PowrGaurd Generator with Briggs Vanguard OHV engine

[Hockeypuck]

I have 25 year old generator, been in use for 10 years. I ran a 5-30 synthetic right out of the gate. It sat in the back of my father's garage for 15 years. It cycles weekly and probably has a total of 20 days of extended use. The manual calls for this:
https://shop.briggsandstratton.com/...Jc3p6YwiPCh3fCqQnUdimsYkZU6WWdM5Hy-oYAbsswjWx

Its an SAE 30. Should I continue to run the 5-30? Concerned about cold starts in the winter, when we see most of its use.

 

[65f100]

Viscosity is chosen by ambient temperature in this application. A synthetic 5W-30 will work well.

 

[fantastic]

It might consume a bit more oil but so long as you monitor that it makes perfect sense to use a multi-grade in a colder environment.

 

[Hockeypuck]

It might consume a bit more oil but so long as you monitor that it makes perfect sense to use a multi-grade in a colder environment.

I do monitor it. Thanks for the advice. Change the filter and oil every year. The oil never gets dirty; burning propane helps with that.

 

[hemitom]

5w30 seems to have worked well for you so far especially if the bulk of work is in the winter.
Myself I would run a euro spec 5w30 or 10w30 .

 

[Hockeypuck]

Running the Castrol 5W30. Its the Dexos 1 gen 2, ford, gm chrysler GDI formula. Just enough in a 5 qt jug. Probably 5 years old. Should I be worried about that? From what I have read, it should be fine.

 

[hemitom]

I see no issue running the Castrol.

 

[repairman54]

I had issues cold (0f) pull starting a 10hp Briggs 5600w unit at 0f. 0-30w oil solved that problem. Unheated storage area also.