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Topic: Generator and Engine Oil Change (Read 951 times) previous topic - next topic
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Generator and Engine Oil Change
I put around 18 hours a year on the Onan generator, pretty much only for maintaining it. Is it necessary to change the oil every year?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Generator Oil Change
Reply #1 –
I don't think so.
With so few hours per year I think you can go much longer between oil changes.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Generator Oil Change
Reply #2 –
Since all I do is the monthly exercise, I’ve been changing it every other year.

But don’t listen to me as I’ve been actively looking for a reason to remove the deadweight, so I’m not exactly caring about it’s health.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Generator Oil Change
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Dave Katleman  - 
I’ve been actively looking for a reason to remove the deadweight, so I’m not exactly caring about it’s health.

Despite your acres of solar, there are places and times you may be camped when there is essentially ZERO solar exposure. We always look for absence of tree cover - don't mind a little rain or snow - but still loving nature has conspired to require occasional generator usage. Dumping it will assuredly guarantee you too will encounter this need!

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Generator Oil Change
Reply #4 –
Oil changes are normally done every 100 hours. Our generator only accumulates 20-25 hours a year or so, I change the oil every three years. we live in a dry climate and moisture accumulation isn't a problem.
The most important thing is the monthly generator run, which helps keep the oil clean by getting it hot enough to boil away any moisture, dries any moisture in the generator's windings, and it helps keep the slip rings free of dirt and corrosion.
Generators love to run under heavy loads to heat them up, use the A/C or a couple of electric heaters for load.

In Dave's situation, if the generator is removed, the engine's alternator can be used for charging if needed. With heavier wiring, the stock alternator can charge at fairly high rates. Our LD's stock alternator can charge at 70-80 amps when the isolator is bypassed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator Oil Change
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Despite your acres of solar, there are places and times you may be camped when there is essentially ZERO solar exposure. We always look for absence of tree cover
You would think so, but in three years, 45,000 miles from PNW, Alaska to Newfoundland, haven’t encountered such a place.  But I rarely linger for a week at a time, and since I don’t tow, the rig gets moved most every day.

But I’m also not looking to spend the money for its removal either, but if it stopped working…
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #6 –
I modified the subject line of this post to include the engine.

 So I have a similar question; my last engine oil change was in November 2023 at 44,550 miles. I now have 47,150 miles, so 2,600 miles in about a year and a half. I did use Mobile One synthetic.  Should I go ahead and change the oil or can it wait awhile?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #7 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
I modified the subject line of this post to include the engine.

 So I have a similar question; my last engine oil change was in November 2023 at 44,550 miles. I now have 47,150 miles, so 2,600 miles in about a year and a half. I did use Mobile One synthetic.  Should I go ahead and change the oil or can it wait a while?

I change the engine's oil every 4-5000 miles, using Mobil 1, usually about twice a year. You live in a dry climate, I would change the oil at 3000 miles.
You are not using your LD enough if you only drive it 1800 miles a year. Get out and use it more, you are not getting any younger. I would hate to need to replace the tires at six years when they only have 11,000 miles on them.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #8 –
In that case (not many miles but substantial time), I do an oil drain and refill while leaving the filter alone.   Takes only a few minutes and doesn’t cost much using Costco full synthetic oil. 

If it was a bigger hassle, ie it wasn’t parked at my house and I wasn’t doing it myself, I would probably let it go until the fall. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
You are not using your LD enough if you only drive it 1800 miles a year. Get out and use it more, you are not getting any younger. I would hate to need to replace the tires at six years when they only have 11,000 miles on them.

Ha, I saw that coming, Larry! 😏  We lost a couple years of traveling while providing care for my mom before she passed. Now, we’re mostly doing shorter trips, mostly to local state parks. We hope to do some longer trips next year. Would like to visit the Eastern Sierra and Yellowstone/Tetons.

Rich, I like that idea so may go that route, thanks!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #10 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Takes only a few minutes and doesn’t cost much using Costco full synthetic oil. 

I'm going to give the Costco synthetic oil a try, it's almost half the cost of Mobi 1 from Walmart, and it fulfills the needed requirements of our V10s.

Greg, I get it. For both my mother and  MIL, we were only local siblings and had to manage their care and medical, both had severe dementia. i

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #11 –
Sorry to hear that, Larry. Dementia is an awful thing! Both Victoria’s grandmother and father were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before passing, and my sister-in-law, who is my age, has been diagnosed as well and is struggling with symptoms.

I think I might also try the Costco synthetic oil. Is it just a Kirkland brand?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #12 –
It is Kirkland brand, made by the same company that makes most of the off brand synthetic oils.   More importantly, it meets the latest industry standards. 

It goes on sale periodically and can be had for ~$20/5qt in my area.   It’s also available for delivery if you don’t want to carry it. 

With multiple cars calling for 0w-20, I buy 4 5qt bottles at a time. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #13 –
Question for Rich, so you don’t take the filter off at all?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #14 –
I do change the filter, at 5-7k intervals.   

When I’m doing the drain and refill at shorter intervals because it’s been a year or so, I don’t touch the filter.   I just pull the oil drain plug, let it drain, reinstall the plug, and fill new oil from the top. 

Rich
2003 MB
 
Re: Generator and Engine Oil Change
Reply #15 –
Thanks for that clarification, Rich. I did install a Fumoto valve a couple years ago which makes it a little easier. I've got about 7 quarts of Mobile One handy so will drain and replace the oil now, then do a filter/oil change (will try the Kirkland brand) in a couple thousand miles, probably next Spring at my current driving rate.  ;)
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264