Portable Generators

[3930dave]

User manual is silent about synthetic oil

I already have the generator so I am not buying a diesel generator. Just want to know if it's OK to use synthetic in generator engines?

Any name brand (Mobil, Castrol, Shell, Chevron, Schaeffers, Amsoil.....) Sx rated synthetic in the proper viscosity range (spec'd by generator manufacturer) will be fine in a gas gen. There are plenty of private label synthetics that are fine too, but until you are more familiar with them, don't go into just any corner store and grab whatever is labeled Snythetik.....

The one trap some people fall into is installing synthetic, then basically forgetting to change the oil, or at least running it far longer than it should be.

Modern conventional oil has come a long way in even the last 10 years, but a good synthetic will still give you better extended temperature performance. Esp. down your way, air-cooled engines deal with a lot of heat - the main factor that breaks down oil. You probably don't have my kind of cold to deal with, but I do have to remind myself that deserts see colder temps at times than I would expect - synthetic in cold extremes will be easier starting.

Initial cost shouldn't be an issue with synthetic, or OCI, as the class of gen I think you are talking about probably doesn't take much more than 2.5L of oil.

On an air-cooled engine spec'd for straight 30 or 10W30, this is one of my favourite oils:

AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Synthetic Small Engine Oil

If your gen will see storage time (ie. not run weekly), I'd recommend using a gasoline stabilizer additive. My current favourite for small-engine metal tanks is:

STA-BIL 36deg Performance - Fuel Treatment For Engines

Avoid ethanol tainted fuel if possible.

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

How can people take info and facts from 1970 farm tractors gas vs diesel and 1995 comparisons of gas vs diesel pickup trucks, then use that info to make a decision in 2016 with 2016 manufactures equipment ?

 

[3930dave]

Was that a cross-post b&d ?

OP has only been looking at gas from the start. Outside of Cali, most small diesel gens haven't changed much. Yet.

Rgds, D.

 

[buickanddeere]

Was that a cross-post b&d ?

OP has only been looking at gas from the start. Outside of Cali, most small diesel gens haven't changed much. Yet.

Rgds, D.

I was replying to Diesel Bound .
There are some people who believe the diesel is the one, only and best answer to every power allocation in the past, present and future .

 

[3930dave]

I was replying to Diesel Bound .
There are some people who believe the diesel is the one, only and best answer to every power allocation in the past, present and future .

Time context..... yes, it often matters.

I understand your stance on modern diesels, but couldn't see the connection to this class of generator. Today that is...... 8kw diesels may end up with DEF tanks sooner than I'd like.

Rgds, D.

 

[DieselBound]

I was replying to Diesel Bound .
There are some people who believe the diesel is the one, only and best answer to every power allocation in the past, present and future .

And there are some people who allow emotions to interfere with their receptiveness to facts. Sad, but true.

Diesels have provided the majority of work. By their very design, diesels ARE more robust. This isn't "opinion."

When it comes to generators the lower-end is mostly comprised by gasoline engines (same with lots of other things, like lawn mowing equipment). Higher-end stuff is mostly comprised of diesel engines (of course there are exceptions, like chainsaws- though we're talking 2-cycle; are there larger 2-cycle generators?).

I offered up older diesel generators as an option to current, more expensive ones. I didn't buy a newer diesel because they cost a lot. I have stated my reasons for selecting what I selected. Don't recall saying that everyone ought to run out and buy what I have: if anyone had that impression then please note that that is NOT what I was wishing to communicate.

I'm the last person who will pull out the "broad brush." I am merely providing facts. Anyone stating opinion as fact is going to hear from me. It's not about the "personal," it's about focusing on facts (otherwise it'll be nothing but an emotional knee-jerk).

As 3920dave notes (indirectly), at the current pace things are unfolding the anti-diesel folks are likely going to push out diesels. At that point we can only "hope" that whatever displaces it can manage the heavy loads.

I have nothing further to communicate here. Stay safe!

 

[buickanddeere]

And there are some people who allow emotions to interfere with their receptiveness to facts. Sad, but true.

Diesels have provided the majority of work. By their very design, diesels ARE more robust. This isn't "opinion."

When it comes to generators the lower-end is mostly comprised by gasoline engines (same with lots of other things, like lawn mowing equipment). Higher-end stuff is mostly comprised of diesel engines (of course there are exceptions, like chainsaws- though we're talking 2-cycle; are there larger 2-cycle generators?).

