What Oil Does An Onan 5500 Generator Take? (Types Explained!)

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Onan is the leading generator company across the world for RVs and campers. Almost every RV is powered by one of its famous generators.

One of the most popular models to date is the Onan 5500 generator. Many people bring their electronics along with them when they go camping.

After all, you never know when a rainy day may have you stuck inside the camper.

Every generator needs a specific type of oil to perform effectively. Without the oil, your generator won’t be able to give your RV light or keep it warm at night.

Onan generators are very good quality and if you treat them right they will last for a lifetime. That is why it’s so important that you use the right oil with your Onan 5500 generator.

So, what oil does an Onan 5500 generator take? For mild to hot weather conditions, Onan recommends using an oil that is 10W40 for the model 5500 generator. However, many users have mentioned that they have gotten great results as well from Mobil1 20-50 synthetic oil. I would only recommend this in situations where you are unable to attain a quality 10W40 oil.

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What Happens If I Use The Wrong Oil In My Generator?

If you thought that all engine oil was the same, there is a lot for you to learn. Every generator has different mechanisms and needs a certain type of oil to function.

If they do not get the right oil then it’s likely that there will be poor lubrication in the generator’s engine.

“This could lead to early wear and tear and could even lead to the failure of your Onan 5500 generator. While we are on the topic, it’s also important that you never use old oil in a generator.”

Old oil will cause a mess of problems, and most likely gum up and cause a clog in your generator. When performing an oil change, only use a new oil.

Onan Generator Oil Recommendation

Before you buy any oil for your generator, you’ll need to know how to read the label. This is important because every oil recommendation depends on your climate.

An RV owner who lives in a warm state all year round will need a different type of oil than an RV owner who travels in colder winter temperatures.

This is why you should know about viscosity to help you read the oil’s label better. Viscosity is a term that stands for the measurement of the oil’s resistance to flow. In most stores, you will find oils that are considered multigrade.

This means that the oil fits in two different categories.

One thing to keep in mind about oil is that it thins out when it’s heated and it thickens when it’s cooler. This is why your location and the temperature conditions matter when choosing an oil.

In order to read the viscosity of an oil, you will likely see the letter “W” placed between two numbers. The first number before the “W” represents how well it performs in cold temperatures. A lower number means it’s better in the cold.

The second number represents the oil’s viscosity limit, with thinner oils having a lower number.

Best Oil To Use For An Onan 5500 Generator?

When it comes to getting the best oil for your Onan 5500 generator, Onan recommends using an oil that is 10W40. However, it’s important to know that they recommend this oil for mild to hot weather conditions.

That is mainly because campers are most commonly used during the summer season.

When you’re searching for oil for your generator, you may have noticed that it comes in both gas and diesel engine quality.

Onan 5500 generators need a diesel quality oil because they are diesel-powered generators.

While 10W40 is the recommended oil, many users have mentioned that they have gotten great results as well from Mobil1 20-50 synthetic oil.

However, we would only recommend this in situations where you are unable to attain a quality 10W40 oil.

Onan 5500 Generator Oil Capacity

The Onan 5500 generator holds 2 quarts of oil. On average, it is roughly half the size of a small car’s oil tank. When changing the oil to your Onan generator, you should always use a dipstick to see how much oil is in there.

This will be helpful for you to see when the oil is fully drained, as well as when you fill it up.

Make sure all the old oil is out of the oil tank before refilling it with clean oil. You will want to make sure there isn’t any leftover oil because it could gunk up the new oil.

To fill your oil tank, it’s important you fill it all the way to the top of the dipstick. You should see oil near the cap when it is full.

Your generator also has an oil filter. You may need to change this at the end of the season to ensure your Onan 5500 generator performs up to par next year.

Keeping up with maintenance is just as important as using the correct oil.

Which Type Of Oil Should I Put In My Onan 5500 Generator?

Your Onan 5500 generator should ideally have 10W40 diesel oil. While there are many great brands to choose from, the most important aspect that you need to consider is if it is SAE rated.

The best quality oils will all be approved and SAE-rated. If the oil has not been rated, we don’t recommend using it.

Some of the most reliable types of oil for your Onan 5500 generator are:

Valvoline High Mileage With Maxlife Technology SAE 10W40
Castrol GTX High Mileage 10W-40
Formula Shell Conventional 10W-40
Havoline 10W-40 Motor Oil

Changing the oil in your generator can be a messy job. Many Onan 5500 owners recommend running your generator with a load for 15 to 20 minutes to heat the oil up before changing it.

This is because the old oil takes a long time to drain, and when it’s heated up it does drain quicker.

It’s important you get all of the old oil out of your generator’s oil tank before adding the new oil. Even if they are the same viscosity, it’s not a good idea to mix the oils.

Always start with an empty tank when you add new oil to your Onan 5500 generator.

Onan 4000 Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 4000 generator oil type? The Onan 4000 generator would use a 15W40, a 10W30, or 10W40 and for extremely low temperatures, you should use a 5W30.

All of these oil levels are SAE-rated. However, it’s important to know that they recommend this oil for mild to hot weather conditions.

That is mainly because campers are most used during the summer season.

Onan 4500 Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 4500 generator oil type? The Onan 4500 generator would use an SAE 10W30.

Onan 5500 Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 5500 generator oil type? The Onan 5500 generator would use a 15W-40 (or straight 30) oil.

Onan 5500 Gas Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 5500 Gas generator oil type? The Onan 5500 Gas generator would use a 15W-40 (or straight 30) oil

Onan 7000 Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 7000 generator oil type? The Onan 7000 generator would use 15W40 oil. Best oil if you must drive long-distance.

Oil Change on a Cummins Onan 7000 Generator >> Check out the video below:

Onan 7500 Diesel Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 7500 Diesel generator oil type? The Onan 7500 Diesel generator would use a 15W40.

Onan 8000 Diesel Generator Oil Type?

What is the Onan 8000 Diesel generator oil type? The Onan 8000 Diesel generator would use premium quality engine oil such as OnaMax™ SAE10W-30 and SAE15W-40a.

How To Change The Oil In Your Onan RV Generator

Performing regular oil changes on the RV generator is important for keeping your generator functioning properly.

You should change the oil at least once a year as recommended. Also, be sure to run your generator for at least an hour every month.

While exercising your generator, turn on a few electrical components so that it has an electrical load on it.

Onan Generator Oil

How To Change The Oil In Your Onan RV Generator >> Check out the video below:

Final Thoughts

Onan generators are the most popular in the world for powered campers and RVs. They have several different models to choose from.

The Onan 5500 is one of their most reliable generators. Many people prefer them because they are technology-driven. People can bring their favorite electronics along without worrying about using all of the fuel.

Which oil should people be putting in their Onan 5500 generators? These generators run best when they are fueled with 10W40 diesel oil.

When you use the right oil in your generator, not only does it give its best performance, but it also has a longer lifespan. We recommend changing your oil regularly to keep your generator in top shape,

Always check your Onan 5500 generator’s user manual for more information on how often you should change the oil.

References

https://oilap.com/best-engine-oil-10w-40/