Oil recommendations cold weather generator

Don

I'd recommend either a 5W-30 or even a 0W-30. Just make sure your battery is up to snuff. I'm thinking about getting a remote start kit for mine. Perhaps we should go in together on this when you head south. Lots cheaper down there.

otrfun wrote:
Yeah, I would definitely check out the owner's manual for Yamaha's recommendations.

It might be helpful to know the first number in multi-viscosity oil is the viscosity when cold. The 2nd number when the engine is at normal internal operating temps. I'm certainly no expert on oil, but I would surmise that regardless of ambient temps I would keep the 2nd number the same. However, a lower viscosity value for the 1st number might be appropriate in lower temps to protect the engine at startup. For example, if you normally use 10W-30 under normal operating temps, 5W-30 might be best in moderately cold conditions. 0W-30 might be best for extremely cold conditions. My two cents, FWIW.

x2 your a 100% right on that quote

Yeah, I would definitely check out the owner's manual for Yamaha's recommendations.

It might be helpful to know the first number in multi-viscosity oil is the viscosity when cold. The 2nd number when the engine is at normal internal operating temps. I'm certainly no expert on oil, but I would surmise that regardless of ambient temps I would keep the 2nd number the same. However, a lower viscosity value for the 1st number might be appropriate in lower temps to protect the engine at startup. For example, if you normally use 10W-30 under normal operating temps, 5W-30 might be best in moderately cold conditions. 0W-30 might be best for extremely cold conditions. My two cents, FWIW.

When I worked in Northern AB we ran all our Honda 3500's on synthetic Esso 0w-30.

Zero issues and relatively easy starting @ -40

I would use a synthetic 5/30 or 0/30. So far the lowest temp i have used my Honda is 10f and i use 5/40 Rotella.

I would go with a good quality full synthetic, either 5w-30 or 0w-30. I like Mobil 1, lots of people swear by Amsoil.

Hi,

The manual doesn't mention cold weather operation. It says 10-30.

Geez, at those temps, you may not even want any oil:S
Only kidding.
You may want to pull the oil out when it's not running....to keep it warm (the way Bush Pilots used to drain the oil from their planes up in Alaska), then add it just before you run it.
A PITA for sure, but at least you'd know it was gonna start, and be lubricated properly.
I'd think, if you did that, you could probably use the normal weight oil....but agree with Dave, you may want to check with Mfgr.

To cold for me:B

Another thought....why say you have come to the dark side.....you just left it, now you have light!:)

At that extreme, I would definitely thumb thru all the pages in the manual before I would ask for opinions on it.