off topic. what type of oil for pressure washer?

[pnj]

alright guys, after looking all over the web and getting nowhere, I've come to the one site where I always get great answers.

I borrowed a intek pressure washer and it has a Briggs & Stratton engine. It takes regular gas and oil. it's a four stroke, same type of engine that would go in a lawnmower I think. six horse power.

I need to know what type of oil to put in it. the guy I borrowed it from doesn't know and I can't find a users manual anywhere.

Thanks

[supergper]

for the one at my old work we would always use 30wt nondetergent oil and it aways worked fine...different brand washer but same enigne as that one...

[pnj]

is that the same type of oil one would use for a car?

[Charlie H]

Yep, same type

[Zrexxer]

Are you talking about oil for the engine, or oil for the pump? You don't want to use engine oil in the pump. Here's a link that may be helpful:
Norther Tool FAQ

[pnj]

Originally posted by Zrexxer
Are you talking about oil for the engine, or oil for the pump? You don't want to use engine oil in the pump. Here's a link that may be helpful:
Norther Tool FAQ

thanks for the link.

I don't know if it's for the pump or what. there is a cap on top of the engine that says 'oil' and it has a dip stick attatched to it.

I sent the wife to the store to get oil so she'll ask the sales guy what we need. I'm sure it will be a bit more expensive then buying it elsewhere but I'll know for the next time.

thanks again guys.

[Jmb]

I use 10W30 in mine , same as I use in the car.

[Zrexxer]

Originally posted by pnj
thanks for the link.

I don't know if it's for the pump or what. there is a cap on top of the engine that says 'oil' and it has a dip stick attatched to it.

That sounds like the engine oil then. No problem using automotive oils in that, straight 30W or a narrow multi-vis like 10W-30.

The oil for the pump is separate and you don't want to use automotive oil in that because of detergents and additives in engine oil. It's probably filled through a pipe plug or other hex fitting on the pump body itself, and might have a sight glass for oil level rather than a dipstick.

[Sberry]

Yes, some pumps use gear lube and some use comp oil, but any engine oil will suffice. Summer straight 30 wt is usually preffered in small engines.

[cope]

Sberry is correct; straight 30 weight, but go with the high detergent. Non-detergent was used in the old days but detergent oil is recommended for newer engines. multi grade oils can increase oil usage.

[Sberry]

If I borrowed an engine and it was low on oil it would get changed. These little engines hold a qt and change often and before storage doesnt hurt anything as well as adding stabil to the gas.