generator question

[donkris]

Hello all,
I bought a Yamaha 2000 watt generator about 5 years ago. I've only put 10 - 12 hours on it. (Turns out the wife doesn't like dry docking!)
My question is: do I need to change the oil? I know that gasoline can go bad in a matter of months, but what about oil?
I'll be dry docking at Red Rock Canyon State Park this week and will need the generator. Yes, the wife is going!

[profdant139]

First, make sure the generator will start at home, if you haven't used it in a long time! Maybe add some Seafoam to the tank?

Second, yes, you need to change the oil every year or so, even if you don't use the generator. (At least, that's what they say.) I don't think the oil goes bad.

If this is Red Rock in California, you should be in for a treat -- they say the flowers are blooming right now. (I have not been up there in a few years.)

[LJAZ]

Change the oil. It's cheap and easy to do.

[APD]

As my Pappy used to say:
"Oil's the cheapest thing you'll ever buy for it.."

[Eagle]

As others said,

Use Seafoam in the gas and drain the gas if not using the gen for several months.

The oil doesn't go "bad" ~ the reason to change the oil at least every year is to remove contamination (moisture, metal residue & acidic elements) that have accumulated in the oil during operation of the generator.

When putting my Generators away for the winter, the gas is drained and gens run to get all the fuel out of the lines and carb. and the oil is changed. Do this and avoid costly issues.

[Michigantraveler]

Someone just suggested to use REC-90 fuel, not gas out of the regular pump which usually contains 10% ethanol. Ethanol can be deadly for small engines. You may have to search for it and stock up. He also suggested using motorcycle oil which is designed for higher heat situations.

[profdant139]

I run it monthly under load and drain the carb bowl manually every time. The gas in Calif is full of ethanol that gums up the carb jets if I don't drain it. A lesson it took me a long time and a lot of money to learn.

[donkris]

Thanks everyone. I changed the oil, and boy was it black. I was also surprised at how easy (and potentially messy) it is. Now it has fresh oil and I will change it every 6-12 months.

[Eagle]

I avoid ethanol fuel as much as possible....and buy all my gas at a local station that has regular and premium with zero ethanol.

Hadn't heard of running motorcycle oil in a generator .. which is usually a much heavier oil like 20-50 weight.

I've always used whatever oil (SAE rating and weight) the generator mfg recommends and never had an issue using a synthetic oil.

[APD]

Any high quality oil with the proper rating and weight will do the job. Beware of additives that make wild claims of increased performance.
Some manufacturers of motorcycle lubricants have specialized their products for air cooled operation. We used Bel-Ray lubricants in all our racing engines for many years with great results standing up to the methanol fuel we used.
Nowadays, because I like old stuff, I like an oil with increased zinc content. Usually found designated for vehicles with "High Mileage" or "Extreme Use". Not necessary or useful for small engines.

[donkris]

I ended up putting Valvoline premium standard 10-40.