engine oils on shelf

Generac Generators Oil Type & Capacity Guide

Are you looking for the best type of oil for your Generac generator but have no idea how to choose one?

I have great news for you! Our team here at Generatorist has helped over 600,000 visitors find information about generators and we will help you as well.

THE KEY TAKEAWAY

Guidelines from the official website for Generac portable generators:

“Above 32°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to -10°F, use 10W-30. Synthetic 5W-30 can be used in all temperatures. Oil should be changed after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter.”

Data for this page is based on official manuals from Generac. We will show you the type of oil for specific models of Generac generators, oil capacity and links to manuals. We also provide references where you can verify this info for yourself.

Just click on your model to see the specifications.

Generac Portable Generators

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.4 qt. / 0.38 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyedPVhSWzE

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.63 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-ix2000-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com/service-support/

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.36 qt. / 0.35 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vj8r8hCDCA

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.36 qt. / 0.35 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyedPVhSWzE

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.6 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyedPVhSWzE

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.634 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com/service-support/

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.6 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.634 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Official product page – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.634 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.634 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 0.634 qt. / 0.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.jackssmallengines.com/diy/generac-generator-oil-change/

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.06 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83Gtw3sNqI

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com/service-support/

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.06 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zcyR3vpL8s

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com/service-support/

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.06 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83Gtw3sNqI

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com/service-support/

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.06 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83Gtw3sNqI

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.1 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83Gtw3sNqI

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.1 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x83Gtw3sNqI

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.1 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZKp8dCPEtY

Owner´s manual – https://www.manualslib.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.1 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZKp8dCPEtY

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.1 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.5 qt. / 1.42 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.06 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.05 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.05 qt. / 1.0 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.7 qt. / 1.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Oil type (info from the User’s Manual & the Generac website)

  • Winter use: SAE 10W-30 (40°F and down to -10°F)
  • Summer use: SAE 30 (above 32°F)
  • General use: SAE 5W-30 (all temperatures)
  • Oil capacity: 1.7 qt. / 1.6 l.
  • Break-in oil change: 20-30 hours of use
  • Regular oil change: Every 6 months / 100 hrs. of use

DIY oil change – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-r9tnhbLFc

Owner´s manual – https://www.generac.com

Is your generator missing from the list?

Feel free to check the data for the portable generators or the home backup generators on the Generac website in case you didn’t find your generator on this list.

Search by model number or serial number on the official website to find the manual for your generator.

How to find the serial number or the model number of your generator?

Here is nice graphics that will show you where to find this information: You can find the serial & model number of your portable generator here and the standby unit here.

KEEP IN MIND THE OIL VISCOSITY

The most crucial feature you need to pay close attention to while choosing the engine oil for your generator is its viscosity. You can find the recommended type of oil in the Owner´s Guide or Manual.

According to the Generac website, this is the recommended type of oil for portable generators:

“Above 32°F, use SAE 30. Below 40°F and down to -10°F, use 10W-30. Synthetic 5W-30 can be used in all temperatures. Oil should be changed after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter.”

And this is the recommended type of oil for home backup generators (source):

“An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. In general, when the temperature is over 40 degrees F, the most recommended oil is a 30-weight detergent product.

When the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, you should use 10W-30.  Refer to your owner’s manual for details.

To find your owner’s manual online, visit our Product Support page and enter your serial number or model number.”

General guidelines for portable generators:

In most cases, you will need an SAE 10W-30 oil type. The 10W-30 oil from Honda (1,767+ Reviews) is the best one in this category, but it’s pricey. We think that it is the best fit for most generators.

Here is our detailed comparison of 10W-30 oil vs 5W-30 oil, the second most recommended type of oil for generators.

For cheaper alternatives, check out Valvoline VR1 Racing (725+ Reviews) or Castrol Motor Oil (465+ Reviews). They offer the same performance for better price.

The SAE acronym in the name of motor oil refers to the grading system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The rest of the code refers to the oil’s viscosity at different temperatures.

The first number in the code, in this case the 10W, means how well can this oil be pumped at cold temperatures. The W refers to the word winter (not the weight).

The second number in the code means how well can the oil be pumped when heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) or higher.

Also, you should select a good quality detergent oil bearing the American Petroleum Institute (API) service classifications SJ, SL, SM, or SN.

Bear in mind this fact: If you use a different type of oil than the recommended one, you may cause premature wearing of individual engine parts.

Generator Oil Viscosity Grades: SAE 30, 10W-30, and 5W-30

oils for predator generators

As we mentioned before, the main differences between SAE 30 oil, 10W-30 oil, and 5W-30 oil for generators lie in their viscosity grades and their performance under different temperature conditions. Let’s break it down:

SAE 30 Oil:

SAE 30 oil is a single-grade oil with a viscosity grade of 30. This means that it has a fixed viscosity level, which is appropriate for use in moderate to high-temperature conditions.

It is commonly recommended for use in warmer climates and for operating temperatures above 40°F (4°C). However, it may not perform as well in colder temperatures.

10W-30 Oil:

10W-30 oil is a multi-grade oil with two viscosity grades. The “10W” part represents the oil’s cold-weather viscosity, and the “30” part represents its hot-weather viscosity. 

The “W” stands for winter, indicating that this oil has better flow properties in colder temperatures.

The “10W” means that it has a lower viscosity at low temperatures compared to SAE 30 oil, making it more suitable for use in colder climates or during the winter season. The “30” indicates its viscosity level at higher temperatures, similar to SAE 30 oil.

5W-30 Oil:

5W-30 oil is also a multi-grade oil with two viscosity grades. The “5W” part signifies that it has an even lower viscosity at low temperatures compared to both SAE 30 and 10W-30 oils.

