UT Extension Fuels and Lubricants for Small Engines

UT ExtensionUT Extension

Fuels and Fuels and Lubricants for Lubricants for Small EnginesSmall Engines

UT Extension UT Extension

Jim WillsJim Wills

Biosystems Engineering and Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science Environmental Science DepartmentDepartment

Extension Extension University of TennesseeUniversity of Tennessee


Two Main Types of Small Two Main Types of Small Engines on Lawn and Engines on Lawn and

Garden EquipmentGarden Equipment

Four-Stroke Cycle Four-Stroke Cycle Two-Stroke CycleTwo-Stroke Cycle


Cooling SystemCooling System

Most engines on lawn and Most engines on lawn and garden equipment are garden equipment are air cooledair cooled

Fan on flywheel circulates air Fan on flywheel circulates air over engine for cooling while over engine for cooling while engine is runningengine is running

Water cooled engines have Water cooled engines have radiator and liquid coolant radiator and liquid coolant circulating in water jacket circulating in water jacket around enginearound engine


Flywheel/FanFlywheel/Fan


Four-Stroke EnginesFour-Stroke Engines

Four strokes* of the engine for one Four strokes* of the engine for one power cyclepower cycle

Stroke 1 – Intake Stroke 1 – Intake Stroke 2 – CompressionStroke 2 – Compression Stroke 3 – Stroke 3 – PowerPower Stroke 4 – ExhaustStroke 4 – Exhaust

* A stroke is one up or down movement * A stroke is one up or down movement of the piston in the cylinder of the piston in the cylinder


Four-Stroke OperationFour-Stroke Operation


Typical Four Stroke Lawn Typical Four Stroke Lawn and Garden Equipmentand Garden Equipment

Push-Type Lawn MowersPush-Type Lawn Mowers Lawn TractorsLawn Tractors Garden TractorsGarden Tractors Pressure WashersPressure Washers Chippers/ShreadersChippers/Shreaders Garden TillersGarden Tillers


Two Stroke OperationTwo Stroke Operation


Typical Two-Stroke Typical Two-Stroke EquipmentEquipment

ChainsawsChainsaws Weed TrimmersWeed Trimmers Leaf BlowersLeaf Blowers Hedge ClippersHedge Clippers Air CompressorsAir Compressors Small Garden TillersSmall Garden Tillers Some push type lawnmowersSome push type lawnmowers


Four-Stroke Engine Four-Stroke Engine CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Separate fuel tank and oil Separate fuel tank and oil reservoirreservoir

Heavier/larger than same HP two-Heavier/larger than same HP two-cyclecycle

Cannot be tilted much to sideCannot be tilted much to side Longer engine lifeLonger engine life Larger HP usesLarger HP uses


Two-Stroke Engine Two-Stroke Engine CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Fuel and oil are mixed in fuel Fuel and oil are mixed in fuel tanktank

No separate reservoir for oilNo separate reservoir for oil** Can be operated on side and Can be operated on side and

upside downupside down Lighter/smaller for given HPLighter/smaller for given HP Shorter overall engine lifeShorter overall engine life Usually more noise and smokeUsually more noise and smoke* Some boat motors and motorcycles have* Some boat motors and motorcycles have a reservoira reservoir


Main Causes of Main Causes of PrematurePremature

Small Engine FailureSmall Engine Failure(Short Engine Life)(Short Engine Life)


DirtDirt!!

60% to 70% of all failures are 60% to 70% of all failures are caused by dirtcaused by dirt** getting into getting into engineengine

*Dust, insects, bits of grass, etc.*Dust, insects, bits of grass, etc.


Service air filter on aService air filter on a regular basis (usually regular basis (usually

once a season)once a season)

Service more often under Service more often under dusty or adverse dusty or adverse conditionsconditions


For every gallon of For every gallon of gasoline used, the air gasoline used, the air

filter must clean 10,000 filter must clean 10,000 to 11,000 gallons of airto 11,000 gallons of air


Air Filter – Paper TypeAir Filter – Paper Type


CarburetorCarburetor


Failure to use proper oil*Failure to use proper oil*

* Viscosity (thick or thin)* Viscosity (thick or thin)

* API Classification (SJ, SL, Etc.)* API Classification (SJ, SL, Etc.)


Failure to change oil on a Failure to change oil on a regular schedule regular schedule

MileageMileage Hours of useHours of use Time of use (weeks, months, Time of use (weeks, months,

etc.)etc.)


