10w - 30

[rangerscott275]

I just changed the oil / fileter in my generator...it is a diesel generator but I used regular 10w-30 oil, not the diesel (10w-30D) oil. Does it make a big difference?

 

[Genesis]

Yes. Get the gas oil out of there.

Seriously.

There are a lot of good diesel oils, even at places like WallyWorld. A 15W40 diesel-rated oil (e.g. Delo 400, Delvac, etc) is perfectly fine for most gensets - but check the manual.

 

[34Hatt]

O.K since we are on too this subject. I am getting ready to put a older Onan 8k 1986 vintage into the boat. Motor has a ND on it I asume that is for Nissan diesel. I was going to use a 30W straight or should I use a 15-40W which would be easier since that is what my 330B's use. ( yeah I got to get the Manual) anybody have one????

 

[Maynard Rupp]

I have been told by many diesel mechanics that the best oil for all diesels is Shell Rotella. I use it in my Ford truck and the little Yanmar in our sailboat. I also use it in the Crusaders and the gas Oban gen set in our 36c Hatteras.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Rotella makes a good straight weight and a good multi-weight diesel oil. But, for Detroits, Exxon XD3 is better. It has a lower sulfated ash content. Now, as far as the old Onan goes, I would stick with a straight weight diesel oil. Rotella or similar 30w would be fine.

 

[Liquid Asset]

I use the Rotella. Mostly because I can not get Delo 100 or Exon XD3. The Shell is great because it is only a $1 more per gallon than the NAPA oil if you purchase it at the truck enigne parts store. Plus they have 40wt in 5 gallon pails in stock all the time.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

There are Exxon-Mobil distributors all across the country. They usually stock XD3 in quarts, gallons, 5 gal pails, and bulk. I just call them and pick it up at their warehouse. Cat uses Mobil for all of their oil specs and if you buy Cat oil, you are getting Mobil. I'm not sure about DD, but their branded oil may also be Mobil. They are one of the largest when it comes to OEM oil. I'm not sure it's any cheaper from the distributor than buying it at DD, but the DD shop is on the opposite side of town for me, so the ExMob dist is easier.

 

[rangerscott275]

I can just drain it and refill w/ 10w-30D right? (or do I need to flush b/c of something residual left behind? In other words, how bad was it having oil for gas engine in the genny?)

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Just drain and refill with diesel rated oil.

 

[MikeP]

First check to to be sure the oil you installed doesn't already meet the requirements. Many "normal" oils used in cars are SF/CD/CF rated which means they meet the requirements for gas AND diesels as well. Don't go to the trouble of draining oil if you don't have to!

 

[Genesis]

Good point......

 

[34Hatt]

O.K while getting the generator (Onan 8K ) cleaned and ready to go in the boat this weekend I read on the oil fill cap 10-30W. So I use Valoline premium blue 15-40W for my Cummins so I would like to use the same as motor. Anybody see a problem with the change ????

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I can see wanting to carry as few different oils on board as possible. What are you using in the trannies? Maybe that's another option. But, if the gen says it should run multi-weight oil, you are probably okay with the 15w40.

 

[Fanfare]

I run 10-40 in everything, have for 40 years, and things do just fine.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I run 10-40 in everything, have for 40 years, and things do just fine.

You put multi-weight oil in your 92's?

 

[Fanfare]

Whoa--you're right. Pardon typo. Should be straight 40 wt in all.

Memo to self--engage brain better before typing!!

 

[34Hatt]

I can see wanting to carry as few different oils on board as possible. What are you using in the trannies? Maybe that's another option.

Yeah that is the other oil straight 30W for trannies so I figure use the 15-40W and that way its 2 oils instead of 3! Going with the 15-40w then.
Thanks hope everyone is up and going for the new season Boat running great I just need MORE TIME OFF

 

[rangerscott275]

The oil that I have in there is GF 1, 2, 3 & 4 rated....I'm trying to figure out what this means.

 

[MikeP]

GF is the oil identifier for gasoline fueled passenger car engines.

 

[rangerscott275]

aka no good...ok, thanks...will get it changed out in the morn