I have a GP6500 Generac generator that is air cooling. My power will be out all day and the power company advised us to plan for an outage while upgrading in happening. I pulled my standby generac out and checked the oil. It was due for service so I fired it up to warn it and drained the oil out. It only holds 1 quart for oil. The book said SAE 30, 10w30 or full synthetic 5w30. All I had on had in those three was a quart of Chevron Supreme 5w30 synthetic blend. It’s supposed to be 77-78 degrees today any it’s going to run to keep my fridge and freezers going as well as the celling fans to keep it cool inside. Should I change it out after these repairs on the power lines or do you think a 5w30 blend is stout enough for this application?
5w30 in a Generator
- Thread starter mpgo4th
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I use 10w30 in my workplace water cooled generator in Michigan . In your situation, I would feel safer using 10w30 oil.
I would try to find some regular 30wt oil. My Generac SE 10000 10kW generator has a Subaru Robin engine and both Subaru and Generac say to use 30wt or 10w-30 or 10w-40 at that temp range. Above about 75 degrees you can also use 40 wt. there are no 5w oils listed at any temp range.
Last edited:
Zee09
$200 Site Donor 2023
Only if it is HPL oil.... yeah, I get it-going away now
For the short run you will be fine. Make sure that you check the oil level at each fueling, using 5w30 you can expect to burn some, if you only have that one quart on hand this could be problematic. At your next oil change you should move to a full synthetic 10w30.
I've had a Generac 16kw standby generator for 17 years. MY owners manual specs 5w-30. In my experience the unit burned a 5w-30 blend faster, while full synthetic held up during long runs. If you use the blend, check the level frequently.
I have to believe it will work for your application today. Longer term I would change it out.
Personally I use Farm & Fleet 5w40 HDEO in my OPE including my generator. My theory is if the oil shears it is still going to be a 30 weight oil.
Just my $0.02
I use Mobil 1 0W-40 FS European car formula full synthetic motor oil this has served my generator well in hot or cold running day and night for 100 hours straight changed the oil and ran it 24 more hours. that was one of the longest nonstop stretches. I still have the 25 year old generator and still use Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro.
I went 11 days straight during Sandy with my BS powered 5600w Craftsman gen. Checked oil when oil check reminder came on. It had ST 5-30w synth. in it. Zero issues and only used a small amount of oil. Runs like a champ to this day with a few long running days under its belt using the same Warren made product.
Stationary Generac 10k unit at a weekend place runs on 0-30w M1 with no oil issues. It needs 0w bottom number for those -35F startups. 13 yrs and no issues. Oil changed via the service reminders.
Stationary Generac 10k unit at a weekend place runs on 0-30w M1 with no oil issues. It needs 0w bottom number for those -35F startups. 13 yrs and no issues. Oil changed via the service reminders.
You will be fine - don't trouble yourself. Now if it were five days continuous above 90 degrees, I would want a 15w-40.
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Am I wrong 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30 and SAE30 weight all meet the same high temperature SAE spec for SAE 30?
So in reality it shouldn't matter?
The ones with better cold pumpability tests may have more VII so may not last as long?
What Am I missing - they should be interchangeable no?
So in reality it shouldn't matter?
The ones with better cold pumpability tests may have more VII so may not last as long?
What Am I missing - they should be interchangeable no?
Yes they are the same grade. But there are high(er) HT/HS 30-grades which would provide better protection. HT/HS is a better metric anyway.
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Realize all this is significantly well over my head....
I understand the concept of HT/HS, I know a member here calculated that value for some specific oils and published a chart, and I would agree Higher HT/HS is better based on what I have read.
What I don't know is how to figure out the HT/HS for a particular oil?
good choice. May have less burn off than the 5w-30.
I used to be a small engine mechanic and I’ve read every engine manual available from about 2000-2015ish time frame.
Some engine manuals say to not use mineral 5W30 oil in air cooled equipment if it’s warmer than 40 degrees F outside. I tend to agree with this logic as I’ve seen mineral 5W30 just get absolutely hammered and disappear off of dipsticks very very quickly.
I live in Florida and would never ever use mineral 5w30 in air cooled equipment.
Generators run at constant 3600 rpm and suffer from fuel dilution and high load. Mineral 5W30 is barely adequate for the task, IF it’s kept full. You’ll need to add an ounce or three of oil every 8 hours.
