Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
Changing the Oil and Oil Filter
Generator owners should reference these articles before changing the oil:
Maintenance Schedule:
Oil Type and Filter Part Number
Maintenance Safety:
Maintenance Kits:
Authorized Service Dealers:
Consult the User Manual:
Environment
This article applies to 10 kW - 26 kW Guardian series generators manufactured after 2017. Maintenance information for all generator models can be found in a generator's owner's manual. See the How Do I Find a Copy of My Home Standby Generator Owner's Manual, Spec Sheets, or Installation Manual? article for more information.
To change the oil and oil filter on a Generac Home Standby Generator:
If the generator has been running in an outage, refer to the "Shutting the Generator Off" section in How Do I Shut Down My Generator When It’s Powering My House (During an Outage)? Otherwise, proceed to step 1.
1. Lift the generator's lid and press the MANUAL button on the control panel to start the engine, and run for 3-5 minutes or until the unit is thoroughly warmed up. Then, press the OFF button on the control panel to shut down the engine.
2. Remove the front panel when the unit has cooled. Pull oil drain hose (A) free of retaining clip. Remove the cap from the oil drain hose and drain the oil into a suitable container.
Oil Filter and Drain Location (10 kW):
Oil Filter and Drain Location (13–18 kW):
Oil Filter and Drain Location (20–26 kW):
3. Install a cap on the oil drain hose. Position and secure the oil drain hose with a retaining clip.
4. Remove oil filter (B) by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the gasket of the new filter.
6. Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket lightly contacts oil filter adapter. Tighten the filter an additional three-quarters to one full turn.
7. Fill the engine with the recommended oil.
Oil fill location (10 kW)
Oil fill location (14 kW - 18 kW)
Oil fill location (20 kW - 26 kW)
8. Press the MANUAL button on the control panel to start the engine. Run for one minute, and inspect for leaks.
9. Press the OFF button on the control panel to stop the engine. Wait five minutes.
10. Inspect the oil level. Add oil as needed. DO NOT OVERFILL.
11. Insert oil dipstick and/or attach fill cap.
12. If the generator has been running in an outage, refer to the "Turning the Generator Back On" section in How Do I Shut Down My Generator When It’s Powering My House (During an Outage)? for steps to reconnect power. Otherwise, press the AUTO button on the control panel to return the unit to AUTO.
13. Close and lock the generator lid.
14. Dispose of used oil and filter according to national, state, or local codes.
