Oil viscosity for Generac EFI 8500

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Jun 10, 2024
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I have been using Redline 5w30 in the Generac XT8500EFI since I got it. It's got about 170 hours and gets changed every 50 hours. I live just outside of Waco Texas. I know the Redline has an hths of 3.7. Should I run 15w40? It uses absolutely no oil and gets used used year round. I just want to have it start easy in the low 20s* as well as protection to 105*.
If I keep using 5w30, would it be detrimental to the Chinese 459cc motor?
I spray the oil filter thing with nonchlorinated brake cleaner and let it dry. It also has a Gold Plug drain plug.
 
I would stay with the 5w-30, especially if it is working well. If you have a euro car that uses 0w/5w-40 you could use that as well.

Don't forget about the air filter. It looks like it needs cleaned or replaced every year or 200 hours.
 
Yes, I also have a spare air filter. The torch plug was changed out with an NGK for piece of mind. I have yet to check valve adjustment, seems fine though. I did "burn out" the spark arrestor with my torch.
 
Update:
Odered 0w40 RL and changed it. A smidgen higher hths of 4.0 . I will feel better about using it in the extremes, both heat and cold.
The magnet drain plug had almost no goop on it.
 
Clean and full for the win. The most important factor is to regularly check to make sure it HAS oil. More often when it's Texas hot out... And if you blow the crud out of the cooling fins on a regular basis, then you're miles ahead of the average Joe.
 
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