See full version: Small Engine Oil vs Automotive Oil
The purpose of this post is to discuss the difference between Kawasaki small engine oil and typical automotive oil. This information may also apply to other small engine oils to a greater or lesser degree. Since Kawasaki gives us more information about their oil than the other small engine manufactures do, we are most comfortable recommending and using their oil. Below we will discus two reasons why you should use small engine oil in small air cooled engines.
The other important difference between Kawasaki small engine oil and most automotive oil is the levels of zinc that are added to the oil. Kawasaki small engine oil contains much higher levels of zinc than most automotive oil. Zinc has outstanding anti-wear qualities under extreme pressure. It also acts as an anti oxidant. High heat conditions in small engines accelerate the oxidation process in oil. This causes it to thicken and break down into other molecules. Because zinc is an anti oxidant it helps to prevent this break down of the oil and extend its useful life. [links]
Small air cooled engines run hotter than most automotive engines do. This is especially the case on hot summer days. Air cooled engines don’t have a thermostat to control the engine temperature like cars do. As the air temperature gets warmer the air blowing over the engine to cool it also gets warmer. If you get grass or other debris stuck in the cooling fins it can make the problem even worse. The oil temperature in a small engine can reach 280 – 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot summer day. This is nearly 100 degrees hotter than the oil in a typical car. Automotive SN/SL oils are not designed for these temperatures and will begin to break down. Kawasaki small engine oil is designed for use in high temperature environments and will not break down as quickly.
While both automotive and marine oil can lubricate an engine, only some oils have gained endorsement by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. This endorsement assures boat operators the oil they select is up to the rigors of marine performance.
The NMMA has endorsed marine lubricants that meet their testing guidelines. The endorsed oils bear the TC-W3 trademark owned by NMMA for two-stroke engines, and the FC-W trademark for four-stroke engine oil. Marine oils bear the NMMA endorsement, while motor oils do not. [links]
Oil lubricates the metal parts of an engine, creating a grease-wall between the engine's moving metal parts. This reduces friction, saving wear on the engine, as well as increasing energy efficiency. It also removes the chemical by-products of internal combustion, transferring them to the oil from the engine. This stands true for automotive oil and marine oil.
There are many other differences, which is why I pointed readers to Bob Is The Oil Guy. You have to dig down to get to the forums. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub . um_summary
I don't know what else I can say. If you really want to get into discussing oil, go to Bob is the Oil Guy. here
Personally I'd use a 5w40 synthetic in most of those engines as long as the manual allows a 40w oil. here
So, I think the answer to your original question is that oil sold for your car is "10W30" (or whatever) because practically all cars are 4-stroke anyway and when you buy lawn mower oil they say it's "10W30 4-stroke" so you don't use it for a 2-stroke lawn mower (although you could in an emergency).
When it comes to off-road toys and lawn mowers, etc, they will also have an oil service grade recommendation. For example, my small Honda riding mower says "Use high-detergent, premium quality 4-stroke engine oil, certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s requirements for API Service Classification SG, SF/CC, CD." Sometimes they won't say "4-stroke" because that's a given. As I said earlier, when you buy oil in the lawn mower section, it might say "4-stroke" so you don't use it in a 2-stroke. So long as you use an oil with the right viscosity and service classification, you're good. As to what's inside the bottle, I don't really know. Actually, for my mowers (I also have a John Deere) I just use whatever I have left over from when I change oil in my cars, or buy the cheapest 10W30 motor oil at Walmart.
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