Briggs & Stratton Generator Oil Question

[gbw]

I have a Generac 5550 gasoline powered generator, B&S standard consumer type gas OHV engine. I seldom use it but I do change the oil every year.

The manual says it's best to use 10w-30 Synthetic oil.

I don't have any on hand, but I do have Shell Rotella 15w-40 for use in the tractor (Deere 4320).

Would anyone have any idea whether it would cause any harm to use this oil in the generator?

Thanks,
gb

 

[Mousefield]

I think you should use the correct oil. That size generator would not use much and if you need it you want it to work. I have 3 generator's (2 B & S engines) and would not use 15W-40W (diesel oil?) in them. You ask if it would cause any harm and it may not but why put in the wrong oil?

 

[gbw]

...... and if you need it you want it to work. I have 3 generator's (2 B & S engines) and would not use 15W-40W (diesel oil?) in them. You ask if it would cause any harm and it may not but why put in the wrong oil?

Pretty good advice. (It is primarily diesel oil, rated for gas engines also.)

A gallon of the synthetic will be enough for 3 or 4 years, normally.

If I do need the generator it would probably be after a hurricane, when gasoline and oil are often unavailable for several days. It's best to have it on hand.

Does anyone know what the shelf life of Synthetic oil is, once opened?

 

[bp fick]

Ditto on not liking the 15w-40 for a small engine. Can be awful thick stuff in cold weather. I just got a new mower with a splash lube B&S and they pretty much narrow this down to quick flow as being what they are looking for.

Now, if you had 5w-40 Rotella Synthetic, then you could use it in virtually everything in the driveway, the garage and the barn. Lots of guy on here use it for precisely that reason, one oil to have on hand for everything. Motorcycle forums love Rotella. Auto guys love it too.:thumbsup:

 

[bp fick]

Does anyone know what the shelf life of Synthetic oil is, once opened?

If the cap is sealed tight to keep out dust and/or moisture, the shelf life is very, very, very long.

 

[DEWFPO]

If the cap is sealed tight to keep out dust and/or moisture, the shelf life is very, very, very long.

I've used oil off the shelf in my garage that was 7-8 years old, never had a problem with them.

Oil never looses it's lubricity no matter how long it sits. If your concerned about aditives settling out, shake up the bottles before you pour them in.

DEWPFO

 

[daman1]

I have a Generac 5550 gasoline powered generator, B&S standard consumer type gas OHV engine. I seldom use it but I do change the oil every year.

The manual says it's best to use 10w-30 Synthetic oil.

I don't have any on hand, but I do have Shell Rotella 15w-40 for use in the tractor (Deere 4320).

Would anyone have any idea whether it would cause any harm to use this oil in the generator?

Thanks,
gb

It wouldn't cause any "harm" so to speak but i tell ya if you have to crank it up come cold weather you better get a friend or a electric starter set up she'll roll hard!

them small porta gens only take 1 qt or so so having a small stash on hand shouldn't be a issue.

i would use a HDEO 10w30 or 5w40, Rotella makes a good oil that would work great and can be found at Waly world.

i like using a synthetic these little air cooled engines run hot!