UT Extension Fuels and Lubricants for Small Engines

UT Extension Jim Wills Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science Department Biosystems Engineering and Environmental Science Department Extension Extension University of Tennessee University of Tennessee

UT Extension Two Main Types of Small Engines on Lawn and Garden Equipment Four-Stroke Cycle Four-Stroke Cycle Two-Stroke Cycle Two-Stroke Cycle

UT Extension Cooling System Most engines on lawn and garden equipment are air cooled Most engines on lawn and garden equipment are air cooled Fan on flywheel circulates air over engine for cooling while engine is running Fan on flywheel circulates air over engine for cooling while engine is running Water cooled engines have radiator and liquid coolant circulating in water jacket around engine Water cooled engines have radiator and liquid coolant circulating in water jacket around engine

UT Extension Flywheel/Fan

Four-Stroke Engines Four strokes* of the engine for one power cycle Four strokes* of the engine for one power cycle Stroke 1 – Intake Stroke 1 – Intake Stroke 2 – Compression Stroke 2 – Compression Stroke 3 – Power Stroke 3 – Power Stroke 4 – Exhaust Stroke 4 – Exhaust * A stroke is one up or down movement of the piston in the cylinder

UT Extension Four-Stroke Operation

UT Extension Typical Four Stroke Lawn and Garden Equipment Push-Type Lawn Mowers Push-Type Lawn Mowers Lawn Tractors Lawn Tractors Garden Tractors Garden Tractors Pressure Washers Pressure Washers Chippers/Shreaders Chippers/Shreaders Garden Tillers Garden Tillers

UT Extension Two Stroke Operation

UT Extension Typical Two-Stroke Equipment Chainsaws Chainsaws Weed Trimmers Weed Trimmers Leaf Blowers Leaf Blowers Hedge Clippers Hedge Clippers Air Compressors Air Compressors Small Garden Tillers Small Garden Tillers Some push type lawnmowers Some push type lawnmowers

UT Extension Four-Stroke Engine Characteristics Separate fuel tank and oil reservoir Separate fuel tank and oil reservoir Heavier/larger than same HP two- cycle Heavier/larger than same HP two- cycle Cannot be tilted much to side Cannot be tilted much to side Longer engine life Longer engine life Larger HP uses Larger HP uses

UT Extension Two-Stroke Engine Characteristics Fuel and oil are mixed in fuel tank Fuel and oil are mixed in fuel tank No separate reservoir for oil* No separate reservoir for oil* Can be operated on side and upside down Can be operated on side and upside down Lighter/smaller for given HP Lighter/smaller for given HP Shorter overall engine life Shorter overall engine life Usually more noise and smoke Usually more noise and smoke * Some boat motors and motorcycles have a reservoir

UT Extension Main Causes of Premature Small Engine Failure (Short Engine Life)

UT Extension Dirt ! 60% to 70% of all failures are caused by dirt* getting into engine 60% to 70% of all failures are caused by dirt* getting into engine *Dust, insects, bits of grass, etc.

UT Extension Service air filter on a regular basis (usually once a season) Service more often under dusty or adverse conditions Service more often under dusty or adverse conditions

UT Extension For every gallon of gasoline used, the air filter must clean 10,000 to 11,000 gallons of air

UT Extension Air Filter – Paper Type

UT Extension Carburetor

Failure to use proper oil* * Viscosity (thick or thin) * Viscosity (thick or thin) * API Classification (SJ, SL, Etc.) * API Classification (SJ, SL, Etc.)

UT Extension Failure to change oil on a regular schedule Mileage Mileage Hours of use Hours of use Time of use (weeks, months, etc.) Time of use (weeks, months, etc.)

