Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Synthetic Motor Oil in 15-HP B&S Lawn Mower Engines, briggs straton, synthetic motor oil

Question
Hi Mike,  My subject line pretty well sums up the problem.  The owner's manual that came with my Briggs & Straton mower engine (purchased some 8-years ago) stated that I was to use straight 30-wt motor oil when changing.  Now, I'd like to switch to synthetic so I won't have to change as often. (1) Should I do this ?  (2) It may be available, but I cannot locate dny "30-wt" synthetic oil on the shelfs in local stores. (3) All I see are duel wts. like "5-30" etc. Should I swith to one of these ?  And, if so, which one ? I have not asked these question of store clerks, cause I am not confident that they'd know what they were talking about.  What say you ?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Fletcher,

I don't know if switching to a multi grade synthetic would be okay for your engine.  Usually, regular oil is changed yearly which isn't too tiem consuming.  Also I think it is good to change oil at the intervals recommended with regular oil over synthetic, because the contaminates and acids are removed more often.

Best,
Michael