Anyone using Synthetic Oil in Honda Gen ?

[2dabeach]

I have a Honda 2000i generator that I bring with me for use with my 25' Airstream if there is no electric at a campsite. I typically use the generator less that 20 hours per year and have been servicing it with regular oil once a year. I've been thinking of switching to a synthetic oil. I spoke to Honda about it and was told that they could not recommend its use, as they have not tested their generators with synthetic oils. I would like to know if anyone has used synthtic oil in their Honda generators and their expierence with it.

[moosetags]

I have a pair of the Honda 2000's, and was also advised by the dealer not to use synthetic oil. I have not had the nerve to try it, especially while under warranty.

Brian

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by 2dabeach

...I would like to know if anyone has used synthtic oil in their Honda generators and their expierence with it.

yes

M-one, 5w30

5 years in one eu2000i without issues

changed twice yearly (so 1 quart a year)

a few old posts in these 2 threads...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...tml#post509749

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...tml#post603330

the 2nd genset went mobil last year, again no issues.

cheers
2air'

[mhilley]

I use synthetic in my 2000 Honda generator and always have. For me I use it is a convenience since I always have Mobil 1 around for my truck. I have about a half zillion hours on the generator and it still runs like new. We used it around the clock to run the refer and lights in the house for 3 weeks after the hurricane. I will probably open Pandoras box by saying this, but we run our A/S air conditioner all the time with it!

[withidl]

Ex Lube Engineer with Texaco Lubricants Company here. I have an Onan Micoquiet 4000 in which I have used Mobil 1 15W-50 since breakin. It now has 912 hours on the clock and the engine still runs like new (had to put new brushes in the alternator recently, but that's not engine related).

Air cooled engines are designed with greater mechanical tolerances (clearances) due to the wider temperature ranges they operate at. A higher viscosity (heaver; greater thickness) oil will protect air cooled engines better than low viscosity oils.

Low viscosity oil is more fuel efficient due to lower fluid friction, BUT does not cushion the engine mechanicals like a high viscosity oil.

Synthetic oils are made from that same barrel of crude as regular oils, BUT are greatly refined so as to be comprised of “homogenous” molecules, i.e. all the same type of molecules. Because of this they do not contain paraffin’s which raise the pour point at low temperatures and will gel (crystallize) nor do they readily react with oxygen at high temperatures which allows for longevity in the crankcase at the relatively high temperatures that air cooled engines operate at. There really is no down side to synthetic oils other than price (which is somewhat offset by longer operating times).

As to viscosity, I’ll trade a very minimal savings in fuel economy for longevity any day. I run Mobil 1 15W-50 (behaves as a 15 winter grade at start-up but only thins out to a 50 summer grade at the 200+ degree temperatures engines operate at) in ALL of my vehicles which include a BMW X5 tow vehicle, 1988 Legend V6L, 1990 Continental (neighbor gave it to me, what can I say), Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa motorcycle, Honda riding lawn mower, my mother’s 1993 Buick, son’s 1999 Ford Explorer, son’s 1994 Honda Civic, etc.. NEVER have had an engine failure. The X5 V8 4.4i with a little over 100K only consumes about 1 pint of oil every 6,500 miles after towing my 31 ASCL for over 32K miles.

Go with the synthetic, you won't be disappointed.

[overlander63]

I've used Mobil 1 10W30 in our Honda 2000 since 2005. No problems at all, no oil consumption issues, and (maybe) an extra 5 minutes operating time per tankful.

[Dave Park]

The recommendation to not use synthetic can be ignored after the first full cycle on regular oil. Synthetic oil meets and exceeds all regular oil standards, but imply has enhanced stability, durability and performance.

You do need to use regular oil for your FIRST oil cycle because the relatively poor performance of that oil is what allow the rougher surfaces to bed in.

[moosetags]

Thanx for all the info and insight. My two Honda's, Amos and Leon, will be getting Mobil 1 15W-50 on their next oil change.

Brian

[azflycaster]

My first oil change on my EU1000i was when I switched to 10-30 Mobile 1.
Four years and several oil changes later, no problems.

[dkottum]

MObil 1 for four years, change each year, no problem.

[ebair]

3 years on 2 Honda 2000i's
after break in oil, changed to Rotella full syn
easy cold weather starts and no issues