jjoshua
Premium
join:2001-06-01
Scotch Plains, NJ
 ·Comcast
| Another "should I change the filter" question
I have a Generac 15kw portable generator. Fortunately, the only use it gets is the biweekly test for 23-30 minutes each time.
I have to change the oil twice a year due to the different weight recommendations for the seasonal temperatures.
The engine takes 1.5 quarts of oil to fill. Should I change the oil filter each time? |
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matt5
join:2001-10-06
Lagrangeville, NY | For $5... or $10 a year, why risk damage to something I'm sure is worth much more. |
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tcope
Premium
join:2003-05-07
Sandy, UT | reply to jjoshua
Same as your question posted about the automobile.... Change the filter when you change the oil. |
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aurgathor
join:2002-12-01
Lynnwood, WA | reply to jjoshua
Does the oil look dirty or used? If yes, change it, if not, I wouldn't bother. |
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X Man
Sober
Premium
join:2005-09-05
USA
| reply to jjoshua
What are the different oil viscosity recommendations for each season [warm/cold]?
I'd see If I could "split the difference" and stop changing out clean oil. Seems like a waste to me. BTW, I do have quite a lot of experience with small engines. Also, I assume the generator is outside, or in an un-heated location?
Regards,
Mike |
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matt5
join:2001-10-06
Lagrangeville, NY
| said by X Man  :I'd see If I could "split the difference" and stop changing out clean oil. That's a joke right? If that would work why would they not tell you to use that one oil weight. I would think it be a big selling point... the oil is not "clean" it more then likely has moisture in it as well as other crap. |
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X Man
Sober
Premium
join:2005-09-05
USA
| said by matt5 :said by X Man :I'd see If I could "split the difference" and stop changing out clean oil. That's a joke right? If that would work why would they not tell you to use that one oil weight. I would think it be a big selling point... the oil is not "clean" it more then likely has moisture in it as well as other crap. No, it's not a joke.
Engine manufacturers have to protect themselves as much as possible. If they are calling for straight 30w in the summer and a 5w 30 in the winter, there is a bit of wiggle room.
Of course it depends on whether it's a liquid or air-cooled engine. It matters if it's OHV and if it has hydraulic vale lifters, whether it's pressure lubricated [obviously if it has a filter it is]. It matters what brand and model type engine it is.
Oil, in a small engine doesn't do much of anything sitting around. A much greater concern with this type of scenario is keeping the carb clean.
BTW, how much experience do you have with small engines?
Regards,
Mike |
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jjoshua
Premium
join:2001-06-01
Scotch Plains, NJ
·Comcast
| reply to jjoshua
The printed owner's manual says SAE30 or 10w-30 above 40F and SW30 below 40F.
However, I was just checking the on-line manual before posting it here and now it say that I can use Synthetic 5w-30 in all conditions.
Otherwise, I just have to change the oil and filter every 100 hours.
Cool. |
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matt5
join:2001-10-06
Lagrangeville, NY
| reply to jjoshua
While I myself do not have years and years of it, those words were more or less from a friend who's in his 50's and has been working on most anything with a motor since he was a kid, and who has his own repair shop for the last 30 years... Perhaps he is old fashioned but I trust what he says.
The manual says 5w30 so yes, that's mid way, however it says Synthetic, not plain dino. Manufactures protecting themselves is a good thing... That should mean they have picked the best oil to keep the machine running the longest. For the cost savings IMHO it is not worth damaging something that expensive. Since it says 5w-30 though, I'd use it. |
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