Briggs & Stratton recommend (strongly) that you use Briggs & Stratton oil specifically for the engine that you have. If you are using automotive engine oil it will make starting more difficult and the oil will not last as long. Further more you will get a much longer life out of your Briggs & Stratton if you use their brand of oil. I am not affiliated with Briggs & Stratton in any way. I know this by my own experience :)
Mower Man, May 2007