What is 4 stroke motor oil API service classification SJ SL or equal?

Question

I have a Powermate Black Max generator (for hurricane use) that has a Honda engine and that's what the manual says to buy . The only oil I've found in auto stores that has "4 stroke" on the label is for motorcycles. But I was told I don't need this b/c that is for a wet clutch and generators don't have them. Someone told me to use regular 10W-30 car oil . Can someone tell me exactly what brand and type is needed for a generator? Thanks.

Yes I have asked store clerks. That's how I ended up with the motorcycle oil (Valvoline) Then i called Valvoline and they said I should just use their regular motor oil but another store clerk said you can't use car oil. Re other two answers: Do I understand one says use non detergent and the other says use detergent???

Thank you all for the information you provided.

Answer 1

Buy the weight (viscosity) oil that the label on the engine recommends. This is the most important for standard engine lubrication.
As for the API service classification, you can use pretty much anything still available, because as new classification standards are implemented, they supersede ALL of the older ones. Therefor SL supersedes SJ or SE or SF etc.
The most important thing here is to use the correct classification.
All classifications that contain an "S" is for gasoline engines (Spark plug fired) All oils with classifications containing a "C" (CC, CF, CJ etc) are for diesel engines (Compression fired)
The classifications are updated regularly, though not on a schedule. Most of the changes have to do with emissions standards, as well as heat and wear characteristics.
Hope this clears it up a bit.
You can go to the link below for a fuller and a bit more academic understanding of the "API DONUT" that is marked on the can.
By the way, as far as brand, Most all do pretty much the same job now, so it is akin to "my Chevy, your Ford" mindset.
I prefer Valvoline, but most other QUALITY oils do as well. NAPA brand oil is Valvoline repackaged, as is that branded for Car Quest.

Good Luck

http://global.ihs.com/standards.cfm?RID=Z56&MID=Z56&input_doc_number&selected_org=API&gcid=S14922x009-API&KEYWORD=api&s_kwcid=api|34349210

Answer 2

Api Service Classification

Answer 3

just pull the bottle off the shelf and look at the certification seal.
ALL cars are 4 stroke so any motor oil that does not say "non detergent" and does say sj or sl or anything higher than that will work

Answer 4

The best oil to run in a generator is valvoline 10w30 i have a honda generator and thats what i run in it. the type of oil they say to run in it is just made by honda and cost a lot more money it is designed for small engines and extened run motors such as generators,air compressors,pressure washers,ect.but it is equivalent to any high quality non-detergent motor oil

Answer 5

Have you actaully showed the store clerk the manual? He'd know for sure then.