UT Extension Failure to maintain proper oil level in crankcase Check dip stick Check dip stick Check oil level plug Check oil level plug

UT Extension Checking Oil Level

UT Extension Failure to use clean, fresh fuel Dirty fuel tank Dirty fuel tank Dirty fuel can Dirty fuel can Dirty funnel Dirty funnel Trash/dirt around fuel cap Trash/dirt around fuel cap

UT Extension Install a fuel filter on fuel line if not factory equipped

UT Extension Fuel Filter

UT Extension Use a suitable fuel container to prevent fuel contamination and insure safety Metal cans will eventually rust inside Metal cans will eventually rust inside Plastic containers will not rust Plastic containers will not rust Use a funnel with mesh filter Use a funnel with mesh filter

UT Extension Can Good Plastic Fuel

UT Extension Failure to use proper fuel Unleaded fuel is cleaner burning Unleaded fuel is cleaner burning Choose proper fuel octane level Choose proper fuel octane level Do not use fuel containing alcohol Do not use fuel containing alcohol Use lead substitutes if 1974 or older Use lead substitutes if 1974 or older

UT Extension Operating tips to extend engine life Let engine idle for two minutes before stopping Let engine idle for two minutes before stopping Never stop under load Never stop under load Avoid stalls and sudden impacts Avoid stalls and sudden impacts

UT Extension Avoid Impacts

UT Extension Flywheel Keyway

UT Extension SAFETY!!! Use approved fuel containers Use approved fuel containers Never fuel a hot engine Never fuel a hot engine Stop engine before making repairs or adjustments Stop engine before making repairs or adjustments

UT Extension Motor Oils

UT Extension Castrol Brand Oil

UT Extension Functions of Motor Oil Lubricate moving parts Lubricate moving parts Seal around gaskets, seals, piston rings Seal around gaskets, seals, piston rings Clean contaminates from engine parts Clean contaminates from engine parts Remove excess heat from engine Remove excess heat from engine

UT Extension Oil container has information on oil quality and viscosity

UT Extension API (American Petroleum Institute) circle contains API Service Classification and Viscosity

UT Extension API Circle

UT Extension VISCOSITY Is the oil thick or thin? Is the oil thick or thin? Affected by temperature Affected by temperature Affected by shear of oil molecules in lubrication process Affected by shear of oil molecules in lubrication process All oils are tested at same temperatures to establish viscosity rating All oils are tested at same temperatures to establish viscosity rating

UT Extension Viscosity Values SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W SAE 30, 40, 50 SAE 30, 40, 50 SAE 10W-30, 5W-30, 15W-50, 10W- 40, etc. SAE 10W-30, 5W-30, 15W-50, 10W- 40, etc. “W” means suitable for wintertime use (cold temperatures) “W” means suitable for wintertime use (cold temperatures) “SAE”- Society of Automotive Engineers “SAE”- Society of Automotive Engineers

UT Extension API Service Classifications “S” - for gasoline engines “S” - for gasoline engines (S- Spark ignition) (S- Spark ignition) “C” - for diesel engines “C” - for diesel engines (C- Compression ignition) (C- Compression ignition)

UT Extension Gasoline Classes SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL SA is lowest quality SA is lowest quality SL is highest quality SL is highest quality

UT Extension Diesel Classes CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH CA is lowest quality CA is lowest quality CH is highest quality CH is highest quality

UT Extension Petroleum Based Oils Base stock of about 85% oil by volume Base stock of about 85% oil by volume Additives of about 15% by volume Additives of about 15% by volume Additives include detergent, anti- oxidation, anti-corrosion, extreme heat, extreme pressure, anti-rust, etc. Additives include detergent, anti- oxidation, anti-corrosion, extreme heat, extreme pressure, anti-rust, etc.

UT Extension Value of Oil Additives? Slick 50, T-Plus, STP, Motor Honey, etc. Slick 50, T-Plus, STP, Motor Honey, etc. Usually not worth the price !!! Usually not worth the price !!!

UT Extension T-Plus Additive

UT Extension Why Change Motor Oil? Replace additives Replace additives Remove contaminants ( water, acid, carbon, etc. Remove contaminants ( water, acid, carbon, etc.

