Oil change interval for heavy use Predator 5000 inverter generator
- Thread starter Cmobile
- Start date
So we debated buying a Honda generator for the reliability factor, but for this "start up" the logic we used...
Buy the honda clone (AKA Predator) with the 1-time replacement warranty (1 year i think)
If the business continues doing well, the plan is to update the trailer set up from a modified cargo traier to a used purpose built Splicer Trailer which is purpose built with Onan commercial generator. Those trailers are kinda spendy at $15-18k used.
Buy the honda clone (AKA Predator) with the 1-time replacement warranty (1 year i think)
If the business continues doing well, the plan is to update the trailer set up from a modified cargo traier to a used purpose built Splicer Trailer which is purpose built with Onan commercial generator. Those trailers are kinda spendy at $15-18k used.
@Cmobile So from what you are telling us this unit will be lightly loaded, given that it is replacing a smaller 3500 watt unit that was getting the job done. I cannot see a reason to change the oil more frequently than 100 hours AFTER the initial break in. User manuals are generally written towards the least common denominator to avoid warranty claims. I will weigh in on the side of the longer OCI PROVIDED that he uses a premium quality synthetic AND checks the level every day prior to operations.
With filter every 100 hours without filter every 50
What FV are you putting on a HF Predator genset? I'm on Fumoto web site and see no way to select products for HF generators.
Thanks,
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- May 16, 2022
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In this world I live now of everything extended drain I'll admit I'm a Dinosaur in my thinking and my oil change habits.
That Predator 5000 inverter generator holds .6 quarts of oil.
IF is was me and my generator not only would I NOT go over 100 Hours, IF I depended on the generator to make my living I would use a "per spec " small engine mineral base oil ( nothing fancy ) I would do an aggressive ( a few ) early break-in oil changes, add a magnetic drain plug or dip stick and perhaps change it every 50 hours or once a week, change to a high zinc synthetic after 100 hours ( or not) as i'll take a early oil change mineral over an extended synthetic. Straight 30w small engine mineral has kept my lawnmowers cutting grass 20+ years.
I would perhaps push oil changes out to 2 weeks but with that thing only using 1/2 a quart of oil and time to change it, I would change it often.
Those generators even have a built in drain hose so super EZ.
That Predator 5000 inverter generator holds .6 quarts of oil.
IF is was me and my generator not only would I NOT go over 100 Hours, IF I depended on the generator to make my living I would use a "per spec " small engine mineral base oil ( nothing fancy ) I would do an aggressive ( a few ) early break-in oil changes, add a magnetic drain plug or dip stick and perhaps change it every 50 hours or once a week, change to a high zinc synthetic after 100 hours ( or not) as i'll take a early oil change mineral over an extended synthetic. Straight 30w small engine mineral has kept my lawnmowers cutting grass 20+ years.
I would perhaps push oil changes out to 2 weeks but with that thing only using 1/2 a quart of oil and time to change it, I would change it often.
Those generators even have a built in drain hose so super EZ.
I measured the thread/bolt size on the oil drain bolt, then selected a valve with the correct thread / bolt size.
You will have to look at your generator to see if there is enough clearance room around the drain hole to allow the valve to screw in completely and seal. I've seen on some difficult/tight installations like garden tractors, some people used an extension pipe and then thread the valve on. I was fortunate that I was able to thread mine right onto the engine on my Honda generator.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Kohler says their Kohler Pro 10W-50 made by Amsoil is a 300 hour oil interval oil. I wouldn't go 300 hours, but it should be ok for 100 hours in the Predator. I've got Amsoil 10W-40 in my Kohler pressure washer and it's near 100 hours and still clear/no silver stuff.
With less than a one quart capacity and no filter, there is no way I would go 300 hours. I don't care what oil you're running.
75 to 100 max.
75 to 100 max.
I'm ordering a couple of these for both of my Westinghouse 9500 DF Generators. They will help make oil changes clean, effortless, and far less messy. I think they have them for other makes and models as well, if anyone is interested.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DWB37Z85/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A30A036E461J8Q&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DWB37Z85/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A30A036E461J8Q&psc=1
The reason you cannot extend the service interval is due to the fact there is no way to filter the oil. Air cooled, full pressure lubed engines can go much further.
If you wanted to mess around, make a bypass oil filter system at home with a pump, circulate the used oil thru the filter system overnight and use it another 100 hrs. By then the oil will be sheared and end of life.
If you wanted to mess around, make a bypass oil filter system at home with a pump, circulate the used oil thru the filter system overnight and use it another 100 hrs. By then the oil will be sheared and end of life.
100% agree. If the engine does not have pressure lubrication and options for an oil filter then it gets short changes. No point in using Extended Drain / premium engine oils.
Is it air-cooled or liquid cooled.
Limiting factor is small sump and no filter. make is easy do like every pay day or every sunday or whatver just do it.
