different oil for generator in cold weather?

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So a 0W-30 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 5w-30 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 5w-30 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 5w-30 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 5w-30 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 M1 10-30 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 0W-30 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 5W-30 SJ, and since the API specs are backwards compatible then SN is good to go, right?

And since ExxonMobil says that 0W-30 can be used in applications where 5W-30 is specified, then I'm good on that front too, correct?

Originally Posted By: lumpy_grits
Originally Posted By: kschachn
So a 0W-30 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 5W-30 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 5W-30 full synthetic only.


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