Honda manual says to change the oil every six mos regardless of the hours. I am not questioning Honda. But is there something inherently harmful in letting motor oil sit in a generator or other OPE for a long period of time? Does it form some harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the engine parts? I understand about an oil change based on the number of hours run. But if it's just sitting around, is it that big of a deal not to change it? Thanks.
Question About OCI Based on Time Interval Alone
- Thread starter Hot_Ajax
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Thanks. I thought it sounded insane, too. I guess they just want to sell that high-priced Honda oil.
Typical one size fits all suggestion that is in place to protect the manufacturer from lube related issues down the road.
They have to make a suggestion along with the fine print thanks to the pricey lawyers that they have on staff. Take what is written with a grain of salt and make an educated, wise decision and don't lose sleep over it.
They have to make a suggestion along with the fine print thanks to the pricey lawyers that they have on staff. Take what is written with a grain of salt and make an educated, wise decision and don't lose sleep over it.
Originally Posted By: Hot_Ajax
But is there something inherently harmful in letting motor oil sit in a generator or other OPE for a long period of time? Does it form some harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the engine parts?
Oil oxidizes when sitting in the crankcase, whether you run it or not. Oxidation will eventually degrade the oil. Most car manufacturers put a 2 year time limit on the oil. Not sure about a generator engine...
But is there something inherently harmful in letting motor oil sit in a generator or other OPE for a long period of time? Does it form some harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the engine parts?
Oil oxidizes when sitting in the crankcase, whether you run it or not. Oxidation will eventually degrade the oil. Most car manufacturers put a 2 year time limit on the oil. Not sure about a generator engine...
When dealing with an unknown user base simple is best. Too often is better for the manufacturer than too few and for some users/customers using the big hammer is necessary, otherwise they might never change the oil. There are people that own and operate a new car and have no idea that it needs to be serviced every now and then. I'd say that kind of problem is evident with generator owners as well.
6 months is way excessive for an idle machine with a quality oil in it. Most detergents and additives that are exposed to air, older oils and metals have about a 2-3 year life before they begin to break down. Sealed oil containers last in excess of 10 years before any deterioration can be detected. Even then, the oil is still good to use.
I'm guessing it's an attempt to make extra money with a half truth.
I'm guessing it's an attempt to make extra money with a half truth.
as you say, calendar time is a lousy method for oci. You may use parameters like running hours, amount of fuel burnt, conditions like dusty/heat/load/rpm may shorten ocis.
For OPE, saying something like 40 hrs running or 2 years/never if not used is ok
For OPE, saying something like 40 hrs running or 2 years/never if not used is ok
It's been a while, but I did send in an OPE Mobil 1 15W-50 oil sample after many years of sitting in a seldom used generator. The results came back just fine. The oil still retained a high TBN, all additives were at normal levels and there was no water or acids. The inside of an engine is reasonably well sealed from the outside environment.
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