Failure to maintain proper Failure to maintain proper oil level in crankcaseoil level in crankcase

Check dip stickCheck dip stick Check oil level plugCheck oil level plug


Checking Oil LevelChecking Oil Level


Failure to useFailure to use clean, fresh fuel clean, fresh fuel

Dirty fuel tankDirty fuel tank Dirty fuel canDirty fuel can Dirty funnelDirty funnel Trash/dirt around fuel capTrash/dirt around fuel cap


Install a fuel filter on fuel Install a fuel filter on fuel line if not factory equippedline if not factory equipped


Fuel FilterFuel Filter


Use a suitable fuel Use a suitable fuel container to prevent fuel container to prevent fuel contamination and insure contamination and insure

safetysafety

Metal cans will eventually rust insideMetal cans will eventually rust inside Plastic containers will not rustPlastic containers will not rust Use a funnel with mesh filterUse a funnel with mesh filter


Can Good Plastic FuelCan Good Plastic Fuel


Failure to use proper Failure to use proper fuelfuel

Unleaded fuel is cleaner burningUnleaded fuel is cleaner burning Choose proper fuel octane levelChoose proper fuel octane level Do not use fuel containing alcoholDo not use fuel containing alcohol Use lead substitutes if 1974 or olderUse lead substitutes if 1974 or older


Operating tips to extend Operating tips to extend engine lifeengine life

Let engine idle for two minutes Let engine idle for two minutes before stoppingbefore stopping

Never stop under loadNever stop under load Avoid stalls and sudden impactsAvoid stalls and sudden impacts


Avoid ImpactsAvoid Impacts


Flywheel KeywayFlywheel Keyway


SAFETY!!!SAFETY!!!

Use approved fuel containersUse approved fuel containers Never fuel a hot engineNever fuel a hot engine Stop engine before making Stop engine before making

repairs or adjustmentsrepairs or adjustments


Motor OilsMotor Oils


Castrol Brand OilCastrol Brand Oil


Functions of Motor OilFunctions of Motor Oil

LubricateLubricate moving parts moving parts SealSeal around gaskets, seals, around gaskets, seals,

piston ringspiston rings CleanClean contaminates from engine contaminates from engine

partsparts Remove excess heatRemove excess heat from engine from engine


Oil container has Oil container has information on oil information on oil

quality and viscosityquality and viscosity


API (American Petroleum API (American Petroleum Institute) circle contains Institute) circle contains API Service Classification API Service Classification

and Viscosityand Viscosity


API CircleAPI Circle


VISCOSITYVISCOSITY

Is the oil thick or thin?Is the oil thick or thin? Affected by temperatureAffected by temperature Affected by shear of oil Affected by shear of oil

molecules in lubrication processmolecules in lubrication process All oils are tested at same All oils are tested at same

temperatures to establish temperatures to establish viscosity ratingviscosity rating


Viscosity ValuesViscosity Values

SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20WSAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W SAE 30, 40, 50SAE 30, 40, 50 SAE 10W-30, 5W-30, 15W-50, 10W-SAE 10W-30, 5W-30, 15W-50, 10W-

40, etc.40, etc.

““W” means suitable for wintertime W” means suitable for wintertime use (cold temperatures)use (cold temperatures)

““SAE”- Society of Automotive SAE”- Society of Automotive EngineersEngineers


API Service API Service ClassificationsClassifications

““S”S” - for gasoline engines - for gasoline engines (S- Spark ignition)(S- Spark ignition) ““C”C” - for diesel engines - for diesel engines (C- Compression ignition)(C- Compression ignition)


Gasoline ClassesGasoline Classes

SASA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, , SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ,SJ, SL SL

SA is lowest qualitySA is lowest quality SL is highest qualitySL is highest quality


Diesel ClassesDiesel Classes

CACA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, , CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CHCH CA is lowest qualityCA is lowest quality CH is highest qualityCH is highest quality


Petroleum Based OilsPetroleum Based Oils

Base stock of about 85% oil by Base stock of about 85% oil by volumevolume

Additives of about 15% by Additives of about 15% by volumevolume

Additives include detergent, Additives include detergent, anti-oxidation, anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation, anti-corrosion, extreme heat, extreme pressure, extreme heat, extreme pressure, anti-rust, etc.anti-rust, etc.


Value of Oil Additives?Value of Oil Additives?

Slick 50, T-Plus, STP, Motor Slick 50, T-Plus, STP, Motor Honey, etc.Honey, etc.

Usually not worth the price !!!Usually not worth the price !!!


T-Plus AdditiveT-Plus Additive


Why Change Motor Oil?Why Change Motor Oil?

