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Honda Generator Oil - The Complete Guide

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Portable electricity from Honda generators is ideal for a wide range of tasks. Homeowners can use them to power essential appliances in an emergency, and contractors can use them to power tools and machinery on the job site.

Honda generators, like any other gasoline-powered equipment, need regular maintenance. Relying on the proper oil levels can help keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently for a long time.

Honda generators are known for their exceptional quality and value for money. A generator, on the other hand, is only as good as the oil and fuel it receives. A Honda generator won't work properly if it doesn't have the right fuel and other components.

Even more worrisome is the fact that it won't last as long as expected. Maintaining a high standard of quality requires the use of the correct type of oil, which we're here to discuss.

Honda Generators Oil Alert Warning System

You should check your time every time you are about to start it. However, in reality most people don't do this. Plus you might be using it in a stressful situation.

Whether you're utilizing it in the aftermath of a storm or on a camping trip, things get a little more tricky. To sum it up, there just isn't enough time to focus on every aspect of Generator best practice.

Honda has included an Oil Alert system in order to preserve your generator. As soon as the oil level drops to a dangerously low level, an indicator light illuminates, and the engine is shut off. As a result, any potential harm to the engine or generator is minimized.

There are no safety shut offs on low-quality generators. This is bad for the machine's long-term health even if there is no immediate damage. Honda is a step ahead of you, assisting you as you focus on other tasks.

How to change the oil in a Honda Generator

When it comes to changing your Generator’s oil, Honda has an excellent video on YouTube to help you out, but below is a quick guide:

Due to their construction and how they are utilized, generators have their own set of challenges when it comes to changing oil. Whether you're dealing with an engine that doesn't have an evident drain plug or if a generator has been left unattended for months, here's what you need to know.

Performing an Oil Check

Oil can burn or leak during operation, especially in engines that have seen a lot of use. Before each usage, check the oil level, and do so every time you top off the tank.

As a precaution, many Honda generator engines have a "Oil Alert" mechanism that shuts the engine down if the oil level drops too low to safeguard the motor from harm.

Remove the dipstick/filler cap, wipe it clean, and re-insert it into the filler neck without screwing or pushing it in to get the accurate reading when checking the oil.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

After the first month or 20 hours of use, Honda advises replacing the oil every six months or 100 hours after that. Even if you've already changed the oil, it's a good idea to do so every 20 hours of use. 

Changing the oil after a break-in period is critical, even if the generator hasn't been used. During storage, oil can get contaminated with water and other impurities.

Draining the Oil on Small Portable Generators

Some types, such as the EU 2000, do not have a drain plug and the entire engine is enclosed in a case to reduce noise. Afterward, the dipstick can be removed and the generator turned so that the oil pours out of the filler neck.

When you use this neck, the oil will drip onto the cover's tab and then be poured into your oil pan. A marine oil change pump can be used to transport used oil from the crankcase to an appropriate container if you are having difficulty maneuvering the generator for drainage.

The engine is exposed in big generators, unlike smaller units. It is unnecessary to tilt the generator because the drain plug and dipstick are both placed at the engine's base. Make sure the generator is supported by something like a brick or block of wood and slide the oil pan underneath to catch any spills.

With the crankcase filled

In Honda engines, the oil filler neck is designed to be filled until it reaches the edge of the filler neck. Filling engines without a drain plug necessitates the use of a funnel.

What oil should you use?

If you have a Honda generator, you should only use 10W-30 synthetic motor oil. The viscosity, or thickness, of the oil is a major determining factor in its selection. 

When it's cold outside, the first number, 10, relates to the thickness of the material. The letter W denotes the season of winter. The second number, 30, refers to how its composition changes when the temperature rises. This sort of oil can be used in any environment, no matter how cold or hot it is.

Fortunately, this is a common oil kind. You may get it at any store, but we prefer to buy name brands. A generator is a costly piece of equipment. Because of this, we recommend using only high-quality oil in your generator. If you use premium oil, you'll get the most out of your generator.

Does generator size matter?

When it comes to your generator's power output, the type of oil you use is the same. The scenario is the same whether you have a Honda EU1000i, EU2000i, EU3000, or any other inverter generator from Honda.

However, the amount of oil required will alter as the size of the engine does. There is more room in the oil tank of a larger engine. Having a smaller engine means that you use less oil.

One of the reasons we appreciate Honda is because of the free internet resources they provide to their clients.

There is a wealth of information available on the Honda website if you have a specific query concerning your generator. The instructions also include advice for general care, maintenance, and safety.

Other types of oil to use in your generator

In addition, if necessary, you can run your generator with 5W30 oil instead of 10W30. Because their viscosities are identical, these two types of oil can be used interchangeably once they reach working temperatures and begin to function.

