Small Engine Oil Finder

Select your equipment type, engine brand, and model to get the correct oil type, capacity, filter part number, and change interval — covering 15 brands and 38 engines from Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, and Kawasaki to Generac, Predator, Echo, Stihl, and Husqvarna. The interactive finder below returns an exact spec sheet; the guide and FAQ underneath cover the oil-type and change-interval questions that come up most.

What oil does a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine take?

Most Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engines use SAE 10W-30 motor oil for normal operating temperatures (above 40°F / 4°C). Use SAE 5W-30 for cold weather below 40°F. SAE 30 is acceptable for consistent high temperatures above 80°F / 27°C. Oil capacity is typically 15–20 oz for small walk-behind mower engines.

What oil does a Honda GCV160 lawn mower use?

The Honda GCV160 uses SAE 10W-30 motor oil for normal conditions (above 32°F / 0°C). Use SAE 5W-30 for temperatures below 32°F. Oil capacity is 12.5 oz (370 mL). There is no oil filter on the GCV160 — change oil every 50 hours or each mowing season.

How often should I change the oil in my lawn mower?

For most small engine lawn mowers, change the oil every 50 hours of use or at the start of each mowing season, whichever comes first. Riding mowers with larger engines (Kohler, Kawasaki, B&S Intek) typically have 100-hour oil change intervals. Always change the oil after the first 5–10 hours on a new engine to remove break-in metal particles.

What oil do 2-stroke engines like chainsaws and trimmers use?

2-stroke engines (chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers) do NOT have separate oil — the oil is mixed directly into the fuel. The standard mix ratio is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part 2-stroke oil). Use quality 2-stroke oil like Stihl HP, Echo Red Armor, or any ISO-L-EGD certified oil. Never run a 2-stroke engine on unmixed gasoline.

Can I use synthetic oil in my lawn mower?

Yes — full synthetic 10W-30 or 5W-30 is safe and often recommended for most small 4-stroke engines. Synthetic oil provides better protection in extreme temperatures, reduces wear, and may extend oil change intervals. Some commercial engines like Briggs Vanguard and Kohler 7000 Series require full synthetic oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade recommended for your engine.

What is the oil capacity of a Kohler Courage SV590?

The Kohler Courage SV590 (19 HP) has an oil capacity of 57.5 oz (1,700 mL) with filter. Use SAE 10W-30 for normal temperatures or SAE 5W-20/5W-30 for cold weather. The Kohler 52 050 02-S oil filter is cross-referenced with Fram PH6607 and WIX 51515. Change oil and filter every 100 hours or annually.

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