Replace additivesReplace additives Remove contaminants ( water, Remove contaminants ( water,

acid, carbon, etc.acid, carbon, etc.


When to Change Motor When to Change Motor Oil?Oil?

At recommended mileage At recommended mileage

(3,000 on cars, trucks, campers, (3,000 on cars, trucks, campers, etc.)etc.)

At 50 hours on small enginesAt 50 hours on small engines More often under severe conditions More often under severe conditions

(pulling heavy loads, steep(pulling heavy loads, steep

climbing, etc.)climbing, etc.) Change when oil is Change when oil is hothot, not cold, not cold


Changing Brands of OilChanging Brands of Oil

You You do notdo not have to use the same have to use the same brand of oil brand of oil foreverforever in a given in a given engineengine

To change brands, drain old brand To change brands, drain old brand and replace with new brand – and replace with new brand – change oil filter at same timechange oil filter at same time

Use Use samesame viscosity viscosity


Oil for Your Small Oil for Your Small EnginesEngines

SAE 30SAE 30** SAE 10W-30SAE 10W-30 Synthetic oilSynthetic oil * Above 40 degrees F* Above 40 degrees F


Temperature ChartTemperature Chart


Synthetic Motor OilSynthetic Motor Oil

BetterBetter than petroleum based oil than petroleum based oil More expensiveMore expensive


Synthetic OilsSynthetic Oils


Advantages of Synthetic Advantages of Synthetic OilOil

More detergent additiveMore detergent additive Better cold weather lubricationBetter cold weather lubrication Better high temperature protectionBetter high temperature protection Longer engine lifeLonger engine life Better lubricationBetter lubrication Better fuel efficiencyBetter fuel efficiency Can be mixed with petroleum oilCan be mixed with petroleum oil


Disadvantages of Disadvantages of SyntheticSynthetic

Expensive (about $4.50/quart)Expensive (about $4.50/quart) Not recommended for Not recommended for

turbochargersturbochargers Not for dirty engines (inside of Not for dirty engines (inside of

engine)engine) Not for most dieselsNot for most diesels Not for new enginesNot for new engines


Tips for Synthetic UseTips for Synthetic Use

Use same viscosityUse same viscosity Can be mixed with petroleum Can be mixed with petroleum

based oilbased oil Use regular oil filterUse regular oil filter Change at same change intervalsChange at same change intervals


Oils for Two-Cycle Oils for Two-Cycle EnginesEngines


Not the same as engine Not the same as engine oilsoils

Different additive packageDifferent additive package Different viscosityDifferent viscosity Higher priceHigher price Different mix ratiosDifferent mix ratios Different rating systemDifferent rating system


Mix with GasolineMix with Gasolinefor Engine Lubricationfor Engine Lubrication

Use only two-cycle oilsUse only two-cycle oils Use proper ratio of gas to oilUse proper ratio of gas to oil Use proper type of oil (TC or TSC-3)Use proper type of oil (TC or TSC-3) One mix and exact mix simplify One mix and exact mix simplify

mixingmixing


Mix RatiosMix Ratios

PartsParts of gas and oil to be mixed of gas and oil to be mixed Can be Can be ounces, pints, quarts, gallonsounces, pints, quarts, gallons Examples: Examples: 16:1 16 parts gas to 1 part oil16:1 16 parts gas to 1 part oil 24:1 24 parts of gas to 1 part oil24:1 24 parts of gas to 1 part oil 50:1 50 parts of gas to 1 part oil50:1 50 parts of gas to 1 part oil


Making one gallon mixMaking one gallon mix

128 ounces in one gallon128 ounces in one gallon 16:1 mix16:1 mix 16 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part 16 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part

oil oil (8 oz.)(8 oz.) 50:1 mix50:1 mix 50 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part 50 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part

oil oil (2.6 oz.)(2.6 oz.)


Two-Cycle Oil ClassesTwo-Cycle Oil Classes

TA, TB, TA, TB, TC*,TC*, TD TD TSC-1, TSC-2, TSC-1, TSC-2, TSC-3*,TSC-3*, TSC-4 TSC-4 ONE MIX*ONE MIX* EXACT MIX*EXACT MIX*

* For lawn and garden equipment* For lawn and garden equipment


Two-Cycle OilTwo-Cycle Oil


Two-Cycle OilTwo-Cycle Oil


Exact Mix OilExact Mix Oil


Fuels for EnginesFuels for Engines


Octane Ratings for Octane Ratings for GasolineGasoline

Octane rating is a measure of Octane rating is a measure of resistance to pre-ignition of fuelresistance to pre-ignition of fuel


