Generator oil change

[Palms]

At how many hours have you changed the oil in your Onan 5500? What did you pay or did you do it yourself?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WinnieView]

Onan recommends every 250 hours or once per year. We have always changed our own at a cost of about $20 for the oil and Onan filter.

 

[edatlanta]

I change the oil in mine once a year including the filter. I average 62 hours usage/year, but 12 of those hours are monthly maintenance runs. I run my 5500 for 1 hour under load on the first of every month and NEVER fail to do this.

I did change the air filter this past week during the oil change. It was looking a little bit discolored, but then it did have 441 hours on it. Onan says to change it a 450 hours and I was plenty close enough. I would change it much sooner if it appeared to need it.

 

[hawkster-JAY]

Once a year, it was easy and cheap.

 

[Palms]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm just over 150 hours since new from the end of April. Will annotate to do filter and oil when closer to the 250 mark and will check the air filter, which should be good, just in case. My sincere appreciation!

 

[Les7h]

First oil change

Onan recommends 50 hours on the first oil change and 150 hours after that ( or every year ) I found prices from $225 - $308 for an oil change - my cost is less than $25 I have an EZ oil valve to install when I do my next oil change - I think that it will make it much less of a mess

 

[Palms]

How large is your generator and did you install the EZ-115 or the EZ-106 with A-610 adaptor? Did you also get a straight or 90º hose adapter? Getting ready to order and want to make sure I order the right ones. My Onan is a 5500. Thanks again.

 

[Jump]

I try to change the oil at 50 hours. I know that is WAY sooner than recommendations, but it is an easy job and provides peace of mind. These generators are air cooled and frequent oil changes are good for their longevity. No filter to change and approx one quart of oil makes for cheap insurance.

Jump

 

[Les7h]

We have the QD-8000 and the EZ-106 with A-610 adaptor with the straight fitting

 

[Cycledoc675]

I have over 1200 hours on my Onan 5500 QG at nearly 3 years. I use 2 quarts of a high quality full synthetic Amsoil motorcycle oil 10W-40 and Wix oil filter #57398. I typically change the oil between 200 to 250 hours, although Onan recommends 150 hours. The oil change on this generator is SO EASY! It already has a built-in EZ oil valve. Put your oil catch pan under the generator and turn the small valve counter-clockwise. The filter is also right there at the front of the generator, accessed under the unit. It is at most a 10 minute DIY job.

I have changed my spark plugs and air filter once. The right cylinder is very hard to access but with a swivel ratchet adapter it is doable. I had to change the brushes at 1050 hours when the generator when under frequency. Cummins dealer charged $600 (!!!) because I didn't know what was wrong. Basically it was just a $30 part, one bolt, and 1 plug....a 2 minute job.