Buying the best generator from the market is not enough to get the best performance. You have to maintain your generator correctly. Selecting the right engine oil is one of the most crucial parts of maintaining the generator.
Generac recommends using SAE 30 oil at above 32°F. And 10W-30 oil for the below 40°F to -10°F. They also recommend using synthetic 5W-30 for all temperatures.
I have listed and reviewed the best SAE 30, 10W-30, and 5W-30 oil for the Generac generator. You could choose your generator according to your condition. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Oil for Generac Generator – Comparison Table Best SAE 30 oil Briggs & Stratton 30W Engine Oil
KEEP IN MIND THE OIL VISCOSITY
The most crucial feature you need to pay close attention to while choosing the engine oil for your generator is its viscosity. You can find the recommended type of oil in the Owner´s Guide or Manual.
According to the Generac website, this is the recommended type of oil:
“Above 32°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to -10°F, use 10W-30. Synthetic 5W-30 can be used in all temperatures. Oil should be changed after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter.”
In most cases, you will need an SAE 10W-30 oil type. The 10W-30 oil from Honda (1,767+ Reviews) is the best one in this category, but it’s pricey. We think that it is the best fit for most generators.
Here is our detailed comparison of 10W-30 oil vs 5W-30 oil, the second most recommended type of oil for generators.
For cheaper alternatives, check out Valvoline VR1 Racing (725+ Reviews) or Castrol Motor Oil (465+ Reviews). They offer the same performance for better price.
The SAE acronym in the name of motor oil refers to the grading system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The rest of the code refers to the oil’s viscosity at different temperatures.
The first number in the code, in this case the 10W, means how well can this oil be pumped at cold temperatures. The W refers to the word winter (not the weight).
The second number in the code means how well can the oil be pumped when heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) or higher.
Also, you should select a good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, SM, or SN.
Bear in mind this fact: If you use a different type of oil than the recommended one, you may cause premature wearing of individual engine parts.
Is your generator missing from the list?
Feel free to check the data for the portable generators or the home backup generators on the Generac website in case you didn’t find your generator on this list.
FAQ
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