Genny oil
Is synthetic oil a good idea for my 5.5.kw generator?
Forum Discussion
Mention oil and you'll get as many opinions as doorknobs get turns...... To the OP, you'll be fine using a good quality syn if that's what you want to do. I doubt in the long there will be any significant advantage, but it sure does ease the mind if one is convinced of it. For the record, I use syn oil in both the engine and the genset on the RV and syn in both my personal trucks, my company vehicle and my 1999 Harley. My preference......costs more for each oil change, but since I'm convinced of it, it makes my mind rest easier.
That said, I read an article several years ago about the differences in syn oil and dinosaur oil. It was regarding motorcycle engine heat. The oil temps typically measure 15-20 degrees cooler with the syn. BUT, it was related in the article that oil temps don't necessarily reflect internal engine heat. It was posed in the article that syn oils don't absorb heat as readily as dino oils and as such don't help dissipate the generated engine heat as well. I always assumed that since the syn was supposed to lubricate better, there was less heat generated. The article also stated that syn oils don't pickup and absorb the carbon generated from the combustion and heat process as well, and that's the reason why the syn oils look cleaner when you change them.
Most importantly to note is to change the filter. If that clogs up and doesn't let the oil circulate, you're in much worse shape.
That said, I read an article several years ago about the differences in syn oil and dinosaur oil. It was regarding motorcycle engine heat. The oil temps typically measure 15-20 degrees cooler with the syn. BUT, it was related in the article that oil temps don't necessarily reflect internal engine heat. It was posed in the article that syn oils don't absorb heat as readily as dino oils and as such don't help dissipate the generated engine heat as well. I always assumed that since the syn was supposed to lubricate better, there was less heat generated. The article also stated that syn oils don't pickup and absorb the carbon generated from the combustion and heat process as well, and that's the reason why the syn oils look cleaner when you change them.
Most importantly to note is to change the filter. If that clogs up and doesn't let the oil circulate, you're in much worse shape.
