Oil Viscosity Numbers For Generac Generator?

[hotajax 223]

Unit in question is 7000 KW Generac standby.  I live in PA, so we don't see below zero a whole lot. 

 

Owners manual:  5W-30 below 32 degrees F, Above 32 go with straight weight 30.  Makes no mention of conventional or full synthetic oil

 

My question:  I like the idea of using 5W-30 Full Syn for year round, except for below zero.  Am I doing any damage keeping the full syn 5W--30 in all year?  Sorry if this sounds like one of those endless discussions on oil on the "Bob" thread.

Thanks in advance,

Hot Ajax

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,318]

I would run the 5-30 all year, but be more diligent about pulling the dipstick. 

[hotajax 223]

Thank you, sir. Does full syn tend to disappear?  Fortunately, at least this year, haven't had any power outages, only use is for the exercise periods of 12 mins per week.  Thanks for answering up.

Edited February 14, 2023 by hotajax

[peter lena 8,629]

@hotajax have a portable 10k  unit , always use a 5-30  synthetic oil in it , think that 5-30 oil  is a very quick  change over to 30 as heat comes up , as it should , that 3600 instant rpm run speed , has been fine , with use , also use STA BIL fuel additive , and have no issues at all . you are not doing any damage at all with   5-30 all year long, usually change mine as the color starts to change . it lives in a closed shed . till I  need it , oil level stays constantly full ,pete

[WHX?? 48,815]

I would compromise with the manual and run 10w-30 syn if you don't have severe low temps. I would also up the exercise at least 20 minutes a week. Oil change every year and a half maybe sooner depending on run hours/power outages. 

1 hour ago, hotajax said:

full syn tend to disappear

No unless you have leakage. 

[hotajax 223]

Thank you, gents.  Two oil changes per year seems goofy to me, too.  

[hotajax 223]

6 hours ago, WHX?? said:

I would compromise with the manual and run 10w-30 syn if you don't have severe low temps. I would also up the exercise at least 20 minutes a week. Oil change every year and a half maybe sooner depending on run hours/power outages. 

No unless you have leakage. 

I can't pick the exercise time, Generac did that for me.  The only thing I can do is pick the day of the week and time of day. 

[Achto 27,577]

8 hours ago, hotajax said:

I can't pick the exercise time, Generac did that for me.  The only thing I can do is pick the day of the week and time of day

 

Let me know what unit you have. Depending on the controller, I may be able to get you info on changing the exercise time length. 

[hotajax 223]

Achto:  I have Controller part number 0J0064.  It is software 0J0070, Revision A.  Generac 7 KW standby.  

 

Also, can you let me know who refurbishes these controllers?  They are very expensive.  The last known guy I knew of stopped repairing that model for 25% of the cost of a new one.  Now unable to find anyone who works on that controller.  Thanks.  

[hotajax 223]

19 hours ago, Sparky said:

I would run the 5-30 all year, but be more diligent about pulling the dipstick. 

Sparky:  Thanks for the tip on checking dipstick.  Oil level dropped a bit since my last oil change.

 

BTW - How often do you need to change oil on these?  I usually do it once a year, at the same time I scrub up the battery terminals and tighten the cables.  Oil still comes out pretty clean looking after 12 months.

[Achto 27,577]

1 hour ago, hotajax said:

Achto:  I have Controller part number 0J0064.  It is software 0J0070, Revision A.  Generac 7 KW standby.  

 

Also, can you let me know who refurbishes these controllers?  They are very expensive.  The

 

I am not familiar with that controller but I will ask for some info on it.

 

Not sure if we have a referb program either but our service department guys might know someone. I'll talk with some guys I know on that department.

 

Edited February 15, 2023 by Achto

[Achto 27,577]

1 hour ago, hotajax said:

Oil still comes out pretty clean looking after 12 months.

 

Natural gas & LP leave very little carbon deposit's in an engine so the oil stays clean looking. Even with our 49 Liter natural gas units, the oil looks clean after 500hrs. This does not change the fact that the oil is breaking down. Changing the oil once per year should be good with your limited use.

Edited February 15, 2023 by Achto

[Darb1964 1,042]

21 hours ago, hotajax said:

Unit in question is 7000 KW Generac standby.  I live in PA, so we don't see below zero a whole lot. 

 

Owners manual:  5W-30 below 32 degrees F, Above 32 go with straight weight 30.  Makes no mention of conventional or full synthetic oil

 

My question:  I like the idea of using 5W-30 Full Syn for year round, except for below zero.  Am I doing any damage keeping the full syn 5W--30 in all year?  Sorry if this sounds like one of those endless discussions on oil on the "Bob" thread.

Thanks in advance,

Hot Ajax

I have one, have had this one for probably ten years. I run full syn 5w-30 only. I live in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. I change the oil and filter every spring, if it's runs for a extended time I would change it. That's what it calls for.

[Achto 27,577]

On 2/15/2023 at 11:58 AM, hotajax said:

Controller part number 0J0064.  It is software 0J0070, Revision A.  Generac 7 KW standby.  

 

Any chance that you could get me the serial number and model number?