I have a cabelas champion 4k watt geny about 3 years old and when I started it in the serious cold last weekend it sounded like it was having a seriously rough time getting going.
wondering what oil I should be running in this nasty cold?
After running it a season,(or when the manufacturer recomends) I would go to synthetic.
And motors just dont like temps below zero.
My generator is 18 years old. Thanks for reminding me to change oil and fuel this summer.
Although it has less then 5 hours on it, I’m thinking it’s due for an oil change.
I stopped filling the fuel tank up about 10 years ago when it wouldn’t start. I could take the gas and pour it into the fire pit and light it with my hand. It would light but it was more like lighting matchless charcoal! 6 gals is a lot to get rid of!
No, I wasn’t going to pour that stuff into my truck!
I run Valvoline Synthetic 5W-30 in my Honda 2000…Call me crazy, but it’s on year 7 with zero issues. Change it after about 50 hours of run time, which is about 2-3 trips.
When I run my generator, I keep it in the bed of my pickup with the tonneau cover cracked just enough to let the exhaust out, but keep some warmth in. I don’t know if that makes any difference, but I feel like it helps. I also bring it inside the ice house when not in use, so it starts easier when I need it.
Unless the manual has a temp chart and multi-viscosity oil recommendation that says differently, I’d run Mobile 1 or other quality full-synthetic 10W-30 or even 5W-30 if you often have to start it below -20. Synthetic is just going to flow way better in below zero weather.
Grouse
I run Valvoline Synthetic 5W-30 in my Honda 2000…Call me crazy…
I don’t think it’s crazy because a XXW-30 is 30 weight at operating temp. It just takes a 5W a little longer run time to progress to 30 weight compared to a 10W-30.
What’s going to damage an engine started in the cold is lack of lubrication because the oil is too thick.
Grouse
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