Portable Generators

[DieselBound]

Have you ever heard of an "air cooled" Deutz engine?? How about an "air cooled" SLH engine??

They last as long or longer than any of the water cooled engines and have less things on them to go wrong, in the cooling system!

BTW, I run Mobil 1 10w-30 synthetic in my Honda generator.

SR

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.

 

[buickanddeere]

Is this diesel that lasts longer of what vintage vs the gasser that doesn't last as long ? Gasser with 300,000+ don't even raise an eyebrow. Many diesels have been retired at half that distance because they needed injectors , glow plugs, turbo and assorted emissions parts.

 

[DieselBound]

Is this diesel that lasts longer of what vintage vs the gasser that doesn't last as long ? Gasser with 300,000+ don't even raise an eyebrow. Many diesels have been retired at half that distance because they needed injectors , glow plugs, turbo and assorted emissions parts.

300,000 what?

My DKD7.5 doesn't have any emissions stuff.

Folks no more retire diesels due to injectors than folks retire gassers because they need new spark plugs (and all the other related equipment).

It's a FACT, diesels last longer and that's because their fuel is less corrosive (less wear). Pretty sure that the overwhelming majority of heavy-duty work is done by diesels: trucking, shipping, rail, construction etc.. if gasoline engines had an advantage they'd be used here, they are not.

 

[4570Man]

The only advantage to gassers is the cheaper upfront cost.

 

[Pettrix]

What does the user manual say?

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?

 

[DieselBound]

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?

If it doesn't say then it ought not matter. Viscosity matters the most. We're talking a generator (small), not an Indy racer. But, I find it hard to believe that there's no specs on fluids. Nothing on the manufacturer's web site?

 

[DieselBound]

The only advantage to gassers is the cheaper upfront cost.

Some are likely quieter. And then there's the emissions side of the equation. Sigh.

I like longer-lasting and more robust stuff because I'm very busy and I really don't like buying anything without putting a bit of research into it. Rarely does stuff break when you have free time: "Here, hang on to this candle while I research a replacement!"

 

[Midniteoyl]

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?

Yes.. the answer is always 'Yes'... Use of synthetics is actually better than dino, especially in air cooled engines.

 

[DieselBound]

Yes.. the answer is always 'Yes'... Use of synthetics is actually better than dino, especially in air cooled engines.

There's also a matter of economics to consider. In a cheap generator (not that we're necessarily talking about them here) it would likely be pouring money on the ground; depending, of course, on whether one has the appropriate viscosity for the dino.

If the manufacturer doesn't make the distinction then it's possible that they're more concerned about the frequency of oil changes. I'd hope that that info is given!

In this day and age I don't think that I've ever run across anyone not providing requirement specs for fluids.

 

[Garandman]

Is using conventional 5w-30 motor oil in a Honda generator OK?

After break-in, is using synthetic motor oil a better option to reduce engine wear?

http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/manuals/31Z07610.pdf

5W-30 is only recommended for cold temps: below freezing.

Engine oil change is after 20 hours, then every 100. Whether synthetic is better would be a hard call.

Spark plug also changes at 100, which reminds me to get spares. NGK CR5HSB.