Use synthetic lube in generators?

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Also, are you sure the very first oil they use is synthetic? I often wondered that part. "



YUP - unless the tags on the engine and info in the vehicle literature was lying... And I had one of each (Corvette and Camaro SS), so my info is first hand...



BUT, I still prefer a good grade dino oil the first few miles...

 

[y-knot]

Gary,

I know what it's like to live on a FIXED income, and I also know the value of a dollar. I have been using synthetics for the past 20 years, Mobile 1 at first then switched to Amsoil. Mobile 1 use to be a very good quality motor oil till they passed the OIL FRAUD ACT, and allowed the oil manufacturers to claim 100% synthetic oil when it really is a 80% mix. Mobile 1 diluted their oils to save money, or I should say to make more money, and allowed the quality of their product to be compromised. I have been with Amsoil for the last 8 years and have not had one reason to complain. Amsoil has some very nice products, and I use a good deal of them. For the diesel, I use the Series 2000 0-30 weight. For the cars (and some are turbocharged) I use the Series 3000. For the running gear it the premium gear oil, ATF, and synthetic grease. I really like the synthetic grease, it protects better and last longer then conventional grease. I use it on all cars and trucks, as well as the ATVs , Trailers and tractors. Speaking of ATVs, we have three (Rap tor,Blaster,and Lakota) and I use nothing but Amsoil products on them. For the 4-stroke's I use the Amsoil 4-stroke motorcycle oil. And in the 2-stroke it's the 2-cycle racing oil, this stuff is great. It makes less smoke, doesn't foul the plugs and makes considerable more power. We also use the Amsoil Gas octane booster in them, and Series 3000 oil in the gearbox. The Amsoil grease really protects the A-arms bushings, I run in the creeks and sand, and it's very hard on these areas. For the rest of the Air-Cooled engines, like the lawn mower, 3-generators and Gas-welders, I use the Amsoil 3000 motor oil and have no problems. I also use the Amsoil products in our Air-Compressors and Hydraulic equipment.

When using Synthetics, the most important thing to remember is to allow plenty of time for the break-in process to accrue before you switch to synthetic engine oil. I generally like to allow 4-5,000 miles for a gas engine, and 7-8,000 mile for a diesel. Smaller engines don't need near that much time, for mowers, generators, and compressors 3-4 hours is fine for break-in. ATVs and Motorcycles need about 5-6 tanks of gas for break-in.

Synthetic oil has a much higher initial cost then conventional oils, but the added protection, increased fuel economy, and better performance far off-set the additional cost. Generally I have gained 1-2 additional miles per gallon by switching to synthetic oil's, my best gain on a gasoline engine was 4 MPG, and it was on a Mazda rotary engine. For me, the drain interval that works best is I change the oil twice a year, spring and fall. And I change oil filters every 2000 miles, and then just top off.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"For the 4-stroke's I use the Amsoil 4-stroke motorcycle oil. "



"For the rest of the Air-Cooled engines, like the lawn mower, 3-generators and Gas-welders, I use the Amsoil 3000 motor oil and have no problems. "



Other than personal preference, why do you use Amsoil motorcycle oil in some smaller engines, and vehicle-type oil in others? Seems to me that what works well in a motorcycle would also be best in a generator?

 

[DocStressor]

Wow, I'm back on the TDR boards under a new name after 2 years (I used to be LeeWeber) and I find that Gary is now using synthetic oil and communicating civilly with Gene.



The only theoretical reason for not using synthetic oil during break in is that it runs slightly cooler than conventional oil. The extra heat is felt by some to be required for proper ring seating. The base stock has nothing to do with the rate of ring/cylinder wall abrasion. That's a function of the additive package. I don't think it really makes much of a difference, but engine manufacturers are necessarily conservative.

 

[RankRam]

Welcome back Lee!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Wow, I'm back on the TDR boards under a new name after 2 years (I used to be LeeWeber) and I find that Gary is now using synthetic oil and communicating civilly with Gene. "



Shucks, I've used synthetic engine lube for years, just not in the Cummins, and not in extended drain usage. I usually use it in my wife's short-haul grocery getter, and in my custom and classic cars because they weren't driven regularly, and sat idle for extended periods - much like a generator.



NOW, as for Gene...



But seriously, I've gotta check and see if any of the local auto supply houses cary Amsoil in a type proper for the Honda 2000 gen set - still curious as to whether the Amsoil motorcycle stuff is different/better than the auto stuff...



OH, and yeah, welcome back!

 

[DocStressor]

I must be thinking of a different Gary. He used to get into it pretty good with Gene a few years ago over synthetic oil.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"I must be thinking of a different Gary. He used to get into it pretty good with Gene a few years ago over synthetic oil. "



Nope, you have the right guy - I've been involved in differences of opinion here with synthetic lube users and sellers - but difference of opinion doesn't need to make us enemies.



I simply feel specific lubes should be selected and used to match specific needs and situations - and that "need" in my wife's car or the new generator are, to me, different than in my truck.



Gene's loud and opiniated, sorta, ummmm, like ME! :-laf

 

[Sled Puller]

Same Gary-I just realized no sense in arguing with an old dog set in his ways.



Sure enough, after I let him alone, he "discovered" synthetics all on his own!!!



You would think after all that typing over the years, he would have given me a shot at bidding his purchase!!

Thas ok, Gary, it is reward enough to see your pro synthetic posts!



Lee, nice to have you back, been a while!!

 

[DocStressor]

Well it is nice to be back. Especially since you guys seem to have mellowed with age.

 

[WNowlan]

It is a myth that synthetics can not be used from startup. I believe it is a function of the engine manufacturer not wanting to pay for syn at the factory, so they say break it in with a dino. If you look at diesel for use in the great north they come from the factory with syn in them! It is simple economics and marketing that the use this line to justify their position. Where a system requires the use it is installed from the factory. In three years all engines will require a SYN to meet EPA mandates.

 

[DocStressor]

Yeah, I sort of have to agree with you. The question that I always pose to technicians and engineers is the following: How is an engine going to identify the base stock used in a break in oil? None can answer that question. As I stated previously, synthetic oils will THEORETICALLY run a little cooler because of the the higher heat capacity of group IV/V base stocks. But is this really significant? I doubt it. I think that it is just the inherent of conservatisms of old diesel guys telling us that "we haven't tested/certified a given oil yet, so we are not going to go out on a limb and tell you that it is OK to use the stuff". With Group III base stocks becoming the norm for almost all oils in the near future, the difference between "conventional" and synthetic base stocks will be so small that only the marketing people will be able to make a case that they are different.