400ex winter oil, help?
Nov 9, 2009 | 09:54 PM
#1
Thread Starter
|
Pro Rider
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
400ex winter oil, help?
what engine oil should i run in my 400ex for this winter riding, including weight and brand and type? im in central florida and during the winter its anywhere from 30-80*F, thanks!
Nov 10, 2009 | 08:17 AM
#3
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 1
I ride the southwest deserts. It occasionally freezes in winter, but can also be in the low 80's....sounds similar to where you are. Summers are just plain HOT, but I never ride mid-day when it is the worst. I run 10W30 in winter, and 10W40 in summer. If you look in your owner's manual, the cuttoff for 10W30 on the high end is 90 degrees, so if you aren't pushing 90 degrees I would go with 10W30....but go back to 10W40 for summer.
Lots of oil posts in here already, and they are always controversial! Do a search and read the links that I always post....and you can educate yourself. If you want the very best oils available, I highly recommend Redline or Maxima ester based synthetics.
Lots of oil posts in here already, and they are always controversial! Do a search and read the links that I always post....and you can educate yourself. If you want the very best oils available, I highly recommend Redline or Maxima ester based synthetics.
Nov 11, 2009 | 08:29 AM
#5
Red Rider
Honda, accept nothing less!
Honda, accept nothing less!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,733
Likes: 1
What year is your EX???
Beginning in model year 06, Honda stopped recommending any heavier oils, like 20W40 and 20W50. (Also the year the owner's manuals changed from red to black.) The heaviest oil they recommend now is 10W40, and for many models 10W30 is the recommended "general" oil. My Rancher specs 0W30 as a possible all-season/all-weather oil!
The trend among manufacturers, is to tighten tolerances. Old school engines with loose tolerances need thicker oil to bridge the large gaps between the moving parts. Newer generation engines with tighter tolerances don't need thicker oils, and you may experience an increase in performance because thinner oils won't bog the crank so badly. Plus, a thinner oil will get pumping faster when cold...good because most engine wear occurs at a cold start.
Again...consult your owner's manual! My rule is to run the thinnest oil that my owner's manual will allow me to run for the current ambient temperature.
Beginning in model year 06, Honda stopped recommending any heavier oils, like 20W40 and 20W50. (Also the year the owner's manuals changed from red to black.) The heaviest oil they recommend now is 10W40, and for many models 10W30 is the recommended "general" oil. My Rancher specs 0W30 as a possible all-season/all-weather oil!
The trend among manufacturers, is to tighten tolerances. Old school engines with loose tolerances need thicker oil to bridge the large gaps between the moving parts. Newer generation engines with tighter tolerances don't need thicker oils, and you may experience an increase in performance because thinner oils won't bog the crank so badly. Plus, a thinner oil will get pumping faster when cold...good because most engine wear occurs at a cold start.
Again...consult your owner's manual! My rule is to run the thinnest oil that my owner's manual will allow me to run for the current ambient temperature.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)