Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): oil pressure, oil pressure gauge, shell rotella t

Question
hi tom ; following up some questions previously asked ; my craftsman rider has 4 hours since new .i plan on installing a mechanical oil pressure gauge, what pressure should i expect to see? also what oil would be best hd 30w or rotella "T" 15w-40. I use the shell rotella (Dino)in my kawasaki mc with good results. And how many hours is best before first oil and filter change? model #31P977 type #1066 E1 B&S 20 hp itek 1 cyl. ty ,ken rochester ny

Answer
Ken I'm not real sure of the oil pressure on that model, I'll have to check that out and get back to you. You should change the oil and filter in my opinion on a new engine at 25 hours, then every 50 hours there after, or  25 hours all the time if run under heavy conditions. In the summer, and warmer months it is recommended to use a straight 30w oil. With a multi-grade oil consumption can be higher. I always save the multi-grades for snow blowers, and tractors being used in cooler months for easier cold starting, and protection. I am a fan of the Shell Rotella T heavy duty 30w.........I'm waiting for Briggs to call me with the pressure for your intek 20 hp, will revise this answer in a little while with that for you.........Tom
Alright Ken here yah go. This is coming directly from Briggs. The oil pressure is virtually unimportant as to the fact that the oil pump on that model is more like a slush pump moving the oil around for the filter. It's actual pressure is very low, maybe 9-13 pounds. Briggs told me even if the pump was to fail the engine would actually suffer no damage if it continued to run for years without it. They call it a oil pump but is actually rather misleading. They do sell add on audible, and visual low oil sensors, they work when the pressure drops to 3-5psi........I was told to tell you to save your money, and instead use it for oil changes which is more important......As I stated this is what I was told directly from Briggs & Stratton........Tom