My motorhome has a Genrac Q-55G generator with the Generac GN480 engine (only 97 hours on it). It's a 2 cylinder V engine on it's side and I think is about 15 hp. Anyway, I figure I might as well run Redline since it takes heat better and it won't be that costly because the generator only holds maybe a half quart to a quart IIRC. Is 100 hours enough time to switch to Redline or should I run dino for another 50 hrs first?
Redline Oil in Generator?
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You can ask these guys: Ziller Electric Generator Forums
It's in my lawnmower that lives a tough life every Saturday. I have no idea if it's better for the lawnmower but it makes me feel better and that's worth a quart of oil every now and then. I've been dinking around with an infared non-contact thermometer and the readings on the cylinder head are lower than with the dyno oil after three or four hours of pushing that thing around the back yard. Not science but I could not walk by that toy without buying it and trying it on everything around the house.
If the engine ISN'T broken in by now, you must be already using a pretty good oil!
Generator had 69 hours when I bought it. Oil was perfectly clean and had a NAPA Gold filter on it. It is now close to 100 hours, so I figure it's a good time to change it. Will go with the Redline 10w30.
Just looked at the manual. It says 1.5 quarts and to change oil every 50 hours and filter every 100 hours. So maybe I should use the Maxlife Synthetic I have on stash instead, but with Redline I should be able to run 100 hour OCIs, right?
EDIT: Another option is that I have 9 qts Amsoil PAO 10w30 on stash. That may be the best alternative. Supposed to run something like SE grade, which I think has more zddp. So I would want to add some zddp to the Amsoil, whereas the Redline should have enough.
6 of my Amsoils are SL CF and meet ACEA A3, the other three are SM and do not list ACEA A3.
EDIT: Another option is that I have 9 qts Amsoil PAO 10w30 on stash. That may be the best alternative. Supposed to run something like SE grade, which I think has more zddp. So I would want to add some zddp to the Amsoil, whereas the Redline should have enough.
6 of my Amsoils are SL CF and meet ACEA A3, the other three are SM and do not list ACEA A3.
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JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
If you accumulate 50hrs over a short period of time (like weeks), I wouldn't waste the Redline, and use Shell R-T or a good OPE oil instead. If it works out to a yearly or beyond dump/fill, Redline would be great IMO. Those are nice gensets.
Joel
Joel
It's likely to take a while to get 50 hrs. Took a two week vacation and only put about 25 hrs on. So in a year, maybe 50 to 75 hrs. I'd love to go Redline, but perhaps better to use that Amsoil stash, or should I save that for the motorhome's engine?
In spite of my 184 quart oil stash, I made a special and difficult trip to Detroit Speed Shops and bought the Redline for the generator.
You are doing exactly what I do. I use syn oils in all my small engines.
I had a rash of problems and outright engine failures using conventional oils in S. FL heat. So did many portable generator users after the hurricanes.
I switched to Mobil 1 15w50 as a knee jerk reaction to the problems I was having. It has served me well in the pumps. However I use Delvac 1 5-40 in my ATV, JD tractor and other engines with less stress on them.
Chris
I had a rash of problems and outright engine failures using conventional oils in S. FL heat. So did many portable generator users after the hurricanes.
I switched to Mobil 1 15w50 as a knee jerk reaction to the problems I was having. It has served me well in the pumps. However I use Delvac 1 5-40 in my ATV, JD tractor and other engines with less stress on them.
Chris
Redline 10w30 functions like a 10w40 in the bearings. HTHS is 3.8
Mower is a beater. Got for free. I put any old oil in it, but not too thin and always boost zddp. Ran 10w30 Citgo Ultralife HM upwards of 1200 ppm zinc. Then ran Valvoline VR1 Racing straight 40. Now has HDMO 15w40, mixed with some Redline. Next maybe 20w50 Durablend. Might be fun to get a straight 50 for it. Or could use my Valvoline 20w mixed with enough VSOT to make a 20w40. The possibilites are endless.
I think I will get a quart each of VR1 SAE 50 and 60. Can use in mower and also to thicken automobile oil in summer.
Mower is a beater. Got for free. I put any old oil in it, but not too thin and always boost zddp. Ran 10w30 Citgo Ultralife HM upwards of 1200 ppm zinc. Then ran Valvoline VR1 Racing straight 40. Now has HDMO 15w40, mixed with some Redline. Next maybe 20w50 Durablend. Might be fun to get a straight 50 for it. Or could use my Valvoline 20w mixed with enough VSOT to make a 20w40. The possibilites are endless.
I think I will get a quart each of VR1 SAE 50 and 60. Can use in mower and also to thicken automobile oil in summer.
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