Oil recommendations


Commercial Engine Oil Recommendations by Vanguard Engines


*
Below 4°C (40°F) the use of SAE 30 will result in hard starting and could cause a lack of lubrication failure.

**Above 27°C (80°F ) the use of 10W-30 may cause increased oil consumption. Check oil level more frequently.

  • SAE 30 5°C and higher (40°F and higher) is good for all purpose use above 5°C, use below 5°C will cause hard starting.

  • 10W-30 -18 to 38°C (0 to 100°F) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 27°C (80°F) or higher.

  • Synthetic 5W-30 -30 to 40°C (-20 to 120°F) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.

  • 5W-30 5°C and below (40°F and below) is recommended for winter use, and works best in cold conditions.
  • For continuous-use, such as commercial lawn cutting or pressure washing, use Vanguard 15W-50 Oil (temperatures from -7°C to 54°C (20°F to 130°F)).

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.

*NOTE:  Briggs & Stratton engines are not designed to run on E85 fuel. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol (alcohol) and 15% gasoline, which is not compatible with most engines intended to run on regular gasoline. While alcohol is an excellent octane booster, it delivers less power, having an energy value of only about 77,000 Btu per gallon versus 114,000 Btu for regular gasoline. E85 also demands a different fuel-to-air ratio to burn efficiently, requiring specially calibrated carburetors. Further, specially designed fuel system components are required to withstand the high alcohol concentration found in E85.

For additional information on fuel type, please download our Fuel Requirements PDF.


Type of oil to use

  • Use a high quality detergent oil classified "For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ" or higher.
  • Do not use special additives.
  • Choose a viscosity according to the table above.

To view the most current information regarding oil type and capacity specific to your engine, please view your engine Operator's Manual online. Engine Break-in procedures for both Synthetic and standard oil remain the same.

Synthetic Oil Caution API Service

 

 

Note: Synthetic oil meeting ILSAC GF-2, API certification mark and API service symbol (shown at left) with "SJ/CF ENERGY CONSERVING" or higher, is an acceptable oil at all temperatures. Use of synthetic oil does not alter required oil change intervals.

Manuals

Download the operator's manual for your Vanguard engine or equipment by following our step-by-step process.

Dealer

Take advantage of the expertise your local dealer can provide for service and support on your Vanguard engine.

Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information contained in your engine Operator's Manual. The material provided above is not intended to replace work performed by a Briggs & Stratton authorized dealerTerms and Conditions apply to all of the information presented on this website. Always be sure to completely read and understand your engine Operator's Manual.