I searched BITOG, but couldn't find really find much on the Generac 5W20 oil, except this post which is more about Low Ash:
In any case, I own an older 2008 10kW Generac wholehouse air-cooled generator on propane, and the manual specifies 5W30 oil for all temps.
The utility company recently paid for a new 2023 22kW air-cooled Generac generator on propane, and it seems now Generac recommends their own "Low Ash" 5W20 oil, specially designed for gaseous engines ("GEO" for Natural Gas & Propane), which tends to be very expensive. I have seen at almost $20 for 1 quart! But in bulk, I think you can get it for as little as $12 per quart, which is still high. I can't really seem to find any equivalent oil in other brands.
I know there is some debate on other forums whether to switch from 5W30 to Generac's own 5W20, or if "Low Ash", "GEO", etc. is just marketing. My post is NOT about these points. I have decided to use what Generac now recommends, and in the meantime do some additional research.
Being a cheapskate, I am thinking if I do a Blackstone or similar test, I might be able to find out who really makes this oil for Generac (or find a very similar formulation), and hopefully it can be bought for cheaper.
I saw the spreadsheet here on BITOG for Virgin Oil Analysis, and Generac isn't on there, so if I do the test I will update the spreadsheet and this post.
Mainly this post is for future reference of people wondering the same thing.
Low ash oil with propane engine
I have a little air cooled propane powered Generac standby generator. The manual basically says gasser 5w30 for year round temps. SN I believe. Pretty vague IMO. My first inclination is to run an A3/B4, but I’ve read a low ash oil is preferred for a propane engine. Is there any truth to this...
bobistheoilguy.com
In any case, I own an older 2008 10kW Generac wholehouse air-cooled generator on propane, and the manual specifies 5W30 oil for all temps.
The utility company recently paid for a new 2023 22kW air-cooled Generac generator on propane, and it seems now Generac recommends their own "Low Ash" 5W20 oil, specially designed for gaseous engines ("GEO" for Natural Gas & Propane), which tends to be very expensive. I have seen at almost $20 for 1 quart! But in bulk, I think you can get it for as little as $12 per quart, which is still high. I can't really seem to find any equivalent oil in other brands.
I know there is some debate on other forums whether to switch from 5W30 to Generac's own 5W20, or if "Low Ash", "GEO", etc. is just marketing. My post is NOT about these points. I have decided to use what Generac now recommends, and in the meantime do some additional research.
Being a cheapskate, I am thinking if I do a Blackstone or similar test, I might be able to find out who really makes this oil for Generac (or find a very similar formulation), and hopefully it can be bought for cheaper.
I saw the spreadsheet here on BITOG for Virgin Oil Analysis, and Generac isn't on there, so if I do the test I will update the spreadsheet and this post.
Mainly this post is for future reference of people wondering the same thing.