Engine Oil

[BobT]

What's the difference between diesel engine motor oil and gasoline engine motor oil? Is using diesel oil in a gasoline engine harmful?

Thanks,

[Whoaru99]

Generally....(or at least it used to be) diesel oils had more detergents and higher levels of additives for neutralizing acid and anti-wear properties.

As far as using it in a car, no doubt it is done.

Personally, and I'm sure this will bring on the stuff about Magnusson-Moss, but I wouldn't use "X" oil in an application where the oil viscosity and API (et al) service class didn't align with the vehicle mfg. recommendations.

[BobT]

Thanks. The application is a 14hp Briggs & Stratton engine on a lawn mower.

[Whoaru99]

I put pretty much anything I have leftovers of in my 6.5hp Briggs, long as it's of the generally recommended viscosity range. Take a little more care to check/ensure the proper specs for my "good stuff".