I offered up older diesel generators as an option to current, more expensive ones. I didn't buy a newer diesel because they cost a lot. I have stated my reasons for selecting what I selected. Don't recall saying that everyone ought to run out and buy what I have: if anyone had that impression then please note that that is NOT what I was wishing to communicate.

I'm the last person who will pull out the "broad brush." I am merely providing facts. Anyone stating opinion as fact is going to hear from me. It's not about the "personal," it's about focusing on facts (otherwise it'll be nothing but an emotional knee-jerk).

As 3920dave notes (indirectly), at the current pace things are unfolding the anti-diesel folks are likely going to push out diesels. At that point we can only "hope" that whatever displaces it can manage the heavy loads.

I have nothing further to communicate here. Stay safe!

The conversation is about going out and purchasing a 2016 built machine to use in 2016 , on 2016 fuel with 2016 emissions .
The next problem will be the EPA and thier anti internal combustion engine agenda . Emission regulations are not going to reduced or go away. Emissions specs will not stay stable either . There will be further restrictions . Tier V and Tier IV are being discussed by the tree huggers and social engineers .
Eventually the regulations will be that only LP and NG can be burned clean enough to meet spec. Finally the regulations will be tightened to the point that only burning hydrogen will meet emissions spec.
There are some rather robust and high HP spark ignition engines powering natural gas pipeline compressors that last as long or longer than a diesel between rebuilds. There are LP forklifts with high hours if the air filtration is maintained and with clean engine oil that have "diesel service life".
In an ideal world Diesel emissions specs would be Tier I or Tier II at the most and engines still having a Bosch mechanical P pump. Then diesels would be ideal for medium and HD applications where idling and light loads are not typical operating modes.
The EPA is staffed with "idealists" and social engineers that don't care about or know about reality and they are certain that they can legislate a ""Star Trek" utopia with Star Trek technology and the end of social problems .

 

[DieselBound]

The conversation is about going out and purchasing a 2016 built machine to use in 2016 , on 2016 fuel with 2016 emissions .
The next problem will be the EPA and thier anti internal combustion engine agenda . Emission regulations are not going to reduced or go away. Emissions specs will not stay stable either . There will be further restrictions . Tier V and Tier IV are being discussed by the tree huggers and social engineers .
Eventually the regulations that eventually only LP and NG can be burned clean enough to meet spec. Finally the regulations will be tightened to the point that only burning hydrogen will meet emissions spec.
The EPA is staffed with "idealists" and social engineers that don't care about or know about reality and they are certain that they can legislate a ""Star Trek" utopia with Star Trek technology and the end of social problems .

Couldn't have put it better myself!

It's easy to cause these folks to totally go "tilt" like the robots in Stepford Wives. As long as growth is being promoted it doesn't matter what the fuel source is, growth will eventually outrun it. The exponential function is pretty simple, and it only every produces the same end result: "to the moon." The delusion is intentionally masked by the "gatekeepers," and this allows them to retain their positions of "authority." The planet goes through cycles, we're in the inter-glacial period, and inter-glacial periods are, in geologic time, rather short; next up to bat is the glacial period, and there's nothing mortals, even if all "together," can do to stop this: we "might" be able to alter the time-frame, but that's a big "might." This glacial->inter-glacial->glacial[...]"infinity" cycle is nature's way of tilling the soil(s): glaciers churn and redeposit critical minerals.

Eventually there won't be enough folks/energy to enforce a lot of nonsense. Everything is a bet. For me, for now, I store diesel and will run my diesel generator (in addition to tractors and such). Works for me

 

[Pettrix]

I got and ran my NorthStar Honda generator last night. Wow, ran like a champ. Started on the first pull and never missed or hiccuped. Ran the well pump without issues.

I used 1.2 quarts of Castol 5w-30 oil and will empty it out around 15 hours of use and replace it with Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30.

 

[ultrarunner]

Always glad to hear feedback... good deal.

I'm thinking of going with Amsoil and Marine Stabil 360... have not used either but only read good things.

 

[3930dave]

I got and ran my NorthStar Honda generator last night. Wow, ran like a champ. Started on the first pull and never missed or hiccuped. Ran the well pump without issues.

I used 1.2 quarts of Castol 5w-30 oil and will empty it out around 15 hours of use and replace it with Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30.

Congratulations Pettrix, I expect that will perform well for you.

Could you pls post a link to your gen info ? Had a quick look at thread start, but didn't see one....

