What Kind of Oil Can You Put in a Poulan Lawn Mower?

Kind of Oil

• Most of the time the Poulan lawn mower will operate in conditions above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, Poulan recommends using only an oil rated SAE 30 in its lawn mowers. When the Poulan lawn mower is used regularly in conditions under 32 degrees Fahrenheit, Poulan recommends switching to an oil with a multi-viscosity rating of SAE 5W-30. Use only high-quality detergent oils rated with an API service classification of SF, SG or SH.

Other Recommendations

• Modern oils on the marketplace today often use a multi-viscosity oil rating, such as a 10W-30. These oil classifications blend in, most often, with synthetic materials to improve the oil's performance over a wide range of temperatures. However, since a Poulan lawn mower will regularly operate in hotter temperatures, above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, these multi-viscosity oils will increase oil consumption. If you use multi-viscosity oils, such as a 10W-30 at these temperatures, check the oil level more frequently.

Checking the Oil

• Poulan recommends checking the oil level in the crankcase before each use and after every 8 hours of operation. To check the oil, pull the oil dipstick from its holder. Wipe off the tip with a rag, and reinstall it; pull the dipstick out again and check the reading. If the reading on the dipstick registers below the "Add" line, add more oil until the reading goes above this line. Add the oil slowly into the oil spout. The lawn mower must be on level ground before you check or add oil to the engine.

Changing the Oil

• For model-specific oil changing instructions, follow your operator's manual closely as specifications may differ widely from model to model. For Poulan push lawn mowers, Poulan recommends changing the oil after every 25 hours of operation. For Poulan tractor mowers, the company recommends changing the oil after every 50 hours of operation. Change the oil after the engine is already heated as the oil will drain more efficiently. Don't overfill the tank, adding oil in slowly a little at a time.