Kohler Generator Oil

[Lin]

I changed the oil on my old, gas, Kohler L654 generator today.  The manual calls for 30w oil to be changed every 50 hours.  My question is about the oil and the interval.  First, would using a synthetic oil qualify to extend the change interval?  Second, would it be okay to change to a multigrade oil?

[luvrbus]

Mine would blow the 15/40 out Lin yours may not straight weight is always the choice of oil for air cooled engines why I have no idea 

I have a new 6500w it calls for 30W

good luck

[chev49]

i run synthetic multivis and zmax in my onan for the last 2 yrs and it hasn't blown up yet.  could do so tomorrow, but wouldn't owe me anything...

[Van]

Looking at my kohl er (7Cm) manual the the graph only goes to 100degrees F. Just finished installing 50A service and the new to us Kohler and because of the Higher temps I've got straight 50 Harley oil in it, works great! multi weight oils would seem to be more appropriate in colder climates according to th -e-manuel, makes sense to me All I know is anything above 110 degrees out here and you can pour straight STP in it. Oh, and so far as the syn oil they have that in straight weight, should be a few out there, amzoil comes to mind.

[TomC]

I ran 15W-40 in my Onan air cooled and it lasted 12,000hrs.  Change at 50hours since the rings dilute the oil.  Straight weight is used quite a bit on air cooled engines-same reason we use straight 40 weight in our 2 strokes-it doesn't break down.  Use what they suggest.  Good Luck, TomC

[Tenor]

Lin and I have the same Kohler engine, and it is  water cooled if that makes any difference in advice given.

Glenn

[Lin]

Glen,  Yes, it is water cooled.  I would like to extend the oil changed interval since 50 hours comes around fast in the summer.  We did that much in our last 12 day trip.

[robertglines1]

On the 7.5's we used on construction. We increased the air cleaner size and went to 100 hr service. The ones we had had the small about 5 inch by 2inch thick air cleaner close to engine.  went to remote cylindrical turbo type about 4 inch diameter by 12 inch long.  For what it's worth. Straight 30wt. Not same model you ask about they had oil filters on them. sorry about that..   Bob

[Len Silva]

When I was working around entertainers, the driver would change the oil every Sunday morning.  That was the only time the generator was shut off while on tour.  These were Kohler diesel units.

[luvrbus]

Lot's of industrial gas engines call for 40 to 50 hr oil changes I had a 6 cylinder Chrysler Industrial flat head that called for 50 hr oil change   

If it is a pressure system you can add a by pass filter to extend the service interval not much you can do with a splash type system does the unit have a oil filter ?

[Lin]

No oil filter.  I think I have read about adding an oil filter kit to extend drain intervals.  That could be a less lazy way to go, but if just switching oils would have done it, it would have been sweet.  Oh well, I guess I'll just continue with the routine for now.  I've got the oil change down to reasonably fast and clean using a ball valve and hose into a gallon bottle.

[luvrbus]

Lin, that being a Continental L head engine I checked the manual seems likes even with a filter it is still every 50 hrs but you change the filter every 200 hrs makes no sense too me the manual calls for 30w there also 

good luck

[thomasinnv]

my 7.5kw Generac is air cooled and has a pressure system with oil filter. The change interval is 100hrs with multi weight per da book. it's 5w30 or 10w30 I don't remember which off the top of my head. I put synthetic in it after the break in period.