Winter months may necessitate the use of 5W30 oil, as it flows more easily under colder weather conditions. When compared to 10W30, this type of oil is more fuel-efficient under extreme cold..

Here's a quick rundown of the main differences and comparisons:


Comparison 1Starting a cold engine is much easier with 5W30 oil since it is more "fluid" at lower temperatures. It may be used at temperatures ranging from -31°F to 95°F / -35°C to +35°C (outside temperature). It consumes less gasoline and travels more quickly.
Comparison 2As opposed to 5W30, 10W30 oil thickens up somewhat at low temperatures, making it more difficult to get your engine started. It can be used at temperatures ranging from -13°F to 95°F / -25°C to +35°C (outside temperature).

My Favorite Honda Generator Oil

There are a huge range of oils and brands to use. These are the ones I use the most and am comfortable recommending:

1. Briggs & Stratton 30W Oil


Briggs & Stratton 30W Engine Oil - 48 Oz. 100028

If your engine has four cycles, you'll want to use Briggs & Stratton 30W oil. Having been in the engine oil business for more than a century and generating high-quality products, Briggs & Stratton is the manufacturer of this premium oil.

The company currently has a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality items.

Other than oil, Briggs & Stratton is known for building small engines and selling pressure washers. Power generation machinery, as well as lawn care goods are also manufactured by them.

As a result of the company's investment in innovation, Briggs & Stratton has seen a rise in customer happiness and product improvement. The company is committed to meeting the needs of its clients and is even working to diversify its business.

Many of the industry's finest engineers have endorsed the Briggs & Stratton 30W. They made it expressly for a 4-cycle engine's substantial demands.

In one hour, an air-cooled engine consumes around 1-ounce of oil per cylinder.

Do not exceed the dipstick mark when refilling your oil. Overfilling can cause a variety of issues, including a shorter lifespan for the vehicle.


Amazon Basics Full Synthetic Oil


There is no better place to find the best portable generator oil than Amazon's basic products. AmazonBasics. It might not seem like a good idea to buy a “basic” oil, but I have found this to be an excellent oil.

Even in the most extreme weather conditions, the oil is designed to protect your generator's engine. There is no need to be concerned about the weather or climate in the area where you wish to operate the generator because this oil performs well in even the most extreme temperatures. 

AmazonBasics ships and sells the goods, while Warren oil is the manufacturer. This off-brand product performs as well as the market's top alternative. If you purchase this oil, you can expect to see some spectacular results.

This oil gives a longer interval between oil changes and a premium combination of oils. It protects against friction and is ideal for boosting fuel efficiency.

Using AmazonBasics oil will reduce the amount of time you have to spend on maintaining your generator. Additionally, the long-term dependability of your generator is ensured.

Low-speed pre-ignition can be prevented by using this oil. 

For those looking for a high-quality machine oil at a reasonable price, this is the product for you.


Generac 5W-30 Oil


The Generac 5W-30 oil is the best-tested product for a wide range of temperature conditions. A company that has been in business since 1959 is known for creating high-quality products and services. Generac is currently the most popular backup generator manufacturer in the United States.

Generac, in addition to oil production, also manufactures industrial, commercial, and household generators. Another product line that it specializes in is transfer switches, both manual and fully automated.

Owners of high-temperature generators are increasingly using Generac 5-30, a synthetic oil. When compared to conventional oil, which changes over time and thins when exposed to high temperatures, synthetic oils are better.

Cold weather thickens conventional oil as well. It is common knowledge that heavier oil is less effective at moving around the engine and can cause jamming. You'd be better off sticking with Generac 5-30 synthetic oil if you want to avoid any problems.

If you use Generac 5-30 oil, you may run your generator through hail or rain without interruption. Sludge and varnish deposits can also be prevented by using this product.

The product contains a powerful additive to protect your generator from viscosity breakdown. In the freezing winter and hot summer, we recommend this oil to homeowners who use their generators in a variety of climates. You won't be dissatisfied with the oil's outcomes.


Final thoughts

If you don't know what kind of oil your engine needs, you may always consult the original manufacturer, who will be able to tell you.

The warranty on your engine may be voided if you classify it incorrectly. Keep in mind that the API has said that any oil with an SM classification can be used in any gasoline engine. Diesel engines necessitate the use of a different type of oil.


About Tom Bell

Hey, I’m Tom, the owner of Generator Reviews! I built this website to help you get the very most out of your generator and select the correct one for your personal circumstances. This site contains reviews of virtually every generator, detailed buying guides, as well as maintenance advice to help you keep yours in tip-top shape!

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