Generator Oil

[rraiderr]

I just picked up a Champion 4 stroke 1500 watt generator. It need an il change.

If there any issue with me using some synthetic motorcycle oil in it? I have several cases of it.

Thanks

 

[FiremarshalRob]

My champion 4 stroke 5500 watt generator calls for a 30 wt. I use Rotella SAE 30 in it. No problems.
What weight does it require and what weight motorcycle oil are you talking about?

 

[rraiderr]

Calls for 30w but was going to run some left over Amsoil 40 weight motorcycle oil.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

Lol, WHAT BRAND, your gonna get some shear down comments im sure

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: rraiderr
Calls for 30w but was going to run some left over Amsoil 40 weight motorcycle oil.


Might be a little high on viscosity, but synthetic - you should be fine.

Hot where you live?

 

[mechtech2]

Some generators [like some Hondas] need a thinner oil, or at least a multigrade to start.
There is an oil pressure switch tied in to the ignition.
No matter what, I would not use a straight weight in your engine.

 

[artificialist]

People in the Lawn and Garden section usually have the best advice for small gasoline generators.

 

[wag123]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
No matter what, I would not use a straight weight in your engine.

I totally disagree.

 

[raytseng]

if you're going through the trouble of servicing, I'd rather just have the peace of mind and use oil of the right operating viscosity in there. Whether it's diesel/gasoline car/moto straight/multigrade I don't think matters as much.

If you don't have it around, how much can it possibly take? maybe .5-1 quart?

Also, I'd spend the $5 and change out the spark plug too, and maybe put a little some fuel injector cleaner/stabilizer in the tank. I suppose this depends how often you run it.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Some generators [like some Hondas] need a thinner oil, or at least a multigrade to start.
There is an oil pressure switch tied in to the ignition.
No matter what, I would not use a straight weight in your engine.


He meant Amsoil 10W-40.

 

[05GMC]

I just bought a new 1500w gen. with a chonda engine in it , it calls for 13.5 oz. of 10w30 oil .

 

[rraiderr]

Thanks guys.

I will just but some of the recommended oil.

 

[MrRPM]

I use rotella 15w-40 in mine

 

[JR]

mccolluch mac prower-pro 800e : m1 0w-30 in now

powermate 3500watt techush5.5hp ohv : m1 truck&suv 5w-30 57hrs on oci

 

[Donald]

I would use Amsoil 4 stoke oil or straight 30. Its a small generator, takes maybe 1 QT. Cost is not an issue.

 

[Errtt]

Originally Posted By: MrRPM
I use rotella 15w-40 in mine


I'm using the same although it calls for 10-30 and it runs fine.
Might go synthetic on the next change, probably the Rotella 5-40 since I have a bit left over. Using the 5-40 in the Honda HRX mower too.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
People in the Lawn and Garden section usually have no idea of what they are talking about.


Fixed.

 

[SuperDave456]

+1 for "People who are in lawn and garden have no idea what they are talking about"

I've run into some folks who really know their stuff at Home Depot and Lowes, but none of them have any idea about lubricants outside of door hinges and garage doors.

I've been researching generators for quite some time, as Texas is going to have another Scorcher this summer, and the EPA just shut down 2 coal fired power plants that were NECESSARY to keep the lights on during last summer.

So this summer it looks like they will have "scheduled" rolling blackouts during peak usage hours.

I'm thinking about purchasing a smaller unit to cool 1 room and run a mini fridge.
Since our peak temp last summer was 107, I'm thinking about just sticking to a brand name 15w40 and changing it out every 50 hours or whatever the manufacturer recommends.
I haven't purchased yet, as I am currently between jobs and things are tight.

Part of my decision for 15w40 is that peak hours are from 3-7pm, and the rear of my house faces West. So this air cooled motor will be in direct sunlight during the majority of the time it is running.

 

[JR]

i use delvac 1300 15w-40 or wolfhead's synblend 15w-40. i have full syn in mine because i had extra's to use up. i like the wolfshead because it is farrly cheap and is a syn blend hdeo.

 

[2cool]

I have an HF 5500 watt generator. The Chonda clones are very oil tolerant, didn't notice any difference in fuel consumption between MC 10W-30, a mix of Pennz LL Gold and RP 15W40, and G-Oil 5W30. But they DO have an appetite for 91 Octane. For that it's just half Regular and Half Premium (comes to 90.5 arithmetically; but there are tolerances). You will get the most difference in performance with a good spark-plug and air filter maintenance.