Generators- what do you recommend for break in?

[tdpark]

I got a new genny a few months back and have not gotten around to firing up and breaking it in. The manual does not really mention break in and i have heard a few different things. I plan on breaking it in with HD dyno oil and run it with a load for 5-10 hours before dumping the initial fill. Let me know what you think. Oh- the genny is Honda 3000IS inverter type generator.

Thanks,

tdark

[RayKnobs]

I go with the standard crow bar and ski mask for break ins

[tdpark]

nice

[usmcveteran]

I know its not same company but personally I would follow this advice. In general, there is no special engine operation procedure required during the break-in period. There are, however, two major points to consider when using an air cooled engine for the first time:

1. Do not operate the engine at full load during the first 5-10 hours of operation.
2. Change the oil after the first 5-10 hours of use.

In the past, the engine break-in period was very important to the overall life and durability or the engine. The break-in period required has changed over the years with improved piston ring materials and designs. The break-in period now (5-10 hours) is short in comparison with that of engines of the past. Aluminum cylinder bore engine piston rings break-in faster than those used on case iron cylinder bores.
Break-in period is accomplished at any speed above idle and may occur faster if the engine is operated at varying loads and speeds. However, break-in occurs at an acceptable rate if the engine is operated at slightly less than top no-load speed with or without a moderate load. Combustion pressures at this speed are sufficiently high to cause piston rings to conform to the cylinder wall. It is recommended that an engine not be operated continuously at full load during the initial hours of operation. This can lead to permanent deformation of the cylinder bore.
It is very important to perform the initial break-in oil change, however.
After the first 5-10 hours of operation, the oil should be changed to remove asperities that have broken from the bearings of the engine components and cylinder wall. Break-in can be performed using the recommended grades of standard or synthetic oil. Which switching to synthetic oil, the most cost effective method would be to use our standard oil for the break-in procedure, and if desired, use synthetic oil afterwards. For more information on oil types, please visit our Oil Recommendations page.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/...-in-procedures

[Cgrutt]

I own a lot of engines and never really pay close attention to them. I think one of my compressors has the same oil in it side about '84 lol. I change the fluids in my car and boat regularly. Others not so much. I've been fortunate and never really had a problem. One thing I do pay attention to is fuel. Usually empty the tank and run dry if its not going to be used for a while. Mobile One synthetic is great oil and has never let me down
Good luck with that Honda. I've got the 2000 watt inverted and its great.

[Cgrutt]

Holy crap I just had a vision... I think I may have put 2 QTS too many in my boat when I winterized it. Hope I remember to check and take an oil extractor next spring. Damn USMC your post may have just saved my engine.....

[usmcveteran]

Glad I could help lol, Maybe leave a note as a reminder with your boat keys?

[Cgrutt]

Keys are in the boat. I'm going to leave the oil pump in the cooler lol....

[usmcveteran]

lol good luck remembering and I hope you didnt add extra in case you forget to check lol.

[Cgrutt]

Nope I think I was just a dumbass. Boat takes 9 QTS Mercruiser full synthetic. Sold by the gallon. I bought 3 gallons (at $38 per gallon ugh). I seem to remember dumping two gallons in and Leaving a Qt in the third instead of pouring just a qt from it lol...

[Lord Timelord]

It's a Honda!

1. Add Gas (with stabilizer premixed with the can gas).
2. Check Oil. As long as you don't run it out of oil, a Honda engine will last forever.
3. Run Engine once a month for 10-15 minutes to help her loosen up.
4. Crack open a cold one because if you did #'s 1-3, it'll take any load, at any time, 24x7x365, and will only let you down if you:
a. Run it out of Gas
b. Let the Oil run dry.
c. Burned the Sparkplug down into a nub without replacing it. LOL

[masterswimmer]

Heaviest, longest load I have put on my genny is 24/7 x 11 days when Superstorm Sandy nailed us. We lost power for 11 days. Didn't shut the genny down for even 5 minutes. Performed flawlessly.
Mine is a Coleman 7500w. Couldn't be happier with it. Use Stabilizer with every fill up.

[BuellSix8]

Congrats on the new Genny and USMC is dead in just remember do not leave it running without some load on it; similar to having the microwave on without anything in it. Even just plugging a lamp into it directly helps. Run, change oil, refill and run quick again to make sure oil light goes off, boom done,

I know its not same company but personally I would follow this advice. In general, there is no special engine operation procedure required during the break-in period. There are, however, two major points to consider when using an air cooled engine for the first time:

1. Do not operate the engine at full load during the first 5-10 hours of operation.
2. Change the oil after the first 5-10 hours of use.

In the past, the engine break-in period was very important to the overall life and durability or the engine. The break-in period required has changed over the years with improved piston ring materials and designs. The break-in period now (5-10 hours) is short in comparison with that of engines of the past. Aluminum cylinder bore engine piston rings break-in faster than those used on case iron cylinder bores.
Break-in period is accomplished at any speed above idle and may occur faster if the engine is operated at varying loads and speeds. However, break-in occurs at an acceptable rate if the engine is operated at slightly less than top no-load speed with or without a moderate load. Combustion pressures at this speed are sufficiently high to cause piston rings to conform to the cylinder wall. It is recommended that an engine not be operated continuously at full load during the initial hours of operation. This can lead to permanent deformation of the cylinder bore.
It is very important to perform the initial break-in oil change, however.
After the first 5-10 hours of operation, the oil should be changed to remove asperities that have broken from the bearings of the engine components and cylinder wall. Break-in can be performed using the recommended grades of standard or synthetic oil. Which switching to synthetic oil, the most cost effective method would be to use our standard oil for the break-in procedure, and if desired, use synthetic oil afterwards. For more information on oil types, please visit our http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/support/faqs/engine%20oil%20recommendations"]Oil Recommendations[/URL] page.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/...-in-procedures

[tdpark]

Thanks guys for all the insight. I should be all set.

tdpark