Portible generator oil???

[twentynine]

I go the cheaper route with my genny.

Presently using Syntec 5w-40 bought on close out at Walmart for $1.75.

In the past I have used Exxon 30w Superflow, Havoline Ursa 30w, and Havoline 30w HD. All have served me well, readily available, and affordable.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, days of running nonstop except for refueling and servicing. For Katrina we were out of power for 7+ days, refueled every 8 hours, changed oil every other day. Rita was a little better, 3 days, same routine. Lots of folks don't like Tecumsah, but that old 10hp horizontal shaft never failed to crank and while very loud, it never quit.

 

[philipsearcy]

I use Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5w40 in my 14hp Briggs generator. Change oil once a year, sometimes every other year, as long as the run time does not get past the 100 hour mark. With 5W-40, I am protected for 100F summers and 0F winters. No matter the temperature or when I unexpectantly need it, the right oil is in the crankcase. Philip.

 

[marco246]

Over the last few years I've done disaster relief work along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts during and following hurricane season. I've had ample opportunity to observe gensets in action--and in failure. The typical homeowner will buy a 5500W genset without an automotive-type oil filter (meaning the oil should be changed every 25 hours), will overload the unit, and will NOT change the oil. The result is inevitable failure.

The fact we're here on BITOG means no one reading this will be that dumb. Fact is just about any grade or brand oil will "do" as long as it's changed on time. We're all just trying to figure out the optimum for our application. For me it's an SAE 30 year-round in my Generac 7000, but it doesn't get cold here.

Whatever you've got, I recommend operating it under load at least once a month for maybe an hour. It's good for the machinery and for your peace of mind.

 

[bmwtechguy]

About the Schaeffers 5W-40: very robust oil, and rated for diesel/gas, now CJ-4. Full syn, I believe mostly a GIII/IV mix, possibly some ester or ester-containing additives. This is the best 5W-40 I have used. Rotella 5W-40 is close price, maybe slightly less. Mobil 1 5W-40 also a very stout oil, but a bit more cost.

 

[BarkerMan]

I think ACD is Amsoil's best product based on price/performance if the 10w30 rating falls in the range you need. Amsoil does make oil with better spec's but in the real world I just don't know if you will experience the difference. There is one exception that that is really cold weather. That is the only place that something like the AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30 would be a better choice and worth paying the difference for.

In a generator it makes sense to use a good oil because of the smaller sump size. I use Red Line 5w30 in my Honda lawnmower. In my last lawnmower the chassis fell apart and the Honda engine was still running like new. Two often neglected items that need attention is the air cleaner and fuel filter. I keep the foam part of the air filter washed and oil frequently, change the paper when even slightly dusty and use an automotive size fuel filter and change it once a year. I use a clear glass one with changeable elements and will change it sooner if even a slight amount of crud shows up. With my generators I add a large pre-filter to the air cleaner and a sight glass to the sump. I change the oil based on the number of gallons of gas burned. Sorry about running on, but I like my small engines.

 

[MinivanMauler]

"Over the last few years I've done disaster relief work along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts during and following hurricane season. I've had ample opportunity to observe gensets in action--and in failure. The typical homeowner will buy a 5500W genset without an automotive-type oil filter (meaning the oil should be changed every 25 hours), will overload the unit, and will NOT change the oil. The result is inevitable failure."

I can vouch for those claims.

After Hurricane Ivan, I ran my Briggs-powered genset 24 hours per day for 6 days straight, only shutting it down to refuel and change the oil.

I started mine off with Mobil 1 10w30, and when that ran out, I switched to Rotella-T syn 5W-40. I changed it every 24-28 hours.

I still have that generator. Still runs fine.

Most of my neighbors sent theirs to the landfill. It seems they thought the oil should be changed every 3 months/3000 miles. Terrible waste of some high-dollar equipment.

 

[Cmarti]

[
I can vouch for those claims.

After Hurricane Ivan, I ran my Briggs-powered genset 24 hours per day for 6 days straight, only shutting it down to refuel and change the oil.

I started mine off with Mobil 1 10w30, and when that ran out, I switched to Rotella-T syn 5W-40. I changed it every 24-28 hours.

I still have that generator. Still runs fine.

Most of my neighbors sent theirs to the landfill. It seems they thought the oil should be changed every 3 months/3000 miles. Terrible waste of some high-dollar equipment.
[/quote]

We had a Christmas Eve ice storm and were 10 days w/out power a couple years ago. I used Synpower 10w30, and went to Rotella T, as I had jugs on hand for other equipment. (I now use it in everything air cooled after this success) Neighbors ran their generators until the oil pressure shut off shut them down, then changed oil. I am the only one of 6 who still has the original generator. Is it the oil, or changes? My bet is changes.

My problem now is it is only used 3 or 4 times a year, at a tailgate or short power loss. Do I go by hours of operation, or just once a year????

 

[daman]

Originally Posted By: Cmarti

My problem now is it is only used 3 or 4 times a year, at a tailgate or short power loss. Do I go by hours of operation, or just once a year????

If you using it that much i'd go by Hr's,i think thats what i'm going to do,i plan on using it to run the house a few times a year just to get some use outa it and burn any moisture out of the oil,i'll change it @ 30hr's i think,manual says 50 but i think W/O a oil filter that's too long for a engine that's at full throttle all the time..

 

[WishIhadatruck]

I use GC in my 5500XL Generac portable. They recommend 5w-20 or 5w30 in the winter and 10w30 in the summer. It seems to run fine on GC but I've used 10w30 a lot in the past.

 

[javacontour]

I run my generator once each month with a 1500W load. I'll take it out on a Saturday and start it up, and after a minute, I'll put the 1500W space heater on it and run it for 15-30 minutes. Since I've not had to use it for more than about 3-4 hours during a power outage last spring, other than it's monthly exercise, it's only had one oil change.

I'm using Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 in it right now, FWIW.