How to Change the Oil in a 22KW Generac Generator - Generac Maintenance - Generac Air Filter Change

[@dhansel4835]

On May 16th 2024 we had a couple of tornados come through the area (West part of Houston, Tx). Big trees fell over power lines and at 6:35PM our lights went out. Immediately our 20kw Generac generator came on and ran day and night for 6 days straight. I checked the oil several times. On the 7th day after power came back on I changed the oil and filter. You do need to let the generator run for at least 5-8 minutes before draining the oil. Several of our neighbors wanted to know where I got my generator. I told them and gave them a business card. Being without electricity is no fun.

[@johnmilner7603]

Let it run for at least 10 min after an oil change then wait 5 min and check the oil level. Add oil if low.

[@SparkyBuilt]

Thank you.

[@bfullsyou]

Get engine hot before draining oil; it'll come out that little drain tube better. Also, good idea to check battery cables for corrosion every oil change.

[@krelllab6366]

Make sure you have the updated firmware that will exercise the motor for 12 minutes once a week. Unless you live in the desert, the old 5 minute exercise time is not enough to drive the water accumulation out of the oil. Oil absorbs water from the atmosphere over time. (Some people describe this phenomenon as milky looking oil.) Getting the engine hot drives out the moisture.

[@SparkyBuilt]

That’s great advice! Thanks.

[@bfullsyou]

Good to know, cuz I have had milky looking oil after long winter. I changed to every other week... but longer running sounds good.

[@preacherjohngroves9647]

Just changed the oil in my 22KW Generac a few minutes ago. I used a disposable aluminum pan under the oil filter to avoid the mess. Oil is definitely slow to drain ( I didn't run the engine first ). Used 1.5 quarts....apparently there is still a bit of oil in the oil cooler even after draining. Thanks for the video!

[@SparkyBuilt]

You bet.

[@sheepdog3828]

So my dealer told me to use 0w-20 oil. But i see many use 0w-30. In triple digit temps would seem that a 30w oil would be more suitable. Not looking for oil debates here seems these questions do that. I'm seeking seasoned owners experience. We have a six month old 14kw. Thanks fellas...

[@SparkyBuilt]

I’ve been running a 5-30 in mine since 2020 with 0 issues. Essentially at the end of the day it’s just a small engine so as long as you’re not running a 15-40 or 20-50 it really shouldn’t have a problem. Some of the newer machines may call for a lighter oil but 5-30 has been a great go to for decades.

[@sheepdog3828]

@@SparkyBuilt TY for that greatly appreciated!

[@DenmarkRepair-dl1iv]

Run the Generator for 5minutes to allow oil to get hot. Making it easier to exit out of tube.

[@kevinmarchini5272]

Get it hot first I was always able to get 1.9 quarts in mine now I have the newer design 816cc engine it holds 2.2 quarts with hydraulic lifters no valve adjustment the one you have requires valve adjustment every 300 hours or 3 to 4 years

[@SparkyBuilt]

Awesome, thanks for the tips.

[@GeauxRight777]

Helpful video thanks

[@SparkyBuilt]

Glad it helped

[@RealityCheck1965]

Fine video. Thanks for posting.

[@SparkyBuilt]

You bet, hope it helped.

[@riversmart]

Thank you guys! it was very helpful.

[@FireManTTSOM]

What about the air filter?

[@SparkyBuilt]

Change it if it looks bad, at the time of the oil change it still looked brand new so we saved it.

[@krisw8597]

I know that you were unable to run it prior oil change possibly, hence slow to drain. I run mine for about 10 min then change the oil, comes out a lot faster…. If not, good grief it feels like forever for it to drain. Good video!

[@SparkyBuilt]

A million oil changes later and I didn’t even think about that 🤦🏻‍♂️ good call and thanks for watching!

[@masitachula6067]

do you add the two whole bottles that comes in the kit? and also how to disconect the generator before the maintenance?

[@SparkyBuilt]

Fill it until it’s in the cross hatch on the dipstick. Turn the generator to the off position and you can also turn off the switch behind the lid.

[@larryg7109]

I was told you are supposed to pump the oil residual oil out. IDK.

[@SparkyBuilt]

I'll have to look at that, I like the comment that you should run the motor for 10 minutes to get the oil warm.