Some engine manuals say to not use mineral 5W30 oil in air cooled equipment if it’s warmer than 40 degrees F outside. I tend to agree with this logic as I’ve seen mineral 5W30 just get absolutely hammered and disappear off of dipsticks very very quickly.
I live in Florida and would never ever use mineral 5w30 in air cooled equipment.
Generators run at constant 3600 rpm and suffer from fuel dilution and high load. Mineral 5W30 is barely adequate for the task, IF it’s kept full. You’ll need to add an ounce or three of oil every 8 hours.
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I don't think regular API oils are stout enough and have gone too envirogreen for the OPE stress/carbs/fuel/temps....
For short term usage, use the oil that you have, shorten the change interval, and buy a more specific small-engine oil.
Walmart sells the synthetic oils from briggs oil and VP racing,
shop.briggsandstratton.com
vpracingfuels.com
Your local honda smaller engine dealership(OPE or motorcycle) should have:
Local Kohler dealer has:
kohlerpower.com
Some other options:
www.mobil.com
www.royalpurple.com
www.castrol.com
www.mobil.com
www.amsoil.com
Any of the 5w40 HDEO or 0w40's are good options too. Don't forget the 15w40's and Ford's list of higher z/p oils for their powerstroke(in various grades/types). https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/products/motor-oil-diesel/productdetails?id=101
Get some HTHS, z/p SAPs, or both. Not all of us have perfect OPE maintenance intervals and said equipment might sit for months or years prior to a heavy workout. The better oil you use now might make a difference during an emergency, especially if you have to extend the interval.
For short term usage, use the oil that you have, shorten the change interval, and buy a more specific small-engine oil.
Walmart sells the synthetic oils from briggs oil and VP racing,
Briggs & Stratton 100074 5W30 Synthetic Engine Oil - 32oz Bottle
100% Synthetic SAE 5W-30 for use In all air cooled 4-cycle engines. 32 Oz. bottle. SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil 32 oz. bottle Formulated for air cooled, 4 cycle engines in outdoor power equipment For use in all air-cooled 4-cycle engines Warranty approved for Briggs & Stratton® engines...
shop.briggsandstratton.com
Buy 4 Cycle Engine Oil SAE 30/10W-30 | VP Racing Fuels
VP SAE 30/10W-30 synthetic 4 cycle engine oil delivers superior thermal resistance, protection, & lubrication for small engines in portable outdoor equipment.
vpracingfuels.com
Your local honda smaller engine dealership(OPE or motorcycle) should have:
Local Kohler dealer has:
popup-1 | KOHLER
kohlerpower.com
Some other options:
mobil-delvac-extreme-10w-30
Learn how Mobil Delvac™ Extreme 10W-30 synthetic diesel oil can help prolong engine life and reduce oil changes.
www.mobil.com
HPS® | Royal Purple
HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE OIL (WITH SYNERLEC®) HPS is recommended for use in gasoline and diesel automotive, commercial fleet and stationary industrial
www.royalpurple.com
4 CYCLE ENGINE OILS | WELCOME | CASTROL USA
Four-stroke motorcycle engines work harder than four-stroke car engines. So our 4-stroke engine oil is liquid engineered to meet their extreme demands.
4-Stroke Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil - Valvoline™ Global Operations
Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic Motor Oil provides the ultimate wet clutch, transmission and engine protection for high performance 4-stroke motorcycles, cruisers and off-road bikes. Our anti-friction formulation is specifically designed for the extreme temperatures and high RPMs of...
www.valvolineglobal.com
Mobil 1 Racing™ 4T 10W-40 motorcycle oil | Mobil™
Mobil 1 Racing™ 4T 10W-40 synthetic motorcycle oil offers high-performance advantages beyond conventional motorcycle oils or similar viscosities.
www.mobil.com
10W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil
Shop 10W-30 Synthetic Small Engine Oil at AMSOIL. Find premium synthetic oil, filters and more online. Fast, free shipping available.
www.amsoil.com
Any of the 5w40 HDEO or 0w40's are good options too. Don't forget the 15w40's and Ford's list of higher z/p oils for their powerstroke(in various grades/types). https://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/products/motor-oil-diesel/productdetails?id=101
Get some HTHS, z/p SAPs, or both. Not all of us have perfect OPE maintenance intervals and said equipment might sit for months or years prior to a heavy workout. The better oil you use now might make a difference during an emergency, especially if you have to extend the interval.
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