User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 4:33:28 PM EDT
Just picked up a Generac GP6500e (thanks Irma
 ); what kind of oil should I use (after break-in 30hr change)? I've got Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mobil 1 10w-30 both full synthetic. The manual that came with it calls for straight weight above 40F, but the online manual from Generac calls for 5w-30 for all temp ranges.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 5:03:49 PM EDT
[#1]
The 10w30 M1is more shear stable than the 5w30. A syn diesel 5w40 or regular 15w40 would work great as well.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 5:15:29 PM EDT
[#2]
Mobil !
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 7:06:12 PM EDT
[#3]
I like rotella 15w40 or whatever is common in diesels.
I do happen to have a fair bit of 10w30 mobil synthetic from all the sales and rebates and what not. I would be more cautious with a brand new car that calls for that 0 weight stuff or whatever we are down to now. Generator, break it in and as long as we are not talking crazy tech stuff then 10w30 or 15w40 rotella is about all I run. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 7:13:51 PM EDT
[#4]
Accel branded pre 88 engine oil has considerably more zinc in it to protect non roller tipped valve stems and lifters. I've been wondering if it might be a better choice than Mobil 1 fully Syn in generator engines.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/10/2017 8:18:11 PM EDT
[#5]
For small gas engines:
Mobil 1 10/30 is the best all around oil for your needs (Winter and summer). I run it in all my small engines and they seem to love the 10/30 oil. For large diesel engines: 15/40 Rotella |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/11/2017 1:23:25 AM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would be more cautious with a brand new car that calls for that 0 weight stuff or whatever we are down to now. Fortunately, there are no CAFE regulations for generators. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/11/2017 7:47:38 AM EDT
[#7]
On Friday, I picked up a bunch of Quaker State Ultimate Durabilty full syn 5w30 and 10w30 in 5 qt jugs.
Advance Auto. Marked $33 but rings up $8.45. Comes in both green and gold jugs. Some stores have one or tje other discounted, some have both. Can check inventory online, but will show full price. $8.45 when scanned. There is also an online rebate of $7 per jug available. Up to 3 jugs. So $1.45/ 5 qts of full syn. I'm good for quite a few years now
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/11/2017 8:34:34 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Just picked up a Generac GP6500e (thanks Irma ); what kind of oil should I use (after break-in 30hr change)? I've got Mobil 1 5w-30 and Mobil 1 10w-30 both full synthetic. The manual that came with it calls for straight weight above 40F, but the online manual from Generac calls for 5w-30 for all temp ranges.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/159722/thegenny-303191.png I’d pick up the phone and call Generac. Let them explain the difference between the manual and online and then use what they recommend. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/11/2017 8:37:17 AM EDT
[#9]
Well, here I am, no power. Watching TV and on the Internet! Still got the oil that came with it in it and its been on for about an hour now.
Got the TV, DVR, WiFi, Fridge and Coffee pot running! 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 6:11:23 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well, here I am, no power. Watching TV and on the Internet! Still got the oil that came with it in it and its been on for about an hour now. Got the TV, DVR, WiFi, Fridge and Coffee pot running! |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 7:15:41 AM EDT
[#11]
I would do a break in oil change at 4-6 hours. No more than 8 hours on break in oil. But that is just me. Synthetic oil is used in all my air cooled generators, mowers, bikes, well everything with a motor now.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 7:49:06 PM EDT
[#12]
Electricity came back on today, ran on the break-in oil for 34.1 hours; the manual says change after 30 hours on break-in oil so I'll change it this weekend. Decided to go with the 5w-30 Mobil 1 Full Synthetic.
So far so good! At one point we had fridge, microwave, window ac, coffee pot, tv, satellite, sound bar, WiFi, 4 fans, 2 lights, hair dryer and phones charging, no issues at all. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 8:09:53 PM EDT
[#13]
Break in is less about oil and more about the break in. Unlike larger engines, the first time many of theses run is when the consumer starts them the first time. Given the high volume / low cost supply chain, there is casting core sand, die cast flashing, and assembly debris that gets flushed put on the first change.
Sometimes the initial oil spec is a little different to facilitate wear in. Straight weight vs.multi visit is just assuming you are using in a consistent environment. 5w30 is a great "catch all" spec for a small engine like that. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 8:17:00 PM EDT
[#14]
I would use synthetic racing oil or maybe diesel oil that has more anti-wear ingredients. Auto oil is pretty stripped down now to meet emissions standards and protect exhaust gas sensors instead of being optimized to protect the engine. I would definitely use a heavier weight oil in a hot environment, 5w20 would probably be a good thing to have in there if you were expecting a winter storm.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 9/13/2017 8:21:47 PM EDT
[#15]
I bought a Honeywell 5500 which is a rebranded Generac. The manual says to change oil after 25 hours. I ran mine for 125 non stop when I brought it home. Now it sits with the Amsoil 30HD that replaced the break-in oil. Only has about 3 hours on it since and now runs on natural gas.
Eta: my microwave and generator did not play well together. Just this spring I ran mine on NG and back feeding my panel for real. Fridge, two freezers, and lights had one line loaded to 11 amps and the other at 5 which went to 13 with the coffee maker. Should have enough to run the furnace if we lose power in winter. |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/15/2017 8:37:08 PM EDT
[#16]
As I understand it, and being no expert, most gennys come without oil, and require the owner to install such before startup. I strongly suggest using the start-up oil recommended by the mfr at initial start-up, because if there are any manufacturing defects, and the genny has to be returned, using a non-recommended oil might very well be to your disadvantage. As voiding the warranty.
After successful initial run-in, choice of oil is up to you. Having a tachometer/engine hour meter will be of assistance in changing the oil. Let's do a comparison. Water-cooled car engine running at 50 mph and given a (conservative) 4000 mile oil change interval. That is 80 hours non-stop running, which is considered by the car mfr as standard duty usage, and that's what they base their car oil change intervals on. Your genny probably has its' oil running a LOT hotter than your car engine which at least has the oil being air-cooled by the air running over the oil pan, and maybe an auxiliary oil cooler in your car. Your genny is probably sitting in a sheltered location, out of the wind-driven rain, and so running hotter than your car engine. Again, being no expert, I'd suggest a fairly short oil change interval, and also suggest using the proper grade oil for your genny. Some folks have been known to rig up a floor fan to blow cooling air over their genny, and that is certainly something to consider. Most Gennys have no oil filter, so changing initial start-up oil at half the interval suggested by the mfr might not be a bad . Engine oil is ruined by contaminants, and heat. We know this. With respect to most Gennys, since they have no oil filter, and no air flowing over them to cool the oil, and unfiltered contaminants are unrestrained, and run throughout the engine. Heat is something that stationary gennys placed out of the rain, and hence out of free-flowing air often face. I'd suggest using grade of oil suggested by Mfr, and changing it often, maybe every 40 hours or so. It's usually less than a quart, and that oil gets mighty hot. I have yet to see a single engine of any type ruined, or even damaged, by changing the oil too often. I certainly have seen some engines ruined by failure to change oil in a timely manner. Good luck to you! |
|
|
|
Posted: 9/15/2017 8:44:12 PM EDT
[#17]
I'd use the Mobil 1 5w30. I run Mobil 1 in my 97 Grand Cherokee and 01'Wrangler. Got 255,500 on my Cherokee. 146,000 on my Wrangler. Both still running strong. Both 4.0's.
Steve |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
