How often should I change oil in a gasoline powered generator?

E.C. P
by E.C. P

We start the generator every few months but haven't had to use it during a power outage for the past two years. We use Stabil in the gasoline. How often should the oil and gasoline be changed when the generator is just run periodically to make sure it is working?


  13 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 04, 2021

    Have you read your instruction manuel? That info should be there. You didn't mention a make or model (assuming frequentcy of changes doesn't vary from make to make).

  • I would check with the manufacturer for the best advice.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 04, 2021

    Here's a general rule of thumb:


    Change your generator's oil regularly, at the interval outlined in your owner's manual. For smaller gas generators, this may be as often as every 50 hours. If applicable, change your oil filter when you change your generator's oil.


    ref: https://findanyanswer.com/how-often-should-i-change-the-oil-in-my-generator


    This also depends on whether your generator is large or small, you could also consult your dealer for advice on this part of maintenance. Have the make and model numbers handy.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 04, 2021

    Experts recommend that you do a full oil change after every 100 hours of use, particularly if you're running your generator every day or over an extended period. For safety's sake, make sure you let the generator cool down before you do the oil change.

  • William William on Aug 04, 2021

    When generators are working hard, they may go through a great deal of oil. In fact, many calls to generator maintenance companies with complaints of a generator seizing up after a few days of continuous running are the result of low or no oil triggering an automated shut-down. If your generator stops working, it’s a good idea to check the oil first.


    Experts recommend that you do a full oil change after every 100 hours of use, particularly if you’re running your generator every day or over an extended period. For safety’s sake, make sure you let the generator cool down before you do the oil change. Even if you haven’t used your generator much lately, it will still need regular oil changes to ensure that it starts when you need it.

  • It is highly suggested that full oil change should be done after every 100 hours of use, especially if you are running your generator every day or over an extended period. But to really make sure, you check it with the manufacturer.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Aug 04, 2021

    Hello this link might be informative. Contacting your manufacturer for recovery might be another option to consider


    https://americasgenerators.com/blog/post/2019/01/15/generator-oil-changes-maintenance-tips.aspx

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 05, 2021

    Double check with the engine manufacturer but rule of thumb is 50-60 hours.

    Good thing you are using Stabil. If you can use 100% gasoline (no ethanol), that's the best way to go on small engines.

  • Dee Dee on Aug 05, 2021

    I used Stabil in my generator and left gas in it. Not the thing to do, It ruined my carburetor and I had to replace.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 06, 2021

    After a full use

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Aug 09, 2021

    After every use or blackout wre your using for a couple of days streight

  • Marythomsun Marythomsun on Jul 03, 2022

    Regular maintenance of the gasoline generator will undoubtedly contribute to its productive operation and longevity. It is recommended to perform it every 50-100 hours of operation. Naturally, when carrying out measures, the peculiarities of the design, level of automation, and intensity of use of dual fuel generators are taken into account. It includes the whole complex of maintenance measures, including oil change. It should be done after every 50 hours of operation. If it is still new, the oil change interval in a gasoline generator should not exceed 25 hours.