This makes it an excellent choice for very cold climates or during extremely low temperatures, ensuring easier engine starts. The “30” indicates its viscosity level at higher temperatures, which is the same as the other two oils.

For generators, the choice of oil depends on the ambient temperature where the generator will be operated. Here are some general guidelines:

  • If you live in a warmer climate and the temperature rarely drops below 40°F (4°C), SAE 30 oil should be sufficient for your generator.
  • If you live in a region with fluctuating temperatures or occasional cold weather, 10W-30 oil can be a good all-season choice.
  • If you live in a very cold climate with sub-zero temperatures, 5W-30 oil is recommended to ensure easy starting and proper lubrication in extremely cold conditions.

Always check your generator’s manual or manufacturer’s guidelines to see the recommended oil viscosity for your specific model, as it may vary depending on the engine design and specifications. Using the right oil will help maintain the generator’s performance and longevity.

THE IDEAL OIL CHANGE FREQUENCY

The main idea for changing the oil in regular intervals is to make your generator last as long as possible and avoid unnecessary damage.

The general rule is to change the oil after the first 20-30 hours of operation and every 100 hours of run time thereafter. With synthetic oil, you can double the run time to 200 hours.

To sum up the ideal oil change frequency:

  • The break-in oil change is at 20 hours
  • Every 6 months of use
  • Every 100 hours of use

Some generators are equipped with a run time meter, for some generators you will need to keep track of hours manually. When you are not sure of the ideal interval, just remember this: 

You can’t go wrong with changing the oil sooner rather than later.

CAN I USE A SYNTHETIC OIL IN MY GENERATOR?

comparing oils on the shelf in store

Yes, it’s possible to use synthetic oil in your gas generator. In theory, this type of oil should provide better coating, but this is seen only in motors with overhead valves.

Using synthetic oil is safe for your generator. In the past, there were some issues with overheating in small engines when they were first introduced. Nowadays they are completely safe.

For example, the most popular producer of generators – Honda, offers this advice:

“Honda engines are developed, tested and certified with petroleum based motor oils as a lubricant. Synthetic oils may be used; however, any motor oil used in our engines must meet all oil requirements as stated in the owner’s manual. 

In addition, recommended oil change intervals must be followed.”

The main disadvantage of using synthetic motor oils in your generator is the price. These oils are much more expensive than conventional oils, but for their longevity, they are hard to beat.

HERE ARE THE BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC OILS:

  • Superior performance in extreme temperatures
  • Longer service life & extended oil change intervals
  • Better resistance to oxidation, thickening, and deposits
  • Improved wear protection for engine components
  • Higher resistance to thermal and oxidative breakdown
  • Improved fuel economy & reduced emissions

Learn more about the advantages of synthetic oil by reading this article on Valvoline.com

You will still find that synthetic oil is graded in the same way, so you still need to consider the temperatures and manufacturers’ recommendations.

SIGNS OF LOW ENGINE OIL

There are several signs that may indicate low oil levels in a generator, including:

  • Warning light: Many generators have a warning light on the control panel that will flash when the oil level is low.
  • Unusual noises: A generator that is low on oil may produce unusual noises, such as knocking or ticking sounds.
  • Reduced power output: A generator that is low on oil may not produce as much power as it should.
  • Overheating: Low oil levels can cause the generator to overheat, which may lead to damage or a shutdown
  • Oil pressure warning: Some generators have an oil pressure gauge that will indicate low pressure or oil pressure drop when the oil level is low.
  • Engine damage: If the generator runs low on oil, it can cause damage to the engine, which will require costly repairs.
  • Smoke or burning smell: If there is smoke or a burning smell coming from the generator, it could be caused by low oil levels.

It’s important to note that some generators may not have a warning system to indicate low oil levels. Therefore, it’s recommended to regularly check the oils level according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

how to change oil in your generator

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the oil in your generator:

  1. Gather the necessary equipment: You will need new oil (the correct type for your generator), a drain oil can or canister, a new oil filter (if applicable and the correct type), a clean brush and towel, protective gloves, protective goggles, a ratchet and oil filter wrench, a socket wrench (correct size), Phillips and flat screwdriver, and an oil funnel.
  2. Ensure safety: Put on protective gloves and goggles before starting. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment at hand.
  3. Warm up the old oil: Start the generator and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the old oil inside the engine, which will make it easier to drain.
  4. Place the generator on blocks: Get at least two identical blocks and place them on a level surface. Place the generator on the blocks so that there is free space under the oil drain plug. Make sure the generator is stable and won’t fall off the blocks.
  5. Unplug the spark wire: Locate the spark plug and unplug it to prevent an accidental start of the engine that has no oil in it. If you have problems locating your spark plug, consult your owner’s manual.
  6. Prepare for draining the old oil: Locate the oil drain plug, which is usually a 3/8″ nut with either a square or hexagonal head. The size and shape of this nut depend on the brand and model of your generator, so consult the owner’s manual to locate it. Wipe away any oil residue and grime around the drain plug and place the drain pan or empty canister underneath to catch the old oil.
  7. Drain the old oil: Use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug and allow the old oil to flow into the drain pan or canister. Once all the oil has drained, clean the drain plug with a brush and towel.
  8. Refill with new oil: Use an oil funnel to pour new oil into the generator. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct amount and type of oil to use. Once the generator is filled with oil, screw the oil filler cap back on and reconnect the spark plug wire.

By following these steps, you can change the oil in your generator and ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Matthew Gerther

Founder, Generator enthusiast

Our aim here at the Generatorist is to become the No. 1 resource for all things related to generators & your power needs. We have helped over 600,000 visitors with our tips, articles and reviews and we will help you as well.

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