can dissolve deposits left by conventional oils without leaving many of its own, resulting in a cleaner and longer-lasting engine.

Is all SAE 30 oil non detergent?

Is SAE 30 Non Detergent Oil? SAE 30 is typically a non detergent motor oil used in small engines. Detergent oils contain special additives designed to trap and suspend dirt and dissolve engine oil sludge in the oil until it's changed. A non detergent oil doesn't have these additives.

Is SAE motor oil non-detergent?

Non-Detergent Type Motor Oil is an economy-priced motor oil for non-critical gasoline engines operating under mild conditions which do not require detergent, antiwear, or other protective additives. It is available in SAE 30 grade, and in limited areas, SAE 40.

What is the best oil to use in a lawn mower?

SAE 30 - Warmer temperatures, most common oil for small engines. SAE 10W-30 - Varying temperature range, this grade of oil improves cold-weather starting, but may increase oil consumption. Synthetic SAE 5W-30 - Best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.

What kind of oil should I use in my air compressor?

Both mineral and synthetic oil are suitable for air compressors. Normally, oil with the mineral origin is perfect for compressors with small or medium dimensions, which works from time to time.

Where can I use non-detergent oil?

SAE 30 Non-Detergent Lubricating Oil is recommended for use in air compressors and hydraulic systems where the use of non-detergent oils is specified. Non-detergent oils are also effective for the lubrication of bearings and chains in non-critical once-through systems and as a general purpose shop lubricant.

Can I use 30 weight non-detergent oil in my air compressor?

Whether standard, synthetic or a substitute, the oil you use must be non-detergent. If your warranty guidelines don't specify a type of oil, we recommend using a standard 20 weight or 30 weight compressor oil. A 30 weight oil is more viscous and will provide better protection in the warmer months.

Is Briggs and Stratton oil non-detergent?

Our oil products have been approved by Briggs & Stratton engineers, recommended in all operator manuals, and is a high-quality detergent oil classified SJ/CD by the API.

What is a non detergent engine oil?

Can you use regular motor oil in an air compressor?

It is possible to use a standard weight motor oil in your compressor. While this isn't the top recommendation, it could get you by. Generally, it is not recommended to run a multi-viscosity oil in a compressor since it might cause foaming issues. Sticking with a 20W or 30W oil is your best choice.

What is detergent in motor oil?

Calcium sulfonate is a common detergent additive found in most engine oils. When these additives are burned, an ashy residue can be left behind. Under normal conditions, this ash is not enough to cause concern, as it can be removed in the next oil change.

Does 3 in 1 oil contain detergent?

3-IN-ONE® Multi-Purpose Oil is a non-detergent oil, and does not contain silicone.

Why use ND oil on mini bike?

There reason for this was that it would prevent the oil from foaming or bubbleing up. I use it for my compresor as well.

What is SAE 30?

cmf. Non-detergent SAE 30 is for air compressors, pressure washers and other non-combustion devices. It actually lubricates better than detergent oil because there's more base stock which is the part of the oil that actually lubricates, FWIW.

What was ND spec'd for?

ND was also spec'd for alot of early hydraulic systems.

Is SAE 30 a non-detergent oil?

Non-detergent SAE 30 is for air compressors, pressure washers and other non-combustion devices. It actually lubricates better than detergent oil because there's more base stock which is the part of the oil that actually lubricates, FWIW.

Is babbit alloy good for antique engines?

There may be some truth to that- certainly more than saying its good for splash-lubricated engines. Some antique engines use very different bearing metallurgy (high silver content, or very soft, poured-in-place babbit alloys). Some modern detergents and anti-wear additives might attack those, especially silver.

Can you use motor oil to lubricate motorcycle chains?

People use motor oil to lube motorcycle chains, and trust me, a thick straight 40 worked just fine in a pinch on my saw.

Can you use non-detergent oil on antique tractor?

A lot of antique tractor collectors use non-detergent motor oil in their engines. I don't use it, but when I take mine to shows I always come across a few who swear that anything but a non-detergent motor oil will ruin an older engine.

When was detergent oil introduced?

Detergent oil was introduced in 1951. If the engine was rebuilt in the last 60 years there is a good chance it was run on detergent oil. It might help to tell us what model, make and year. Unless you think all engine are the same.

What kind of lubrication system was used in 1935?

There were various kinds of lubrication systems in 1935 including splash and pressure fed, most engines used poured babbit bearings, but Chrysler introduced insert bearings the year before. If we knew what kind of engine a specialist in that make, might have specific recommendations.

What kind of oil did 1953 Olds have?

1953 Olds had an OHV V8 with hydraulic lifters. The manufacturer recommended detergent oil. Running the engine on non detergent was dangerous to the health of the engine.

What is oil additive?

It is a chemical compound that keeps contaminants too small to be trapped in the oil filter, like carbon, water, etc., in suspension in the oil to keep them from settling out and forming sludge.

