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L-B F air filter oil

2K views 21 replies 12 participants last post by  M21BMR 
#1 ·
Any suggestions for an air filter oil for my Lawn-Boy F engines? I just washed 3 filters and in the past have used engine oil, but I'm wondering if something lighter like a 10W chain oil or even a household oil would work just as well without being heavy. I suspect that I've had a heavy hand when previously applying oil and that might be part of the reason my Fs have never run that well (residual oil getting sucked into carb).
 
#4 ·
At one time Lawn-Boy suggested to wash the filters out with the gas and oil mix. This left a residue of oil that saturated the filter all over. I have a problem when oiling new filters trying to get them oiled to the corners and in-between without dunking them in a tub of oil, then wringing them out in a rag.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I have some quarts of Pennzoil left over from when I used to change my own oil. I think it's probably 5W-30 or something similar. I use it to fill my old Rock Island Lines oil can and use that to oil the filters. I probably put more on than it calls for but it seems you need to do that to get the filter covered well. Squeeze it well with a paper towel to get the extra out. Bill
 
#7 · (Edited)
I have several Lawnboy owners manuals for my machines saved in the computer so I looked up what they said. The 8231 D-600 engine(1973) and the 5024 D-400 engine (1975/1977) both just said oil, 10 to 15 drops. The 4600 F engine (1983 to 1986) said 10 to 15 drops of 30wt and the 10415 F engine(1993 to 1995) said a tablespoon of 30wt oil. No where in any information I could find did it state use 2 cycle oil. The Lawnboy service manual states 10 to 15 drops of oil.
I did go out to the garage to check and as I stated previously I had said I thought it was 5w-30. I think the main point here is to catch the dirt before it gets through to the internals of the engine. There should not be so much oil that it is getting sucked out of the filter. 10 to 15 drops or a tablespoon spread evenly throughout the filter is sufficient to do the job. Bill
 
#8 ·
I agree with Bill, if it was imperative that 2 cycle oil be used, then it would state that in the manuals. If the oil is getting sucked in to the engine in any measurable amounts, the dirt would be as well. I just use whatever oil I happen to have in my little squirt can, which is whatever is leftover during oil changes on the cars (10W-30 Mobil 1 synthetic). Not sure why this subject would even be worth debating.
 
#10 ·
Thanks Roger! That's the same info as in the owners manual for the 10415. They must have figured a tablespoon was easier to measure than 10 to 15 drops. Bill
:sidelaugh
 
#11 ·
I generally use ZoomSpout oiler oil. I put two drops per square inch (just guessing size), and that usually does it.
 
#12 ·
I'm supposed to oil the filter? Now that I think about it...I don't think I have changed the filter on my LB since I got it several years ago. Pulled the filter out, blew the crap off of it, put it back in, and use it. I guess I should know better considering I have RC Nitro cars that use an oiled foam filter as well....but all of my other mowers use paper filters so I have never needed to oil a mower filter before. I keep good fuel in them, quality oil, change the plugs, grease the fittings, and keep them generally clean...but never look at the filter other than to knock the crap out of the cover.

Maybe it is time I take a look at the filter in my mower, trimmer, and blower soon....doubtful any of them have been touched in the past couple of years.
 
#13 ·
For informational purposes I used to wash my filters out in some kind of solvent such as kerosene or gas. Now I use Dawn dishwashing liquid. If it's good enough for the wildlife it's good enough for my filters. Actually Dawn works great as a deck and engine degreaser as well. Bill
 
#15 ·
I use Simple Green to clean my filters and I spray the outward facing side with WD40. My dad did it that way (the WD40, not the Simple Green) and I've been doing it for 40+ years now. It's just to help attract dirt, it doesn't have to be some magic formula oil.
 
#17 ·
I would guess that is why Lawnboy specified 30wt oil and not 2 cycle oil or something lighter. The idea is to have an oil with enough viscosity to stay in the filter and do the job trapping the dirt. There may be a lot of different products out there for use on air filters. I would just be sure they are compatible with a 2 cycle engine. On a side note, how many of you put your filters in facing the same direction that you took them out? Bill
 
#20 ·
On a side note, how many of you put your filters in facing the same direction that you took them out? Bill
I am very OCD about stuff like that. I also rinse from the clean side first to make sure all the dirty, soapy water runs out the dirty side. After Its clean I rinse all over. Its also a good idea to use grease on the sides of the filter where it contacts the airbox if the filter has shrunk any. New filters don't need grease on the sides since they fit tight.
 
#22 ·
I've seen a couple others mention this, but I use PJ1 foam filter oil. I originally bought the PJ1 to use on the air filter of a Honda XR200. I've long since sold the motorcycle, but the 20 year old can of filter oil still gets used when I need to oil a foam filter.
 
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