There’s no magic to what Generac does. The company make home backup generators that keep your light on during a power outage. That reliability isn’t magic; it’s actualy a result of careful maintenance, and that sound provide peace of mind.
When the neighborhood go dark, there’s nothing but silence … until you hear the familiar hum of your Generac generator kicking on. Lights is on, fridge is cold… Thanks to the quiet hum of that unit.
But behind that hum, there’s work happening and the most important part of that work involve keeping up with regular maintenance. That include taking care of one important part: the oil. The engine’s a car, it drive itself.
How To Pick The Right Generac Oil
The Importance of Regular Generator Maintenance
The owner never bother with the dipstick; doesn’t even notice that the check engine light come on…until the oil turn black. That’s a big mistake. A Generac engine are a high performance unit.
It can absorbs heavy loads, but only if properly fed. Running bad oil cause overheating, sludge formation and eventually total engine failure. The result is a backup power source that is just a paper weight.
Choosing the Right Oil Viscosity for Your Climate
This isn’t as simple as slinging whatever is on sale into the tank. You have to consider operating temperature and viscosity rating. Generac clearly state their recommendations, but who reads that?
It is even worse if you’re running for cover and the unit need to be repaired quickly. In those moment, those rules of thumb are often tossed aside. Using the correct oil mean no waiting around for your generator to start during the worst time possible.
For most home use Generac model, standard advice is to use SAE 30 oil. That number indicate an oil that is thicker and protect engine components better, but is formulated for use during warmer operation. In other words, if your climate never go below freezing or you only need to operate your generator during the spring/summer month, then SAE 30 is your go-to choice.
It’s also cheap, readily available, and meets the manufacturer’s specs for standard duty cycle. So what about cold weather? If the temperature are cold, SAE 30 will also get very thick.
This make the engine hard to crank, which drain your battery before the generator even starts. For that reason, change to a lighter weight oil like 10W-30 conventional or synthetic in cold weather. The 10W portion of name tells us that this oil will flow easier at lower temps.
That allow the engine to start quickly and be instantly lubricated without any big headaches in a winter storm.
Using the Correct Oil Classification and Type
A couple of owner have asked if they could switch to automotive oil. Yes, you can.
There is some reservations. Generac has certified its generators for use with oil meeting the API service classification of SJ or higher. This are a level that most automotive oil meet today.
But it should of been noted that the automotive oils tend to have additives made for extended highway trips, and less so for regular short trip. Those additives may presents problems on standby generator. It is better to be safe than sorry, so stick with either the Generac-recommended oils or those marked “small engine” only.
“Conventional oil break down faster at higher operating temperatures, doesn’t flow as well when cold, doesn’t protect as well, and has a shorter service life compared to synthetic. The initial cost of synthetics are higher, but if used according to the manufacturer’s intervals, it can be changed less frequently. If left unused for months, synthetic oil will also stay in better condition than conventional oil, particularly with those seldom-used whole-home unit.
Recommended Oil Change Intervals and Procedures
Non-negotiable: Change your oil. Generac suggest changing oil initially at five operating hours and thereafter each year or 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Failing to do so will not only negate any warranty but also run the risk of damaging engine.
Replace the old filter with a new one using a filter wrench; fully drain the existing oil; and add new oil as directed. Be careful with the dipstick. Overfilling can cause pressure problems, and underfilling can cause wear.
Oil and fuel separate chaos from comfort. A few minute of maintenance can save you from a frozen pipe or spoiled food. Use the proper oil in your climate.
Treat the machine with respect. Let’s get the lights on with your Generac.