You have a Honda generator and need to change or add oil. What type of oil should you buy? Let’s dive in to all things Honda generator oil related:
Please Note: Honda generators do not come new with oil, as spillage could occur during shipment. Leakage of oil into other engine parts could cause damage. You will need to purchase and add oil to your new Honda generator before operating.
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Honda Generator Oil Explained
This article explains the types of oil for generator engines to understand how lubricant is categorized. Here is an excerpt:
Oils are rated by their viscosity. Viscosity is the thickness of the oil. The thinner the oil, the more fluid it will be in colder weather and the easier it moves when starting your engine. Heavier weight oil is needed in warm weather to protect the engine components.
Determining which weight oil is best for your generator engine depends on weather factors. The first number indicates the viscosity – or how fluid the oil is when exposed to friction during outside temperatures. The lower the first number, the thinner the oil for colder conditions, and the “W” stands for winter. The second number indicates the thickness of the oil when the engine is running at an average operating temperature.
So, 10W-30 means the oil is moderately thin for average temperatures, which makes it the most commonly used.
Best Oil for Honda Generators
Honda generator oil use is defined in your user manual or found on Honda’s website. It is crucial to use the recommended oil type, as using the wrong oil for the season can cause damage to the engine by increasing the amount of friction.
Common options for Honda generators include 10W-30 and 10W-40 engine oils. These oils are suitable for a wide range of operating conditions. In colder climates, you may opt for a 10W-30 oil, while in warmer climates, a 10W-40 oil may be more appropriate.
Honda EU2200i Oil Type Pick
The good news is that the recommendations for all the Honda inverter generators are the same, including the Honda 2000 generator series – use a 10W-30 weight oil. This is the most common weight oil for engine use and has a broad outside average temperature range, and it can generally be used from Spring through Fall in most climates.
It is also acceptable to run a synthetic oil after the initial several hours of operation with standard oil. Below is an example of a similar unit, the Honda EU2000i
Honda Generator Oil FAQ
How much oil does a Honda generator take?
Depending on the engine size of your Honda generator, the amount of oil used will be a bit different. The larger the engine, the more lubricant it will take. The smaller the engine, the less oil will be needed.
For example, the Honda E2000 requires .42 quarts, while the ES6500 will take 1.5 quarts. Carefully read the operator’s manual or go to the manufacturer’s website for information on the Honda generator model you are using.
Never overfill the oil reservoir; only fill to the indicator line.
Can you use 5W-30 in the Honda generator?
A 5W-30 oil would only be used in a winter climate, as the lower first number indicates a thinner oil for colder weather. Be sure to change the filter and oil to a 10W-30 as the outside temperatures warm.
Does the Honda generator come with oil?
New Honda generators do not have oil installed to prevent spillage during shipment, and this prevents leakage into other engine parts that could cause damage. You will need to purchase oil and fill the reservoir before starting the engine.
Always refer to the operator’s manual or guidelines listed on the manufacturer’s website.
Can I run synthetic oil in my Honda generator?
Yes, synthetic oil can be used in the Honda generator; however, a 10W-30 oil should be run for the first several hours of operation. You can then change the oil and replace it with a synthetic. Synthetic oil is a cost-effective product and can safely run in your Honda generator.
There is no harm to the engine by switching from standard oil to synthetic.
Always read the recommendations for your generator in the operator’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.