UT Extension When to Change Motor Oil? At recommended mileage At recommended mileage (3,000 on cars, trucks, campers, etc.) (3,000 on cars, trucks, campers, etc.) At 50 hours on small engines At 50 hours on small engines More often under severe conditions (pulling heavy loads, steep More often under severe conditions (pulling heavy loads, steep climbing, etc.) climbing, etc.) Change when oil is hot, not cold Change when oil is hot, not cold

UT Extension Changing Brands of Oil You do not have to use the same brand of oil forever in a given engine You do not have to use the same brand of oil forever in a given engine To change brands, drain old brand and replace with new brand – change oil filter at same time To change brands, drain old brand and replace with new brand – change oil filter at same time Use same viscosity Use same viscosity

UT Extension Oil for Your Small Engines SAE 30* SAE 30* SAE 10W-30 SAE 10W-30 Synthetic oil Synthetic oil * Above 40 degrees F * Above 40 degrees F

UT Extension Temperature Chart

UT Extension Synthetic Motor Oil Better than petroleum based oil Better than petroleum based oil More expensive More expensive

UT Extension Synthetic Oils

UT Extension Advantages of Synthetic Oil More detergent additive More detergent additive Better cold weather lubrication Better cold weather lubrication Better high temperature protection Better high temperature protection Longer engine life Longer engine life Better lubrication Better lubrication Better fuel efficiency Better fuel efficiency Can be mixed with petroleum oil Can be mixed with petroleum oil

UT Extension Disadvantages of Synthetic Expensive (about $4.50/quart) Expensive (about $4.50/quart) Not recommended for turbochargers Not recommended for turbochargers Not for dirty engines (inside of engine) Not for dirty engines (inside of engine) Not for most diesels Not for most diesels Not for new engines Not for new engines

UT Extension Tips for Synthetic Use Use same viscosity Use same viscosity Can be mixed with petroleum based oil Can be mixed with petroleum based oil Use regular oil filter Use regular oil filter Change at same change intervals Change at same change intervals

UT Extension Oils for Two-Cycle Engines

UT Extension Not the same as engine oils Different additive package Different additive package Different viscosity Different viscosity Higher price Higher price Different mix ratios Different mix ratios Different rating system Different rating system

UT Extension Mix with Gasoline for Engine Lubrication Use only two-cycle oils Use only two-cycle oils Use proper ratio of gas to oil Use 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 mixing One mix and exact mix simplify mixing

UT Extension Mix Ratios Parts of gas and oil to be mixed Parts of gas and oil to be mixed Can be ounces, pints, quarts, gallons Can be ounces, pints, quarts, gallons Examples: Examples: 16:1 16 parts gas to 1 part oil 16:1 16 parts gas to 1 part oil 24:1 24 parts of gas to 1 part oil 24:1 24 parts of gas to 1 part oil 50:1 50 parts of gas to 1 part oil 50:1 50 parts of gas to 1 part oil

UT Extension Making one gallon mix 128 ounces in one gallon 128 ounces in one gallon 16:1 mix 16:1 mix 16 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part oil (8 oz.) 16 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part oil (8 oz.) 50:1 mix 50:1 mix 50 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part oil (2.6 oz.) 50 parts gas (128 oz.) to 1 part oil (2.6 oz.)

UT Extension Two-Cycle Oil Classes TA, TB, TC*, TD TA, TB, TC*, TD TSC-1, TSC-2, TSC-3*, TSC-4 TSC-1, TSC-2, TSC-3*, TSC-4 ONE MIX* ONE MIX* EXACT MIX* EXACT MIX* * For lawn and garden equipment * For lawn and garden equipment

UT Extension Two-Cycle Oil

UT Extension Two-Cycle Oil

UT Extension Exact Mix Oil

UT Extension Fuels for Engines

UT Extension Octane Ratings for Gasoline Octane rating is a measure of resistance to pre-ignition of fuel Octane rating is a measure of resistance to pre-ignition of fuel

