Originally Posted By: Cujet
The reason for so many generator failures here in Florida (post hurricanes) was not that the outside temperature was over 100, it was hot AND humid though. Nor was it that the oil level ran low. It was the fact that people place the generator next to the house, in stagnant air, and used the generator to power the water heater and air conditioners. Hours and hours of full load gets the oil temperature up to absurd numbers. (this is quite unlike lawnmower or pressure washer duty, where the engine load is not 100% for hours on end)
5W-30 conventional oil is not an ideal choice when oil temps are near 300 degrees F. The result is predictable, and nearly always the same. The connecting rod is starved for oil film, metal to metal contact occurs and eventually, the connecting rod seizes to the crankshaft and the rod breaks.
I had 2 Honda engine failures (water pumps, used to de-water my property) due to this. I used the recommended 5W-30 oil. My third water pump gets Mobil 1 TDT oil.
If your generator is not used to heat water, or power a 4 ton air conditioner and it's operated under modest loads, the standard oil will be just fine.
If you choose to abuse your equipment, I suggest a more robust oil.
I could run delo 400 15w40, but what about when it's not 100 degrees outside? My concern was it being a splash lubricated engine. Like for example right now it's only 75 degrees outside. Will the delo be ok on a 50 degree day?