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. 

 

What type of oil is recommended for use with Generac portable generators?

 

Environment 

This article applies to Generac portable generators. See this article for home standby generators: What type of oil should I use in my home backup generator?

 

Recommended oil

Before using a portable generator for the first time, it is important to fill the engine with the oil supplied with the generator for the engine's break-in period. After the break in period, (which is the first 20-30 hours of operation, depending on the model) an oil change is required. To determine when your generator model's break-in period is complete, reference the maintenance section in the owner's manual: Where can I download a user manual for my Generac portable generator?

For optimal generator performance, it is important to select the appropriate oil for Generac portable generators based on the ambient temperature:

• When temperatures are above 32°F, SAE 30 oil is recommended.
• For temperatures between -10°F and 40°F, it is suggested to use 10W-30 oil. 
• Synthetic 5W-30 oil can be utilized in all temperatures for added convenience and versatility.
  
  

Note: This chart is a general recommendation for oil type based on temperature range of expected use. To locate the recommended oil for your specific model, reference the owner's manual.

 

Why was I told to use Generac's 5W-20 GEO?

Generac 5W-20 GEO is a proprietary blend specially designed for natural gas and liquid propane home standby generators (not portable units). Always check the owner's manual for information related to oil types and required maintenance. 

See also

• How Do I Change the Oil in My Portable Generator?
• How Often Should the Oil Be Changed in a Generac Portable Generator?
• How Do I Fill the Oil On My Generac Portable Generator?