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Old 07-29-2015, 03:59 PM   #1
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Genny Oil

The 15w40 Rotella comes labeled for diesel. Is that the same oil you use for gas cummins generators?
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Old 07-29-2015, 04:21 PM   #2
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Quote:
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The 15w40 Rotella comes labeled for diesel. Is that the same oil you use for gas cummins generators?
30w or 10w30 for like a gas 4000 best advise go to Onans web site.
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Old 07-29-2015, 04:34 PM   #3
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The 15w40 Rotella comes labeled for diesel. Is that the same oil you use for gas cummins generators?
Yes! But don't use it in a gas engine with a catalytic converter or emission system. The diesel oil has more anti-wear additives like zinc and phosphorus.
These engines run hard and hot, I use Royal Purple HPS 10W-40.
Onan OEM manual calls for 15W-40 in severe duty.
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Old 07-29-2015, 04:45 PM   #4
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Why not just use what the manual calls for? Seems like the best idea for everything, use what the manual calls for.
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Old 07-29-2015, 05:47 PM   #5
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Why not just use what the manual calls for? Seems like the best idea for everything, use what the manual calls for.
Because there are better oils than the manual calls for......But if you like a shorter life on the engine that's a plus for them!
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Old 07-29-2015, 05:54 PM   #6
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I have a Onan 7000 which is a gas generator and it calls for the 15w 40. When I had the genny at the Onan Cummins dealer I got filters and oil and that is what they sold me and yes it does say for diesel use.
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Old 07-29-2015, 06:16 PM   #7
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Find the manual for your genny.

Find the page with Onan's oil recommendations....

Determine from the "expected ambient air temperature/oil grade" chart your expected ambient temperature between now and the next oil change and the recommended grade of oil. Example: you expect temps to range between 32F and 85F... 5W-30 might be the recommended grade...

Reputable oils carry a number of quality ratings....example SAE - SN, ILSAC, DEXOS, etc. ..indicating they meet certain industry test standards. Onan's oils meet industry standards. A little pricy but you only need about a quart. And for mine, 100 hr changes.

If it's an air cooled job, I'd stick to Onan oil in the suggested grade.
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Old 07-31-2015, 09:58 AM   #8
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The viscosity grade doesn't make an oil better or worse - the viscosity (aka "weight") is chosen for lubricity at the expected operating temperatures and engine specs. Using 40 weight oil rather than 30 wt is NOT doing your engine a favor if it was designed for 30 at that temperature range.

So use the viscosity the genset manual says for the expected temperature range. If you want to use a premium grade or a synthetic, that's your call, but use the viscosity the engine maker recommends.
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Old 07-31-2015, 01:31 PM   #9
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Quote:
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The 15w40 Rotella comes labeled for diesel. Is that the same oil you use for gas cummins generators?

I have Speedco do my genny service and they use that same oil!
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Old 08-04-2015, 11:25 AM   #10
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Just use what the manual calls for.
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Old 08-04-2015, 11:46 AM   #11
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To answer the specific question, you can use Rotella diesel oil in a gasoline generator if the Rotella is rated for API Service SF/SL/SM in addition to CJ-4 (the diesel service class). I believe Rotella is rated for both gas and diesel, but not all diesel-grade oils will have dual certification. Always check the API service Class.
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Old 08-04-2015, 07:14 PM   #12
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I'm heading in a little different direction on this question.

I tried using 15W40 oil in my propane generator (which I assume is the same classification as a gas generator). I found that the generator was a little stiffer to start up on cold mornings than I liked. I switched back to 10W30 oil in my generator for this reason.

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Old 08-04-2015, 07:39 PM   #13
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I'm heading in a little different direction on this question.

I tried using 15W40 oil in my propane generator (which I assume is the same classification as a gas generator). I found that the generator was a little stiffer to start up on cold mornings than I liked. I switched back to 10W30 oil in my generator for this reason.

Jim
And how cold was your cold? 15W should be OK down to 10F.... 10W down to 0 F..... I'd consider cold temps affecting battery capacity or battery heading south or connections. AND, it's an LP "vapor" engine. LP does not vaporize well in cold weather and it may be difficult to get the correct mixture for starting. LP is generally OK down to about 0 F.
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Old 08-04-2015, 09:38 PM   #14
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The 15w40 Rotella comes labeled for diesel. Is that the same oil you use for gas cummins generators?
I would use a synthetic in an air cooled gas engine. JMO.
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