Generator Oil Change

[PAkev]

I just purchased a used generator from an estate sale. It is a 3000KW powered by a 5hp Briggs motor. Both motor and power works fine but I want to change the oil since I know nothing about the previous preventive maintenance service.

I can't find anywhere on the unit where it indictates the type of oil to use. I'm thinking I should be safe with a good grade of 10W-30. Any other helpful thoughts appreciated.

 

[mscher]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Never heard of using a multi-grade oil in an air cooled engine, since they run hotter.

Usually it is straight 30 wt detergent oil.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Where is that LubeDude when you need him?:=

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

10w30 is what is recommended by Briggs and it's what you should be using. Straight 30 weight oils have been obsolete for a long long time.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Generator Oil Change

My B&S 6.5 hp lawnmower engine calls for 30W. Easy to find.

My 350cc air cooled wheeler calls for 10-40.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Generator Oil Change

SJ/CD high detergent 30 weight is what B & S asks for.

JRJ wheelers need special additives too for the clutches and gearbox. FYI if you ever change or check your wheeler oil and it starts smelling like gear oil change it quick and do it twice. That smell is a sighn of the clutches burning. I work at a big dealership and we use mostly Honda GN4 in all the wheelers we sell (Suzuki, Honda, Arctic Cat, BRP, Kawisaki).

 

[xtraham]

Re: Generator Oil Change

http://www.commercialpower.com/display/router.asp?docid=78570

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Directly from the horses mouth:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/display/router.asp?docid=64066

10W-30 0 to 100 °F (-18 to 38 °C) is better for varying temperature conditions. This grade of oil improves cold weather starting, but may increase oil consumption at 80°F(27°C) or higher.

Synthetic 5W-30 -20 to 120 °F (-30 to 40 °C) provides the best protection at all temperatures as well as improved starting with less oil consumption.

You should not be using straight 30 weight oil unless your engine is already consuming oil and you are trying to cover up the problem. It is obsolete.

I have a B&S master service technician certification, BTW...

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Of course, we all know that you are a BS master anyways 8)

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Of course, we all know that you are a BS master anyways 8)

They say he's such a good fisherman too that they call him Master Baiter.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Of course, we all know that you are a BS master anyways 8)

Takes one to know one.

 

[Vlad D Impeller]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Hey! com' on, lets get back on topic.
I bought a used 5HP Honda lawn mower about 2yrs ago, with no service manual or any of the sort, i've been using Pennzoil 10W 30 fully synthetic in the darn thing simply 'cause i bought about 600 quarts of it very cheaply from a friend whose oil changing business failed.
The lawnmower starts on the first pull and runs beautifully, i'd hate to think that i'm screwing it up by using the wrong oil.
Am i using the wrong oil?
What damage could i be inflicting on the best mower i've ever owned?

 

[PAkev]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Thanks Fellas,

I've also got plenty of 10W-30 in my garage. I plan to use the generator to keep our freezers going and perhaps some lights on in the event of a power outage. Therefore it can potentially be used at various temperatures during operation outside but will be stored in the garage attached to my house which stays well above freezing during our northeast winters.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Of course, we all know that you are a BS master anyways 8)

Takes one to know one.

It`s good to see someone else getting the Cr*p I usually get!

Personally, being that you are using it the way you say you are and the winters are pretty grueling in your neck of the woods and you will likely have the unit outside when you are running it, I would actually use a 5W-30 synthetic. It will start easily when it`s cold outside and protect your investment very well.

We have to get over this Idea that 5W-30 oils are thinner than a 30W oil at operating tempurature. It`s every bit of a 30W as a 30W and it will protect your engine actually better as you won`t have the warm up time as you would with a straight 30W. Most of these engines don`t have an oil pump and rely on the splash method. A cold 30W won`t splash very well.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Am i using the wrong oil?
What damage could i be inflicting on the best mower i've ever owned?

You should look on Honda's website to see what they recommend. 10w30 is probably fine, though I'd use synthetic. Hondas have lots of extra and very expensive moving parts to break. I use Amsoil 10w30 in all my small engines...since they take less than a quart of oil there really isn't any reason to use cheap stuff...

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Generator Oil Change

If you use 10-30w you will just be fine unless it is an diesel then use 15-40w.I use 10-30w oil in let see about 50 small engine at work and never had a problem,the trick to it is to change it often.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Bob VT Thanks for the wheeler tip.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Generator Oil Change

Remember to change the oil every 50 hours or so. Make sure that the oil filler plug is good and sung - - those engines vibrate a lot & if the plug works out you burn up the engine.

I have a 3KW generator that I have used through several extended outages (like three weeks +) due to hurricanes. Make sure also that you use a heavy enough extension cord especially for refrigerators. The light weigh cords do not carry enough current to do the job.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Generator Oil Change

PAkev,

mscher, the first guy to answer you is correct. Air cooled engines are BEST served by straight 30W oil. You can use 10W-30 but you will see higher oil consumption. If you live up North and use the generator in the Winter then OK go with 10W-30. If you live in the South then go with staright 30W.

I know that anything about oil is much disputed on this forum but this is what is recommended by many air cooled engine manufacturers.

Good Luck,

Gold Bear 8)

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Generator Oil Change

I know that anything about oil is much disputed on this forum but this is what is recommended by many air cooled engine manufacturers.

Did you even read this post? 10w30 IS WHAT BRIGGS SAYS IS THE BEST! 10w30 will not increase oil consumption unless you are using it in VERY hot weather (over 100) and your engine is already worn out.

30w oil is completely worthless in the year 2006. It should not be in any engine for any reason. No manufacturer recommends it as the first choice.