Maintaining a Onan 5500 generator is critical for the life span of your machinery. It’s no surprise that one of the most important aspects of caring for this generator is picking out and changing the oil that fits its standards.
While an Onan 5500 Generator will run on several types of oil, finding the right type can optimize performance, prevent excessive wear, and increase longevity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what type of oil works best in an Onan 5500 generator as well as what capacity and change intervals you should use when maintaining it.
Recommended Oil For Onan 5500 Generator
When selecting an oil for an Onan 5500 generator, a general rule of thumb is to use 5W-30 in temperatures that range from -20°F to 50°F.
Using the right type of oil in your Onan 5500 generator is an important factor when it comes to performance and extending its life. The viscosity you choose depends largely on temperature range; colder temperatures require more lubrication, so thinner oils like 5W-30 are advised for -20°F up until 50°F, 10W-30 or 10W40 should be used at 0°F until 80⁰ F, 15W40 should take care of any between those two extremes from 10 through 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
| Ambient Temperature (Expected) | Recommended Oil Viscocity |
|---|---|
| -20°F to 50°F (-28°C to 10°C) | 5W-30 |
| 0°F to 80°F (-18°C to 27°C) | 10W-30 or 10W-40 |
| 10°F to 100°F (-12°C to 38°C) | 15W-40 |
| 32°F (0°C) and higher | 30 |
Getting caught with using incorrect grades can mean sludge will form due to wrong proportions mixing together as well as increased likelihoods that parts leakage could occur since specific amounts won’t mix properly.
Oil Capacity And Change Interval
The Onan 5500 generator needs 2 quarts (1.9 L) of oil – and it’s advisable to change the liquid every 150 hours or annually!
To ensure that your genny is running optimally, make sure to ascertain which type of oil works best for your model before adding new drops to its tank. Regular checks are essential too, so don’t ever forget about giving a thorough inspection either. Be safe & enjoy reliable power generation.
Recommended Oil Capacity
Owning an Onan 5500 generator comes with the responsibility of regularly checking its oil level! The amount fluctuates depending on temperature and type, but typically you should use no more than two quarts.
Too much or too little can cause permanent damage to internal components; pay attention for a better-running machine in the long run.
Ideal Oil Change Interval
Keeping your Onan 5500 in the best operating condition is paramount. Oil changes are an absolute must!
To make sure you get the most out of your generator, try to do a full 2-quart change every 150 hours or once annually—whichever comes first! Some owners opt for shorter intervals and more frequent oil/fuel filter swaps; however, that’s up to personal preference.
Ultimately, it all boils down to keeping its engine pristine through regular maintenance by changing out old oil regularly—that way you won’t end up with any damaged goods later on.
Steps For Changing Oil In Onan 5500 Generator
To ensure your generator is running as smoothly as possible, it’s essential to do regular oil changes on the machine.
Gather all of the necessary supplies: a fresh new oil filter and motor oil designed for your specific make and model. Once you’ve gathered up what you need, turn off your generator and allow it time to cool down properly before starting any work- this will help prevent potential damage or injury!
When ready, drain out all of the old engine lubricant before filling it with clean replacement motor oil.
Preparation For Oil Change
Before changing the oil in an Onan 5500 generator, it is important to ensure that all necessary tools and materials are on hand. This includes an oil pan for catching used oil and disposing of it properly, fresh engine oil for refilling the generator with, as well as an appropriate wrench or socket required for removing the drain plug.
The exact type of engine oil should also be determined ahead of time. Generally speaking, Valvoline High Mileage with Maxlife Technology SAE 10W40 meets manufacturer specifications and provides better protection than conventional oils.
Draining & Adding New Oil
Before starting the process, make sure that you have a replacement filter and fresh oil ready to go. First off, remove any dirt found on top around bolts that secure down its Oil Tank Cover using a brush or soft cloth then slowly unscrew them manually.
To drain the old oil, start by setting up your collection container underneath the generator by attaching an extension hose to the drain plug. Then use an adjustable wrench or ratchet and socket to remove the drain plug and let the used oil pour out into your container.
Now you’re ready to add in new oil!
Replacing Oil Filter
Replacing the oil filter on an Onan 5500 generator is a crucial task and should be performed as part of regular maintenance. This will help ensure that engine performance remains optimal, and should take no more than 15 minutes depending on your RV experience level and tools available.
Start by laying down the generator on a level surface, then unscrewing & removing the old oil filter with just your hands (or use that handy wrench). Be careful not to touch its element, as it may be hot. Replace it with a new one; tighten it up by hand first before giving it an extra turn or two.
Time for refilling: add the necessary amount into the fill hole using a funnel – aim for no spillage or messiness at all! Insert the dipstick too and get a reading from there, where you will know whether levels are satisfactory below the “full” mark seen over time elapsed since the last cleanse procedure set out! Now let engine run for few moments – check again when it’s off. Et voila!
And there you have it! Following these simple steps will ensure that your Onan 5500 Generator is running in top shape and hassle-free.
FAQs
What oil does an Onan 4000 generator take?
The recommended lubricant for the Onan 4000 model is either 10W-30 or 10W-40 SAE 30 viscosity engine oil.
What oil does an Onan 6500 generator take?
For optimal performance, a 15w-40 synthetic blend motor oil made by Cummings specifically designed to use with their generators would do best when filling up your 6500 series unit!
How much oil does an Onan 4500 generator take?
You’d need about 1.6 quarts whenever conducting needed routine maintenance on an Onan 4500.
The Bottom Line
It is essential to select the correct oil type for your Onan 5500 generator to ensure proper functioning. The wrong oil can cause engine damage, reduce performance, and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
As a general rule of thumb, use 5W-30 oil in temperatures that range from -20°F to 50°F; 10W-30 or 10W-40 for 0°F to 80°F; and 15W-40 for temperatures between 10°F and 100°F.
For optimal performance, consider premium top brands like Mobil 1 and Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Oil.