I am new to this site and dont know how to navigate thru it easy yet,so if this question has been asked before,forgive me.
I was told by the dealer to use a good brand full synthetic oil in my RedCat,but I have seen else where not to use it,only conventional oil.
Whats the difference?
Also,is there a specific brand and weight that I need to use.Thought about using Tec 2000 from Wal-Mart.Someone mentioned Rotella 15-40.

 

Synthetic or conventional, it's all in your preference. Synthetic oil has superior lubricating characteristics, and some will say you can go longer between changes. Myself I use conventional oil in my Redcat. That being said, do not go the cheap way and buy Wal-Mart oil. Also the viscosity you are going to you will depend upon the climate you are in. Being in Georgia, I would say you could run 15-40 all year long.

 

Just to let everyone know, Wal-Mart oil is is nothing more than relabled Quaker-State. Only a slight formulation difference in that the Wal-Mart labeled oil has a higher concentration of boron that is used as a tracer. With the exception of the boron, there is no difference in the formulation.
Source, "The Motor Oil Bible".
If you like quaker state green bottle oil, wal-mart oil is the same stuff.

 

If its a Semi Auto, Do not run Synthetic, Its great oil but actually to good for these machines, Chinese semis run to much on Friction & the clutch will start to slip on you, I would run Castrol 10W40 year round in that sucka [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I'm a newbie as well. I've got to do the initial 10-hour oil change on my son's SunL 125cc and am not sure which oil to use. It's got a Honda clone engine if that matters and we live in NJ.

Please bear with me for a few other (stupid) newbie questions...

I assume the oil tank on the ATV is smaller than a full quart?? If so, what's the shelf life on the remaining oil or should I just purchase a new quart each time he needs to change the oil?

Assuming he rides it 4 or 5 hours per week, am I OK if he changes the oil every 40 or so hours after this intial 10?

Thanks for your help (I'm sure it won't be the last time I'll need it).

 

Welcome to the site ridersdad[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]. I like Castrol conventional oil in my Redcat, and it takes less than a quart during changes. Your remaining oil will be fine until the next oil change after that, so long as you keep it sealed. Your initial ten hour change is required so that you remove the shavings and any assembly lube during the break-in process. You will be fine changing your oil after every 40 hours. I usually change mine about every three months with weekend riding.