UT Extension Engine Ignition

UT Extension Octane Ratings 87 Octane – Regular 87 Octane – Regular 89 Octane – Regular+ 89 Octane – Regular+ 91+ Octane - Premium 91+ Octane - Premium

UT Extension 87 Octane Fuel Low resistance to pre-ignition – usually best for 4-cycle lawn and garden and automobile engines that are not high compression Low resistance to pre-ignition – usually best for 4-cycle lawn and garden and automobile engines that are not high compression

UT Extension 89 Octane Fuel Best for engines that knock or ping slightly on 87 octane fuel or older engines with slight carbon build-up in combustion chamber Best for engines that knock or ping slightly on 87 octane fuel or older engines with slight carbon build-up in combustion chamber

UT Extension 91+ Octane Fuels Best for high compression engines or engines that knock or ping on 89 octane fuels Best for high compression engines or engines that knock or ping on 89 octane fuels

UT Extension Compression Examples

UT Extension Leaded vs. Unleaded Gas Lead was banned by EPA in 1989 because of air pollution Lead was banned by EPA in 1989 because of air pollution Lead was put in gasoline to boost octane levels Lead was put in gasoline to boost octane levels Some engines built before 1974 need lead to lubricate exhaust valves and seats Some engines built before 1974 need lead to lubricate exhaust valves and seats Use a lead substitute in pre-1974 models Use a lead substitute in pre-1974 models

UT Extension Octane Boosters Tetraethyl Lead* Tetraethyl Lead* Ethanol Alcohol Ethanol Alcohol Methanol Alcohol Methanol Alcohol Oxinol Oxinol MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)* MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)* * Now Banned from use * Now Banned from use

UT Extension Seasonal Blends of Gasoline Winter Blend – Very Volatile Winter Blend – Very Volatile Spring Blend – Moderately Volatile Spring Blend – Moderately Volatile Summer Blend – Low Volatility Summer Blend – Low Volatility Fall Blend – Moderate Volatility Fall Blend – Moderate Volatility

UT Extension Gasohol A mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% alcohol (usually ethanol) A mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% alcohol (usually ethanol) About 40% less air pollution from gasohol About 40% less air pollution from gasohol Can cause severe problems in some engines used infrequently Can cause severe problems in some engines used infrequently

UT Extension Problems with Gasohol Alcohol attracts water to fuel system Alcohol attracts water to fuel system Alcohol destroys plasticizers in gaskets, o-rings, seals, floats, diaphragms, etc. Alcohol destroys plasticizers in gaskets, o-rings, seals, floats, diaphragms, etc. Alcohol causes severe corrosion Alcohol causes severe corrosion Alcohol dissolves some additives in two-cycle oils Alcohol dissolves some additives in two-cycle oils

UT Extension Gasohol vs. Gasoline Gasohol – 78,000 BTU’s per gallon Gasohol – 78,000 BTU’s per gallon Gasoline – 115,000 BTU’s per gallon Gasoline – 115,000 BTU’s per gallon

UT Extension Gasohol and Small Engines Avoid use of gasohol fuels in small engines- especially two-cycle engines Avoid use of gasohol fuels in small engines- especially two-cycle engines

UT Extension Fuel Useful Life* Gasoline – about 90 days Gasoline – about 90 days Gasoline + Two-cycle oil – About 60 days Gasoline + Two-cycle oil – About 60 days Diesel Fuel – About two years Diesel Fuel – About two years * Depends greatly on temperature and humidity * Depends greatly on temperature and humidity

UT Extension Fuel Stabilizers Can be added to fuel in storage container Can be added to fuel in storage container Can be added to fuel storage tanks Can be added to fuel storage tanks Can be added to fuel tank on engine Can be added to fuel tank on engine Can be added to fuel tank for long term storage of equipment* Can be added to fuel tank for long term storage of equipment* * Run engine for five minutes to distribute stabilizer to all parts of fuel system

