Dear LubesnGreases,

Ive been reading with interest and disbelief the articles regarding obsolete products being passed off as valid lubricants, and I was surprised to read the suggestion in Tom Glenns April column (Caveat Venditor, page 12) that these could in fact serve in some manner in the crankcases for small engines (i.e., spark ignited, up to 1,000 cc in displacement and 25 HP, as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). While one might use these oils for assembly purposes if a small engine is being rebuilt, there is no way that they should ever find their way into the crankcases.

Despite their small stature, these engines require the modern stuff just as their big brethren do. Perhaps even more so as many of them are air-cooled – serving such purposes as for handheld equipment (chainsaws, trimmers, etc.), lawn mowers, generator sets, pumps and just a wide variety of applications – and the oil serves an even more significant role in keeping temperatures to acceptable levels.

Though some 2 stroke engines are still produced, the overall availability of 2 stroke engines (in the smaller displacements) has diminished considerably in favor of 4 stroke engines, primarily due to emissions regulations. The new mini 4 strokes of course have crankcases and require a full quantity of a high quality oil. For these smallest 4 strokes and all those ranging up to 1,000 cc in displacement and less than about 25 HP, many of the engine manufacturers are now offering their own branded oil for various reasons – including ensuring that the good quality stuff is available.

John Fischer

Palatine, Illinois