I have a generator that is liquid cooled and is run by a small 4 cylinder engine. It runs off of natural gas. I'm looking to change the oil and the recommended oil is 15W40. I'd like to switch over to a synthetic oil. Any 15W40 I find is labeled as being for a diesel engine. Not sure what forum to post this in but figured this one with the hope that the best understanding of synthetic 15W-40 would be here. I'm wondering what you would do.
1. I can just go ahead and use the 15W40 synthetic that is labeled for diesel engines.
2. I could go with a 10W40 synthetic (plenty of brands with a synthetic option in that weight).
3. I could just continue to use 15W40 conventional oil.
I've always understood that oil thickens up with temp and that the synthetic oil does this quicker/better than conventional oil. So I'm thinking 10W40 in synthetic should be no problem. However, I'm inclined to stick with the manufacturer recommendation but I'm not sure if the "diesel" designation actually means anything.
FWIW, the generator has an engine warmer so it will never be super cold even in the winter. Though I do live in Michigan and it's not uncommon to have a very cold stretch in winter.
1. I can just go ahead and use the 15W40 synthetic that is labeled for diesel engines.
2. I could go with a 10W40 synthetic (plenty of brands with a synthetic option in that weight).
3. I could just continue to use 15W40 conventional oil.
I've always understood that oil thickens up with temp and that the synthetic oil does this quicker/better than conventional oil. So I'm thinking 10W40 in synthetic should be no problem. However, I'm inclined to stick with the manufacturer recommendation but I'm not sure if the "diesel" designation actually means anything.
FWIW, the generator has an engine warmer so it will never be super cold even in the winter. Though I do live in Michigan and it's not uncommon to have a very cold stretch in winter.