Why 0w-40 a3/b4

[steve c]

May folks suggested this oil to run in my small engine inverter generator 4000 watt, over the recommended synthetic 5w-30.
No one specified why. So that's my question.... Why?

 

[Klutch9]

May folks suggested this oil to run in my small engine inverter generator 4000 watt, over the recommended synthetic 5w-30.
No one specified why. So that's my question.... Why?

Higher HTHS. Doesn’t have to be 0w-40 only. A3/B4 can be a 5w-40, 5w-30, etc. C3 oils also have the same minimum HTHS regardless of grade.

 

[GI_GRIFF]

No one specified why. So that's my question.... Why?

The a3/b4 spec is a euro spec that requires a higher HTHS value. higher HTHS translates into a higher oil film strength, protecting the metal parts inside the engine better than oils with a lower HYHS value. HTHS stands for "High Temperature High Shear". You could even buy a A3/B4 0w-30 Mobil ESP at Walmart that will give you a higher HTHS >3.5, than standard 5w or 0w-30 oils.

 

[Klutch9]

The a3/b4 spec is a euro spec that requires a higher HTHS value. higher HTHS translates into a higher oil film strength, protecting the metal parts inside the engine better than oils with a lower HYHS value. HTHS stands for "High Temperature High Shear". You could even buy a A3/B4 0w-30 Mobil ESP at Walmart that will give you a higher HTHS >3.5, than standard 5w or 0w-30 oils.

ESP 0w-30 is a C3 oil, not A3/B4. Still has the same HTHS requirement though

 

[GI_GRIFF]

ESP 0w-30 is a C3 oil, not A3/B4. Still has the same HTHS requirement though

Thanks, I will get this stuff straight someday, I hope.

 

[steve c]

So why doesn't the generator mfg recommend it?

 

[SR5]

No one specified why. So that's my question.... Why?

The European (ACEA) specifications are very high quality,
- A3/B4 is high HTHS (thicker) and high SAPS (more additives like TBN and most likely ZDDP).
- C3 is high HTHS (thicker) with regular SAPS additive levels, similar to ILSAC oils, better for exhaust catalyst protection.

A name brand oil like M1 0W40 or Castrol Edge 0/5W40 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40, would be A3/B4 (or C3) and API SP, plus carry some very difficult to pass OEM approvals like MB229.5 and Porsche A40. Making them arguably the highest quality products produced by Mobil, Castrol and Pennzoil respectively. While being very easy to find and reasonably affordable.

 

[SR5]

So why doesn't the generator mfg recommend it?

Because it's overkill for the application. But not bad for the application.

Plus Briggs & Stratton would look a bit strange saying that you should use a Porsche A40 oil.

 

[Rand]

So why doesn't the generator mfg recommend it?

So why don't you tell us the make and model of generator? else we don't even know the manufacturer so how can anyone answer that?

I run 15w40 in my inverter gen.. it runs hot when pushed near max load for hours.

 

[Revving2Redline]

Redline HP 5w30 will get you A3B4 in 5w30 and sheer less than M1 0w40

 

[steve c]

Aceup 4000 watt inverter generator.

 

[Plumb Bob]

This is one of those where 'Use the search function' is warranted.

A3/B4 Generator

 

[burbguy82]

A name brand oil like M1 0W40 or Castrol Edge 0/5W40 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40,

what about Valvoline?

Redline HP 5w30 will get you A3B4 in 5w30 and sheer less than M1 0w40

Yeah, at 3 times the cost

 

[loneryder]

I run 0-40 in my whole house generator. Easy cranking in cold weather and better protection in the heat of summer. It's a V-twin air-cooled engine.

 

[SR5]

what about Valvoline?

" A name brand oil like ........."

It's like them.

 

[ka9mnx]

I'm too cheap to use 0w-40 in my OPE. SuperTech 10w40 Blend is fine.

 

[Bighorn2500]

So why doesn't the generator mfg recommend it?

They're in the business of selling generators, if you use the minimum requirement they suggest that's good enough for them.

Some of us what greater protection and increased film thickness so we sleep better at night

 

[GI_GRIFF]

Plus Briggs & Stratton would look a bit strange saying that you should use a Porsche A40 oil.

I already put a laughy face on this yesterday, but every time I read it, I laugh again! The thought is pretty darn FUNNY!

 

[ka9mnx]

SuperTech 10w-40 has an HTHS of 4.0 What's not to like?

 

[4WD]

Redline HP 5w30 will get you A3B4 in 5w30 and sheer less than M1 0w40

Redline 10W-30 in my low hour 9500 watt …
2 year OCI since we have reliable power - crank it once in a while …