snowblower/thrower oil

[Fanatical Meat]

Mine uses 5W/30 and its 20 years old. I accidentally picked up a 5/30 semi synthetic. I know synthetics can leak more but will it be too "slippery" for an older engine? I've heard synthetics aren't recommend for older engines.
I do check its oil level fairly regularly.

 

[Raizinman]

First you say semi synthetic and then you say synthetics. Which is it? There is a difference.

If it is semi synthetic, that is about 80% dino oil and 20% synthetic.

If it was my snow blower, and I was regular about changing the fluid and maintenance, I would be using a full synthetic all the time. Just make sure you use the correct weight.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

First you say semi synthetic and then you say synthetics. Which is it? There is a difference.

If it is semi synthetic, that is about 80% dino oil and 20% synthetic.

If it was my snow blower, and I was regular about changing the fluid and maintenance, I would be using a full synthetic all the time. Just make sure you use the correct weight.

its a semi synthetic oil, I drain & change every year plus check the level at least twice a year depending on how much I use it.
Thanks

 

[evident]

i've not had a problem using synthetic in any of my power equipment, even ones that have had dino in them previously.

 

[jlee]

It's not going to matter. If you get leaks with synthetic that you didn't have before, you should repair the motor properly anyway.