[Jims5543]

My 17Kw Generac is a 2004 Model that is still running without one hiccup.

I worry about the engine lasting. I change the oil every January. I replace 1/2 quart (IIRC 2 quart capacity I may be wrong here) with 1/2 quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer.

I also give it a tune up every January, which is basically air filter & spark plugs.

I have no hobb meter on it so I have no idea how many hours it has on it. I know it has gotten me through a few several day outages after hurricanes. When that happens I try to change the oil/filter every 2 days of continuous running.

I also shut it down for a couple of hours every 12 hours to just let it cool down and give it a break.

I do not exercise it weekly, I exercise it once every 2-3 months. I should probably exercise it Monthy. I felt like the weekly exercise was too often and unnecessary. I figure the run time I saved over the last 17 years probably extended the life I have left in it.

I plan on replacing it next winter, I am trying to get 1 more hurricane season out of it.

Then I am getting another 17KW or I might look to go one size larger.

Next one will be professionally installed complete with permit. A friend who know how to install them helped me with this one with no permit. I prefer to get the next one installed with a permit so it can be listed as a selling feature on the house.

Good info in this thread, I just wanted to toss in that I have a 17 year old Generac in Hurricane country and it has served me very well.

Do the transfer switch and then put all the items in the house you do not want to have power interruptions (i.e. internet router and TV) on a UPS.

It takes about 1 minute for the house to switch over to Generator Power, it is especially nice to have the internet router on a UPS so it does not need to reset.