Once you are past your heavy lifting (usage) stage with your gen, consider stopping by the thread I started some time back - Your last generator Maintance run. I started it mostly to offset my tendency to forget to fire mine up once in a while, and it seems to have helped a few others with the same issue too.

Rgds, D.

 

[Pettrix]

Congratulations Pettrix, I expect that will perform well for you.

Could you pls post a link to your gen info ? Had a quick look at thread start, but didn't see one....

Thank you, no problem, here you go:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200467366_200467366

 

[3930dave]

Thank you, no problem, hear you go:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200467366_200467366

Thanks. That looks like a great fit for your needs.

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

The conversation is about going out and purchasing a 2016 built machine to use in 2016 , on 2016 fuel with 2016 emissions .
The next problem will be the EPA and thier anti internal combustion engine agenda . Emission regulations are not going to reduced or go away. Emissions specs will not stay stable either . There will be further restrictions . Tier V and Tier IV are being discussed by the tree huggers and social engineers .
Eventually the regulations will be that only LP and NG can be burned clean enough to meet spec. Finally the regulations will be tightened to the point that only burning hydrogen will meet emissions spec.
There are some rather robust and high HP spark ignition engines powering natural gas pipeline compressors that last as long or longer than a diesel between rebuilds. There are LP forklifts with high hours if the air filtration is maintained and with clean engine oil that have "diesel service life".
In an ideal world Diesel emissions specs would be Tier I or Tier II at the most and engines still having a Bosch mechanical P pump. Then diesels would be ideal for medium and HD applications where idling and light loads are not typical operating modes.
The EPA is staffed with "idealists" and social engineers that don't care about or know about reality and they are certain that they can legislate a ""Star Trek" utopia with Star Trek technology and the end of social problems .

I do agree that the EPA needs to be reined in.

In small diesels, there are still old school ones available today, new.

OFF GRID | Diesel Generators | AURORA

Enjoy 'em while you can. Given the cost difference for Pettrix's application, I would have gone the same way he did.

Rgds, D.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Thank you, no problem, hear you go:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200467366_200467366

The specs on that generator really do look good... Looks like it will last a long time.

SR

 

[TomSeller]

Thank you, no problem, here you go:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200467366_200467366

Very nice. I see it says low THD. Is there a rating on it?

 

[TomSeller]

For crying out loud, we're taking about a simple gasoline engine. We're talking about regular off-the-shelf motor oils. Can someone yank the wrong stuff off the shelf? Yeah. Such people ought to defer to someone else to oversee such actions: if they cannot select the right oil then I wonder whether I'd want them to be trying to manage electrical issues in the middle of some crisis!

BobIsTheOilGuy.com. Great site for understanding oils.

I agree, I don't worry much about the name of the brand as long as it is a known "better" respected brand. I can't get myself to buy the "house" brands however.

I pulled into Walmart yesterday with my daily driver and asked for the ~$50 synthetic oil change, I never have done that before. I figured whatever synthetic oil it was would be good enough. I was pleased when they told me it was Mobil 1. Got some shopping done while I waited.

 

[TomSeller]

My point was that diesels' engines last longer by default (because they run on oil-based fuels). I tossed in "water-cooled" because there are a lot of cheap air-cooled gensets out there (and they're noted not to be very good- Chinesum I think).

But, for those interested in air-cooled diesels:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/158359-air-cooled-diesel-engine.html

As always, YMMV.

I have an air cooled 6HP generator powered by a Yanmar with a Dayton power head on it. GREAT generator. It lives in the barn and gets hauled around whenever I need remote power. ALWAYS starts on the first pull. Not that my Honda GX 13HP on my house generator is a bad engine, it is just that I can start walking away from the Yanmar as I finish pulling the cord.

 

[Garandman]

Yanmar makes "portable" diesel generators. They run at 3,600rpm. (YDG5500 | Yanmar USA) The YDG5500 weighs 243 lbs.

Dry weight of a Honda EM6500 is 243 lbs.
Honda EM65S Model Info | Deluxe 65 Watt Portable Generator | Honda Generators
Take your pick.

Around here, if people have frequent outages and heat with oil, they will favor diesel because they store lots of fuel.

The vast majority of whole house are Propane or NG, and vast majority of portables are gas.

 

[Pettrix]

Very nice. I see it says low THD. Is there a rating on it?

Yes, it is rated at less than 5% THD.