Engine IgnitionEngine Ignition


Octane RatingsOctane Ratings

87 Octane – Regular87 Octane – Regular 89 Octane – Regular+89 Octane – Regular+ 91+ Octane - Premium91+ Octane - Premium


87 Octane Fuel87 Octane Fuel

Low resistance to pre-ignition – Low resistance to pre-ignition – usually usually bestbest for 4-cycle lawn and for 4-cycle lawn and garden and automobile engines garden and automobile engines that are that are not high compressionnot high compression


89 Octane Fuel89 Octane Fuel

Best for engines that knock or Best for engines that knock or ping slightly on 87 octane fuel or ping slightly on 87 octane fuel or older engines with slight carbon older engines with slight carbon build-up in combustion chamberbuild-up in combustion chamber


91+ Octane Fuels91+ Octane Fuels

Best for Best for high compressionhigh compression engines or engines that knock or engines or engines that knock or ping on 89 octane fuelsping on 89 octane fuels


Compression ExamplesCompression Examples


Leaded vs. Unleaded GasLeaded vs. Unleaded Gas

Lead was banned by EPA in 1989 Lead was banned by EPA in 1989 because of air pollutionbecause of air pollution

Lead was put in gasoline to boost octane Lead was put in gasoline to boost octane levelslevels

Some engines built before 1974 need Some engines built before 1974 need lead to lubricate exhaust valves and lead to lubricate exhaust valves and seatsseats

Use a lead substitute in pre-1974 Use a lead substitute in pre-1974 modelsmodels


Octane BoostersOctane Boosters

Tetraethyl Lead*Tetraethyl Lead* Ethanol AlcoholEthanol Alcohol Methanol AlcoholMethanol Alcohol OxinolOxinol MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl

Ether)*Ether)*

* Now Banned from use* Now Banned from use


Seasonal Blends of Seasonal Blends of GasolineGasoline

Winter Blend – Winter Blend – Very VolatileVery Volatile Spring Blend – Moderately Spring Blend – Moderately

VolatileVolatile Summer Blend – Low VolatilitySummer Blend – Low Volatility Fall Blend – Moderate VolatilityFall Blend – Moderate Volatility


GasoholGasohol

A mixture of 90% gasoline and A mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% alcohol (usually ethanol)10% alcohol (usually ethanol)

About 40% less air pollution from About 40% less air pollution from gasoholgasohol

Can cause severe problems in Can cause severe problems in some engines used infrequentlysome engines used infrequently


Problems with GasoholProblems with Gasohol

Alcohol attracts water to fuel Alcohol attracts water to fuel systemsystem

Alcohol destroys plasticizers in Alcohol destroys plasticizers in gaskets, o-rings, seals, floats, gaskets, o-rings, seals, floats, diaphragms, etc.diaphragms, etc.

Alcohol causes severe corrosionAlcohol causes severe corrosion Alcohol dissolves some additives Alcohol dissolves some additives

in two-cycle oilsin two-cycle oils


Gasohol vs. GasolineGasohol vs. Gasoline

Gasohol – 78,000 BTU’s per Gasohol – 78,000 BTU’s per gallongallon

Gasoline – 115,000 BTU’s per Gasoline – 115,000 BTU’s per gallongallon


Gasohol and Small Gasohol and Small EnginesEngines

Avoid use of gasohol fuels in Avoid use of gasohol fuels in small enginessmall engines- especially two-especially two-cycle enginescycle engines


Fuel Useful Life*Fuel Useful Life*

GasolineGasoline – about 90 days – about 90 days Gasoline + Two-cycle oilGasoline + Two-cycle oil – About – About

60 days60 days Diesel FuelDiesel Fuel – About two years – About two years

* Depends greatly on * Depends greatly on temperature temperature and humidityand humidity


Fuel StabilizersFuel Stabilizers

Can be added to fuel in storage Can be added to fuel in storage containercontainer

Can be added to fuel storage tanksCan be added to fuel storage tanks Can be added to fuel tank on engineCan be added to fuel tank on engine Can be added to fuel tank for long Can be added to fuel tank for long

term storage of equipment*term storage of equipment*

* Run engine for five minutes to * Run engine for five minutes to distribute stabilizer to all parts of fuel distribute stabilizer to all parts of fuel systemsystem


Fuel Life with Fuel Life with StabilizersStabilizers

Gasoline – Up to Gasoline – Up to two yearstwo years Gasoline + Oil – Up to Gasoline + Oil – Up to one one

yearyear Diesel Fuel – Over Diesel Fuel – Over two yearstwo years


Stabilizer Brands*Stabilizer Brands*

STA-BILSTA-BIL GUMOUTGUMOUT McCulloghMcCullogh OthersOthers

*Available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Auto *Available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Auto parts stores, etc.parts stores, etc.

