Oil / Filter types for generator engines

[Rico567]

I'm awaiting delivery on a Generac 10KW standby unit I've ordered, which will be fueled by our 1K gal LP bulk tank. The spin-on oil filter looks pretty standard, and after 8 hours on the factory fill oil, the manufacturer recommends a 5w30 synthetic, with 2 year / 200 hour change intervals.

I was wondering if there were any experiences or opinions out there on the type of oil / filter for an engine that is used very seldom except for a weekly 10 minute no-load exercise cycle. With no experience, my initial reaction is that 2 years seems like a long time under these conditions. Of course, propane burns very clean.......

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I change our similar unit's oil/filter annually. It gets tested monthly for 15 minutes or so (with a load), and I usually end up using it "for real" two or three times a year for a few hours at a time.

 

[Kira]

Hello, Don't sweat the brand of oil-just go with a quality name. If it was my generator, I'd see if WIX or Baldwin or Hastings had a listing. I was happy to find a WIX for my friend's Cub Cadet lawn tractor. Kira

 

[Cujet]

For whatever reason, I always find a Purolater Pure one cross reference for all my equipment. Those filters are made well and have served me well for many years. The only exception is the K+N oil filter I installed on my Polaris ATV. As the K+N has a "nut" on the end for easy removal (necessary in this application).

The John Deere filter I cut apart was not as good quality (in my opinion) as the Pure one.

I'm not saying they are the best. Only that they have known, acceptable quality.

 

[tig1]

I have a good friend that is a Generac certified tech on these generators. I have helped him with various repairs(even engine replacements) and "preventive maint" checks. He uses Mobil 1 5w30 in all his generators and changes the filter and oil every 2 years with the exception of a long run if the power fails. When we change the oil it is very clean, but we change it according to Generac requirements. As for oil filters, he uses a good after market filter which works fine.

 

[Donald]

I would just get some Amsoil 4 stroke oil and yes it in your generator and all OPE. Its great stuff.