I'm looking for an extremely shear stable oil that I can run in a small air-cooled 6.5hp generator. While looking for some 40w I noticed Syntec 10w40. I wonder how good this oil would be for the application and if it would be a good choice for this application. Also, do you guys think that there is really any viscosity enhancers even present? This paticular generator will be used in 90 degree weather and run for up to 12 hours non stop.
Syntec 10w40 question
- Thread starter Gilitar
- Start date
- Status
You'd be better of to run the Syntec 0w30 European Formula. This is the "famous" GC which has its own forum here on BITOG.
We know from extensive testing that this oil is extremely shear stable, showing no viscosity loss even on extended drains. In addition it is a "thick" 30wt, being very close to a 40wt.
We know from extensive testing that this oil is extremely shear stable, showing no viscosity loss even on extended drains. In addition it is a "thick" 30wt, being very close to a 40wt.
If you feel you must use a multi-weight, a full synthetic is much more likely to hold up under the conditions you stated than a conventional motor oil of the same viscosity range you indicated. But, given the expected ambient temperature, what's wrong with using 30 weight conventional? Air cooled engines inevitably have higher discrepencies in local operating temperatures that liquid-cooled engines avoid due to a liquid's superior heat transfer ability as well as a liquid cooling jacket's ability to circulate the coolant efficiently to all areas of concern. For air-cooled engines that translates to increased oil stressing - compounded with multiweight oils from VII breakdown. (A 10W-40 range, even using a full synthetic, almost certainly relies on VIIs to some degree.) If the engine under consideration relies on a splash lubrication system, maintaining lubricating oil stability may be all the more important.
Also look at Shell Rotella T Synth 5w-40 for a synth, but since cool temps are a non-issue, a 15w40 seems appropriate. Another consideration would be a HDEO strait 30 weight if you have a concern over VIIs. Strait weight and air-cooled are synonomous.
Depending on what this generator is being used for, I would not want to use a high ash content HDEO in it that could cause spark plug fouling.
If ambient temps are always going to be above 40F when its being operated, then a SJ or SL rated straight 30wt would be a good choice.
If ambient temps are always going to be above 40F when its being operated, then a SJ or SL rated straight 30wt would be a good choice.
Redline is extremely sheer stable.
Chevron Delo SAE30. I use it in my air cooled equipment and even my trail Jeep. It's awesome (and back in Jan, was $.99/gal on closeout)
Oh, I just remembered...my brother-in-law lent me his 300cc Kawasaki leaf blower (it cranks!). The tag states to use SAE30 for summer, 10W30 for fall/winter, and 10W40 for both. I have been using strait SAE30 and even last fall it started without issue. I'm not sure about other 30 wts, but Chevron claims that Delo SAE30 is ok to use down to +15*F.
FYI, I think you might find some Havoline SAE30 and SAE40 on clearance at Advance Auto.
What? You don't believe me?quote:
Originally posted by G-Man II:
Where do you get it that Chevron says their 30wt is okay down to +15F?
http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/nafl/auto/content/faq.shtm#passenger
Zaedock,
Just to split hairs: the link you provided refers to Chevron Supreme, not Chevron Delo. There's a difference.
But I, too, recommend Chevron. I use Delo 15w40 in a diesel generator and Supreme SAE 30 in a 14 HP gas generator. Obviously both are good year-round in my location.
Cheers, Mark
Just to split hairs: the link you provided refers to Chevron Supreme, not Chevron Delo. There's a difference.
But I, too, recommend Chevron. I use Delo 15w40 in a diesel generator and Supreme SAE 30 in a 14 HP gas generator. Obviously both are good year-round in my location.
Cheers, Mark
I agree that straight 30 or even 40 Chevron Supreme is the way to go in this case. Aircooled engines almost always "like" the straight wieghts and "cold" starts at 90F arent exactly a reason for a multigrade.
That chart is ridiculous, IMO. Note that right next to that +15 it says "Not recommended when cold temperature starting is required."quote:
Originally posted by Zaedock:
What? You don't believe me?quote:
Originally posted by G-Man II:
Where do you get it that Chevron says their 30wt is okay down to +15F?
http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/nafl/auto/content/faq.shtm#passenger
Yeah...so??? I don't think it IS recommended, but can start at +15f.
That must be one heck of a leaf blower! I've ridden motorcycles at highway speeds with smaller engines than that!
I also like the HDEO's in the aircooled engines. I would definitely agree with using the GC 0w30 from AutoZone if you want to go synthetic. Syntec 10W-40 would work fine, but would be on down the list of ones that I would use. I've been using up some SAE 30 Amsoil (that I originally bought to use in an old diesel Ford tractor-realized it was too old to now use synthetic). It seems to work well in the air cooled engines, and supposedly has no VII and has a 10w30 rating as well due to synthetic basestock. IIRC,it only comes in gallons, though.
G-Man, I don't think anyone is waiting for it to get down to +15f to go out and put SAE 30 into their cars. The point being that "allowed" and "recommended" are two different things. Did you notice the SAE 40 which goes down to only +32f is in that same box where the "recommendation" against use when cold starting is required? How is cold starting actually defined? How can you say use at +15f is so bad anyway? Have you done a visc/temp plot? Maybe the chart is stating that an engine will crank ok at that temp, but it's not a "recommended" application. That's just common sense for us but the guy on the street might not be so aware. You know I have a lot of that oil around and live in northern climate. If I had some in-duty and the temp fell to +20f or +15f, I would not panic and dump the oil. Around here, it could shoot up to +50f to +60f for another month in the Fall and in Spring the oil might not see those temps EVER again. I'd just expect you to be a lil more open-minded.
- Status
Similar threads