*Costs about 10 cents/gallon of fuel*Costs about 10 cents/gallon of fuel


STA-BIL StabilizerSTA-BIL Stabilizer


Disposal of Used OilDisposal of Used Oil

Contains carcinogens !!!Contains carcinogens !!! Do notDo not pour on ground !!! pour on ground !!! Collect oil in suitable containerCollect oil in suitable container Take to recycling center for Take to recycling center for

disposaldisposal Centers will also take gear oil, Centers will also take gear oil,

transmission fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, antifreeze, freon,freon,


Used OilUsed Oil

One gallon will foul taste of one One gallon will foul taste of one million gallons of fresh watermillion gallons of fresh water

Toxic to plants and animalsToxic to plants and animals Can be refined into new oil*Can be refined into new oil*

*One gallon of used oil will make *One gallon of used oil will make 2.5 quarts of new oil2.5 quarts of new oil


Off Season Storage Off Season Storage of Small Enginesof Small Engines

Change engine oilChange engine oil Drain fuel tankDrain fuel tank** Clean exterior of engineClean exterior of engine Remove spark plug, add one table Remove spark plug, add one table

spoon oil, replace spark plugspoon oil, replace spark plug Cover loosely to keep cleanCover loosely to keep clean Store in dry locationStore in dry location

* Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank* Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank


Adding Oil At SparkplugAdding Oil At Sparkplug


Cleaning Engine ExteriorCleaning Engine Exterior


Liquid Cooling SystemsLiquid Cooling Systems

Circulating fluid (coolant) assists Circulating fluid (coolant) assists in removing heat of combustionin removing heat of combustion

Coolant is usually a mixture of Coolant is usually a mixture of antifreeze and waterantifreeze and water

Coolant must be changed Coolant must be changed periodicallyperiodically to remove corrosion to remove corrosion and replace additivesand replace additives


Antifreeze TypesAntifreeze Types

Ethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol (greengreen)) Propylene glycol (Propylene glycol (greengreen)) Long-Life ethylene glycol Long-Life ethylene glycol

((orangeorange))


Replacing Antifreeze*Replacing Antifreeze*

Regular antifreezeRegular antifreeze – Drain, flush – Drain, flush and replace every one to two yearsand replace every one to two years

Long life antifreezeLong life antifreeze – Drain, flush, – Drain, flush, replace every 5 years or 100,000 to replace every 5 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles150,000 miles

* Additives include corrosion * Additives include corrosion inhibitors, sealers, water pump inhibitors, sealers, water pump lubricant, heat transfer compoundslubricant, heat transfer compounds


ToxicityToxicity

Ethylene glycol – very toxicEthylene glycol – very toxic Propylene glycol – non toxicPropylene glycol – non toxic**

* Will be slightly toxic after use in * Will be slightly toxic after use in cooling system – picks up cooling system – picks up contaminants such as lead, contaminants such as lead, mercurymercury


Freeze ProtectionFreeze Protection

Pure antifreeze – Pure antifreeze – minus 9 Fminus 9 F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – 50% water + 50% antifreeze –

minus 34 Fminus 34 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – 30% water + 70% antifreeze –

minus 84 Fminus 84 F


Boil-Over ProtectionBoil-Over Protection

Pure antifreeze – Pure antifreeze – 98 degrees F98 degrees F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – 50% water + 50% antifreeze –

265 F265 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – 30% water + 70% antifreeze –

282 F282 F


Mixing Anti-FreezesMixing Anti-Freezes

Regular antifreeze (Regular antifreeze (greengreen) and ) and Long-life antifreeze (Long-life antifreeze (orangeorange) ) cannotcannot be mixed !!!!!!!be mixed !!!!!!!

Regular antifreeze contains Regular antifreeze contains alkalinealkaline corrosion inhibitors corrosion inhibitors

Long life antifreeze contains Long life antifreeze contains organic acidorganic acid corrosion inhibitors corrosion inhibitors


The Beginning of a The Beginning of a Better Maintenance Better Maintenance

Program and Longer Life Program and Longer Life for Engines on for Engines on YourYour Lawn and Garden Lawn and Garden

EquipmentEquipment

Documents

UT Extension Fuels and Lubricants for Small Engines