different oil for generator in cold weather?

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So a 0w30 should be fine too, right?

Originally Posted By: lumpy_grits
First, why not call Honda and ask them.
I have the EU 2000 'twins', and Honda sez either SAE, 5W30 or 10W30 is GTG.
Just my 2 cents,
LG
 
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
NO. You need an HD ODPE oil. See DOOG's post.



Huh.

I've never used a specific outdoor power equipment oil in my generators. Ever.

Hdeo in the summer and the cheapest 5w30 in winter. Changed every 100 hours.
 
And what would I use, anyway? My generator is a Generac, but it has a B&S engine. Both those companies sell oil. Which one should I use? Maybe a blend? What ratio?

I'm guessing the engine is about 2/3 the weight of the generator. Maybe I should use 1/3 Generac brand oil, and 2/3 B&S oil.

At least in the summer you are using something with "HD" in the acronym, that's better than what I use apparently.

Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
NO. You need an HD ODPE oil. See DOOG's post.

Huh.

I've never used a specific outdoor power equipment oil in my generators. Ever.

Hdeo in the summer and the cheapest 5w30 in winter. Changed every 100 hours.
 
That a dinky li'l unit - You could run Johnson-and Johnson Baby Oil. I haven't seen a VOA on it. Remember oil GRADE is not a service category. You shouldn't underspec your service category regardless of the "luck" some people may have doing so. MY Tecumseh SK *hp and my 6500 generac protest very loudly (knocking, rapping) when warmed on 5w30 ILSAC - Not so on RT5.
 
Last edited:
Are you talking to me? I can't tell from your post.

It's not dinky, it is a 10kW automatic standby generator with a 2-cylinder engine.

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
That a dinky li'l unit - You could run Johnson-and Johnson Baby Oil. I haven't seen a VOA on it. Remember oil GRADE is not a service category. You shouldn't underspec your service category regardless of the "luck" some people may have doing so. MY Tecumseh SK *hp and my 6500 generac protest very loudly (knocking, rapping) when warmed on 5w30 ILSAC - Not so on RT5.
 
Cold Start in North Carolina??

Choose a 10w30 HDEO oil and you're fine. While you're at it, why not pick up a 4 or 5 quart jug of the stuff: Chevron Delo, Pennzoil Long-Life, Shell Rotella, etc ...
 
Originally Posted By: kschachn
And what would I use, anyway? My generator is a Generac, but it has a B&S engine. Both those companies sell oil. Which one should I use? Maybe a blend? What ratio?

I'm guessing the engine is about 2/3 the weight of the generator. Maybe I should use 1/3 Generac brand oil, and 2/3 B&S oil.

At least in the summer you are using something with "HD" in the acronym, that's better than what I use apparently.

Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
NO. You need an HD ODPE oil. See DOOG's post.

Huh.

I've never used a specific outdoor power equipment oil in my generators. Ever.

Hdeo in the summer and the cheapest 5w30 in winter. Changed every 100 hours.



Honestly. I don't think the oil itself matters as much as changing it regularly.
We are really just splitting hairs here.
The season matters too. Because its air/oil cooled a person needs to consider that variable as well
 
You believed that story, huh. Hmmm
wink.gif


Originally Posted By: Clevy
Originally Posted By: kschachn
And what would I use, anyway? My generator is a Generac, but it has a B&S engine. Both those companies sell oil. Which one should I use? Maybe a blend? What ratio?

I'm guessing the engine is about 2/3 the weight of the generator. Maybe I should use 1/3 Generac brand oil, and 2/3 B&S oil.

At least in the summer you are using something with "HD" in the acronym, that's better than what I use apparently.

Originally Posted By: Clevy
Huh.

I've never used a specific outdoor power equipment oil in my generators. Ever.

Hdeo in the summer and the cheapest 5w30 in winter. Changed every 100 hours.



Honestly. I don't think the oil itself matters as much as changing it regularly.
We are really just splitting hairs here.
The season matters too. Because its air/oil cooled a person needs to consider that variable as well
 
I use Mobil 1 10w30 in my 5KW Powermate Subaru engine. I also use that oil in all my OPE. The oil stays clean, never turns black even with once a year OC in my Craftsman riding mower and power washer. Holds up well in high temps and cold starts well.
 
Originally Posted By: kschachn
So a 0w30 should be fine too, right?

Originally Posted By: lumpy_grits
First, why not call Honda and ask them.
I have the EU 2000 'twins', and Honda sez either SAE, 5W30 or 10W30 is GTG.
Just my 2 cents,
LG


Read the manual
wink.gif

SJ spec oil is called out by Honda.
LG
 
I did, they say 5w30 SJ, and since the API specs are backwards compatible then SN is good to go, right?

And since ExxonMobil says that 0w30 can be used in applications where 5w30 is specified, then I'm good on that front too, correct?

Originally Posted By: lumpy_grits
Originally Posted By: kschachn
So a 0w30 should be fine too, right?



Read the manual
wink.gif

SJ spec oil is called out by Honda.
LG
 
Well, I tend to believe the manufacturer of the product unless there is credible evidence to the contrary. I guess I don't think I have ever seen anything that showed me that they are wrong on that claim. And mine isn't a Honda BTW, it is a Generac where they specify (among others) the use of 5w30 synthetic oil year-round.

What do you think could be the downside to easier starting when cold? I do live in Wisconsin after all.

Originally Posted By: lumpy_grits
Just because Exxon sez somedangthing, don't make it so. Correct?
To maintain the Honda warranty. I will follow Honda's published instruction/guidelines.
LG
 
Originally Posted By: NormanBuntz
Safest bet is to go by the owner's manual. I have a Generac 13K generator that calls for 5w30 full synthetic only.


My Guardian references 5w30 synthetic but the usage range tops out at 10 F. 10w30 -10 to 40 F, above 32 use 30.
 
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