UT Extension Fuel Life with Stabilizers Gasoline – Up to two years Gasoline – Up to two years Gasoline + Oil – Up to one year Gasoline + Oil – Up to one year Diesel Fuel – Over two years Diesel Fuel – Over two years

UT Extension Stabilizer Brands* STA-BIL STA-BIL GUMOUT GUMOUT McCullogh McCullogh Others Others *Available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Auto parts stores, etc. *Costs about 10 cents/gallon of fuel

UT Extension STA-BIL Stabilizer

UT Extension Disposal of Used Oil Contains carcinogens !!! Contains carcinogens !!! Do not pour on ground !!! Do not pour on ground !!! Collect oil in suitable container Collect oil in suitable container Take to recycling center for disposal Take to recycling center for disposal Centers will also take gear oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, freon, Centers will also take gear oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, freon,

UT Extension Used Oil One gallon will foul taste of one million gallons of fresh water One gallon will foul taste of one million gallons of fresh water Toxic to plants and animals Toxic to plants and animals Can be refined into new oil* Can be refined into new oil* *One gallon of used oil will make 2.5 quarts of new oil

UT Extension Off Season Storage of Small Engines Change engine oil Change engine oil Drain fuel tank* Drain fuel tank* Clean exterior of engine Clean exterior of engine Remove spark plug, add one table spoon oil, replace spark plug Remove spark plug, add one table spoon oil, replace spark plug Cover loosely to keep clean Cover loosely to keep clean Store in dry location Store in dry location * Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank

UT Extension Adding Oil At Sparkplug

UT Extension Cleaning Engine Exterior

UT Extension Liquid Cooling Systems Circulating fluid (coolant) assists in removing heat of combustion Circulating fluid (coolant) assists in removing heat of combustion Coolant is usually a mixture of antifreeze and water Coolant is usually a mixture of antifreeze and water Coolant must be changed periodically to remove corrosion and replace additives Coolant must be changed periodically to remove corrosion and replace additives

UT Extension Antifreeze Types Ethylene glycol (green) Ethylene glycol (green) Propylene glycol (green) Propylene glycol (green) Long-Life ethylene glycol (orange) Long-Life ethylene glycol (orange)

UT Extension Replacing Antifreeze* Regular antifreeze – Drain, flush and replace every one to two years Regular antifreeze – Drain, flush and replace every one to two years Long life antifreeze – Drain, flush, replace every 5 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles Long life antifreeze – Drain, flush, replace every 5 years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles * Additives include corrosion inhibitors, sealers, water pump lubricant, heat transfer compounds

UT Extension Toxicity Ethylene glycol – very toxic Ethylene glycol – very toxic Propylene glycol – non toxic* Propylene glycol – non toxic* * Will be slightly toxic after use in cooling system – picks up contaminants such as lead, mercury

UT Extension Freeze Protection Pure antifreeze – minus 9 F Pure antifreeze – minus 9 F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – minus 34 F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – minus 34 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – minus 84 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – minus 84 F

UT Extension Boil-Over Protection Pure antifreeze – 98 degrees F Pure antifreeze – 98 degrees F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – 265 F 50% water + 50% antifreeze – 265 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – 282 F 30% water + 70% antifreeze – 282 F

UT Extension Mixing Anti-Freezes Regular antifreeze (green) and Long- life antifreeze (orange) cannot be mixed !!!!!!! Regular antifreeze (green) and Long- life antifreeze (orange) cannot be mixed !!!!!!! Regular antifreeze contains alkaline corrosion inhibitors Regular antifreeze contains alkaline corrosion inhibitors Long life antifreeze contains organic acid corrosion inhibitors Long life antifreeze contains organic acid corrosion inhibitors

UT Extension The Beginning of a Better Maintenance Program and Longer Life for Engines on Your Lawn and Garden Equipment