Tune up of old Generac 10kW EXL

B

brandon9715

Joined
Dec 21, 2023
Messages
308
Location
Michigan
Hello all,
My dad just gave me his old Generac 10kW EXL. The generator has served our family for a long time now. As I was talking to him, he casually mentioned he has NEVER changed the oil or filter. Mind you, this generator has been in use for over 20 years. It runs great with no issues, but any suggestions? Obviously I plan to change the oil and filter before running it next. I have a can of BG EPR I could use as well to help clean it out. Am I worrying too much?
 
sounds like It just needs a good oil change.

filter, plug fresh gas with stabilizer should do it.

could check the valves.

what are you considering for oil. 10W-30 synthetic?
 
As a longtime owner of a Generac standby generator, I'd want to know what motor oil the owner's manual called for 20 years ago. Maybe Generac customer service can help with that. You'll get many viscosity recommendations on this forum. You should be able to find a Fram filter cross reference to what's on there now. I'd say your Dad was lucky not to have an engine problem.
 
NormanBuntz said:
As a longtime owner of a Generac standby generator, I'd want to know what motor oil the owner's manual called for 20 years ago. Maybe Generac customer service can help with that. You'll get many viscosity recommendations on this forum. You should be able to find a Fram filter cross reference to what's on there now. I'd say your Dad was lucky not to have an engine problem.
Click to expand...
SAE30 is what was spec. I plan to run Amsoil 10w30 small engine. No VII to shear.
 
Now I have to know I shot technical a email we will see if they answer I'm curious myself.
 
Pablo said:
Amsoil doesn’t directly answer formulation questions. But worth a shot.
Click to expand...
I had a inkling they probably wouldn't but why not ask right it's really not giving up a secret or proprietary information we know a company now that would answer and not even question it.
 
Pablo said:
Amsoil doesn’t directly answer formulation questions. But worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Amsoil would not answer in my email i received from them claiming a formulation question so with that said I guess we do not know if it's VII free.
It's sad they wouldn't answer such a basic question.
 
Could also use the Amsoil Premium Protection 10w40 AMO. It has High ZDDP numbers which would probably be good for a 30 year old motor…😉
 
Dutchy491 said:
Could also use the Amsoil Premium Protection 10w40 AMO. It has High ZDDP numbers which would probably be good for a 30 year old motor…😉
Click to expand...
I’m sure both would be great options, but what would you use? Premium protection has higher ZDDP, but I believe the small engine has more antioxidants. My thought was for a portable generator, antioxidants are high priority. Maybe I would be better served by higher ZDDP.
 
If the oil has never been changed, then I would recommend running a short interval or two on super cheap oil just to get rid of break in contaminants and whatever other crud is floating around in there. The other recommendations for replacing the plug and check valves are good ones too.
 
If a guy doesn't change the oil for 20 years -

What is the probability he cleaned the air filter and replaced the spark plug?

:unsure:

99% chance it is zero.
 
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