Should I use Synthetic oil in my Honda powered pressure washer?

RedFive · September 29th, 2003, 01:01 PM

Just got a new pressure washer. It is powered by a 5.5 hp honda engine. it comes with break in oil. And then calls for regular 30w oil.

Wonder if something like this would work better with mobile 1 and or red line?

Ther eason of concern is that a buddy of mine had a sim pressure washer and his honda motor went bad after a couple months.

**Confrontational** · September 29th, 2003, 01:11 PM

I have had mine for about 3 years - works great - spraying the lawnmower off, etc... Mine simply runs on Mobile - no break in oil...

SRT Mike · September 29th, 2003, 01:27 PM

Is it a 2-stroke?

If it is, I would NOT run synthetic, because it doesn't burn in combustion like mineral oil does.

If it's a 4-stroke, I feel synthetic is superior to regular oil under *all* circumstances. Probably won't get much noticeable extra life, but it probably hardly uses any oil, and often small motors like that are the ones that run real hot and work hard.

RedFive · September 29th, 2003, 03:03 PM

Mike,

It is 4 stroke.

I wonder if I should use the included break in oil first or just go full synthetic from the get go?

SRT Mike · September 29th, 2003, 03:06 PM

Hmm, if they took the time to include an oil called "break in oil" I would use that. It may be a different weight, or include more additives to get you through break in.

But as soon as that was done, I'd go with synthetic personally.

**Jerome** · September 29th, 2003, 03:54 PM

Matt give it some time before going to syn. oil. Put about one hour on it, and then change it to straight 30 again. After about 25 hours do the same. You will need about 100 before it is safe to go to syn. The rings in the little bastards will never seat if you go to syn. to soon.

10w30 can cause it to use oil.

Use 30wt at temps above 50 degreesF.
Use 10w30 below 50 but above about 20

I doubt you will ever use it in those cold temps but that also goes for all small engines.

RedFive · September 29th, 2003, 03:59 PM

Thanks Jerome. I know you know your shit on these motors. Thanks for the help.

**Hog Whisperer** · September 29th, 2003, 04:00 PM

What Jerome says. Synthetic oil is great but not on most brand new motors. Give those rings a chance to seat first.

**Jerome** · September 29th, 2003, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red5

Thanks Jerome. I know you know your shit on these motors. Thanks for the help.

You got it Matt.

Trained by, Tecumseh, B&S, Honda, Kawi, Kohler, etc, etc.

I guess you can say my hobby is collecting "Training Diplomas"

CollinsvilleZ · September 30th, 2003, 12:52 PM

I would be safe. After breakin I would use a Blend, as jerome said, if you don't allow the rings to seat good, they never will. A trick used on Z06's (2001 and some 2002) is to go to a Non-Detergent for two changes so the rings will reseat on oil burners. Mobil 1 is not recommend by many Service Managers, they believe more into Blends.