onan generator synthetic oil filter

synthetic oil is not synthetic!

Literally, there is no such thing as synthetic oil.

The term "synthetic" means the oil is a higher quality crude oil distillate than the typical oil. it all comes from crude oil.

Most synthetic-anything is made from something off the crude oil distillation stack in some way or another. Hydrocarbons are a big part of modern life...

The possibility of a leak exists in any engine, or any type. So therefore you should never use synthetic oil in any engine. :R

I have to wonder about the advice given by some of these so-called experts. Full synthetic oils are clearly superior to conventional oils. This isn’t even debatable. At both low and high temperatures, synthetic oils have better viscosity and thermal stability than conventional oil or synthetic blends. Full synthetic oils are designed to flow quickly in winter temperatures and resist extreme heat. So now the “experts” are advising that we not use it because it “might leak”. Maybe I should just start using an old fashioned non-detergent oil so a healthy layer of sludge can build up on the inside, and help prevent future leaks.

:):)

To run extended oil changes you should run synthetic filter media.

40 years ago I had a Engineer from Mobil that helped develop Mobil 1.
1. He stated to NOT use the Oil as a replacement in a engine that had regular oil from the OEM that has over 10k miles on it. He stated that Mobil 1 will get thru microscopic holes and cracks in engine seals and you will have leaks that you did not have before.
2. He also stated to not use in Gensets. Same reason. IF there is a microscopic hole or crack in a engine seal the Mobil 1 will find it and you will have leaks you did not have before.
3. I doubt Synthetic oils have changed from that in 40 years. Doug

PS, these questions came up because I was doing a LOF and Genset Oil change on his motorhome and wanted to know why he was not using his own companies fancy new Synthetic oil.

You will want to check with your vehicle's manufacturer to make sure, but typically any automotive filters that are made for modern vehicles can be used with any type of oil. Every major motor oil manufacturer says you do not need a special or different oil filter when using synthetic oil.

Chum lee wrote:

amerkanch wrote:
I have a onan 5500 generator, model #5.5HGJAB-1038K.I am trying to get a part # for a synthetic oil filter so that I can run mobil 1 synthetic oil in my generator. Im hoping someone has already found a good part# and can share that with me. not having any luck with cross referances.

So, . . . . where is it that you got this "valuable information" that if you run/use synthetic oils, . . . . . you need a special synthetic oil filter? (hint: in this application, you don't need synthetic oils, the manufacturer (Onan) suggest this)

IMO, . . . . this is just . . . laughable. (well, . . . . when you study/understand the engineering/chemical information readily available today) Nice try!

Chum lee

If you want the BEST filtration the media will be Synthetic VS Cellulose.

Also just because they say you don't need Synthetic they are to saying DON'T.

If you want to run Synthetic please do so.

amerkanch wrote:
I have a onan 5500 generator, model #5.5HGJAB-1038K.I am trying to get a part # for a synthetic oil filter so that I can run mobil 1 synthetic oil in my generator. Im hoping someone has already found a good part# and can share that with me. not having any luck with cross referances.

So, . . . . where is it that you got this "valuable information" that if you run/use synthetic oils, . . . . . you need a special synthetic oil filter? (hint: in this application, you don't need synthetic oils, the manufacturer (Onan) suggest this)

IMO, . . . . this is just . . . laughable. (well, . . . . when you study/understand the engineering/chemical information readily available today) Nice try!

Chum lee

Bottom line, “what” oil is run in most engines is relatively immaterial compared to proper maintenance intervals.
Save for a couple specific applications, every 4 stroke gas and Diesel engine in the household runs on Dino 15-W40. Have for many years.
Would I run syn in the Onan generator? Sure.
Would I be worried about running Dino oil? Not in the least

NRALIFR wrote:
As hot as air cooled engines run, especially those inside a sound deadening enclosure, I will never understand the hesitation or reluctance to recommend synthetic oils. They’re not even that much more expensive anymore if you shop wisely.

That's why I'm willing to trust Onan on this -- it would cost them a couple dollars to ship a $3000 generator with full synthetic oil (and cost them $0 to recommend that owners use it for future oil changes). If there was any evidence that it made the generator last longer, I don't see why they wouldn't do that or at least recommend it for oil changes. They'd be risking their reputation for reliability to save a few dollars.

I just go with the Onan Onamax branded oil, which is probably as expensive as synthetic oil. Onan suggests using their oil, but recommends using any high quality oil, not just their own.

fj12ryder wrote:
Yeah, I've read some not so good things about Royal Purple. I wouldn't use it in my lawn mower.

I say stick to the original in Synthetics “AMZ/OIL”

Yeah, I've read some not so good things about Royal Purple. I wouldn't use it in my lawn mower.