What is Kendall racing oil?

Kendall racing oil is a straight grade variant if that's also what you seek. Sold as "Nitro 40" or Nitro 50" it's a great alternative to old engines seeking straight grades and different additive packages. While I may get lambasted for this, it's a freaking Ford 4 cyl engine! It'll run on anything and live through volumes of abuse, NEVER needs hardened valve inserts, and frankly doesn't even need zinc (ZDDP) in the oil. Visit www.ford barn.com and scam around on the Model A pages regarding oils and ZDDP. An eye opener to be sure, and 'ol Henry was very proud of his metallurgy knowledge. Most Ford owners are too. Good luck and don't over think it. Also, shameless plug here, I have a 1933 1 bbl manifold in above average condition. It does have the update done to the rear that some want and some don't. PM me here or email me at [email protected] if you might want it.

Does it matter what oil you use?

If you have inspected the oilpan and find no significant sludge then it should not matter what type oil you use as long as you change the oil and filter at regular intervals. After 5,000 miles or so of normal use motor oil additives start to loose their effectiveness so contaminants will start to settle out and begin forming sludge.

Is detergent oil still available?

Practically all oil today is detergent oil. You can still get non detergent but you have to look for it and most auto parts places don't stock it.

What differentiates detergent and non-detergent oil?

Engine oils will always have additives added to their base stock. Base stock or Base oil are the primary constituent of the engine oil borne from petroleum or chemical processing. Base stock usually forms the 80% to 90% of the engine oil.

What keeps the engine and other lubricating metal components clean and free of deposits?

First, the detergent additives keep the engine and other lubricating metal components clean and free of any deposits.

What is the purpose of a detergent?

Detergents or Dispersants are used to clean and neutralize the impurities in the oil which normally would have caused deposits or sludge on the engine components.

What is non detergent oil?

Which is better, detergent or oil?

When it comes to performance, detergent oils are much better since the detergents in these oils will keep the engine and other lubricating metal components clean and free of any deposits.

Which is better for motorcycle oil: detergent or non-detergent?

So, which is better for motorcycle – detergent oil or non-detergent oil? Detergent oils provide better performance since the detergent additives prevent any deposit formation in the engine components. The contaminants float in the oil and will be removed by the oil filter.

Can detergent oils be replaced?

Detergent oils can be replaced at a much slower rate and much lower frequency since they don’t allow sludge formation easily.

Why is detergent added to motor oil?

Over time, oil becomes dirty as it picks up minute particles of grit and grime that can accumulate in the nooks and crannies of the engine and eventually cause it to seize up. Detergents in oil collect these particles, break them down and prevent them from clogging the engine. The detergents also neutralize combustion acids to prevent them from causing metal engine parts to erode over time. Nondetergent oil doesn't contain these helpful additives.

What is the purpose of detergents in oil?

Detergents in oil collect these particles, break them down and prevent them from clogging the engine. The detergents also neutralize combustion acids to prevent them from causing metal engine parts to erode over time. Nondetergent oil doesn't contain these helpful additives.

Can you use detergent oil on a lawn mower?

Using a detergent oil, however, removes the need for additional oil additives. In fact, most lawn mower user's manuals caution against using additional additives in the mower.

Can detergent oil compensate for lack of oil?

Even detergent oil can't compensate for a lack of oil in the reservoir. Avoid overfilling the reservoir, since this can cause as much damage as allowing the oil level to get too low. av-override. ‒‒:‒‒. /.

Can you use additives in a lawn mower?

In fact, most lawn mower user's manuals caution against using additional additives in the mower. Detergent oil is made in such a way that it already contains the required additives to keep your engine in good shape.

What is non-detergent oil?

This is a repost: Non-detergent oils (mostly type SA) are used whenever other additives are not need , i.e., when only basic lubrication is needed, or the lubricant would mix with the other fluids in the system and pose toxicity or contamination problems. The SA oils contain only an anti-foaming agent which is silicone-based chemical. The silicone additive is very inert and nontoxic. If your mechines call for non-detergent oils, do not use an SB oil. An SB oil contain an extra additive in addition to the silicone component, a friction modifier which is usiually ZDDP. ZDDP can be toxic if ingested and at the least, a skin irritant.

What oil should I use for a 30W ND?

I would highly suggest you get some Mobil DTE Heavy oil or other R&O (Schaeffer's, etc.) oil for your 30W needs. (I think Grainer has Heavy in quarts) The base oils used in a 30W ND engine oil are poor, at best. Using a high quality base stock oil will keep the pump clean, lubricate better and last much longer. Even better would be to get some Mobil SHC 627 or other synthetic neutral oil which would provide a cooler running pump. However, that is only sold in 5 gallon containers and very expensive... [ August 19, 2002, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: GeorgeCLS ]