I plow with my Grizzly – often in sub-zero weather (future tense). Will a hose heater prolong engine life by warming the oil before starting? Or does it even really affect engine longevity? Unlike automotive engines, which use the oil pressure as a “bearing surface”. An atv engine uses ball & roller bearings, and utilizes the oil pump more as a “volume pump” rather than a “pressure pump”, right? Which… in theory should have less effect on bearing wear in cold weather… Yes?
Then again there’s the valve train to consider too (all 5 of them).

Just thought I’d bounce this off our brighter members.

Merry Christmas to all fellow atver’s

 

I think if you could keep your quad when not in use in an heated garage the oil will be thinner and it will lubricate the bearings valve guides ect... better prolonging engine life.

 

SilverHorse...
A fellow Wisconsinite! I am from Menasha (near Appleton) and do alot of riding/hunting in Clark County. What do you think about this weather so far? I am really looking forward to plowing with the Griz, IF we ever get any snow. I have a question for you, How easy does your grizz start in the cold weather? Seems like it takes mine awhile to start, and I have to hold in the throttle a bit to warm her up before she will idle... Just wondering what your expierences are? Thanks!

-Jared

 

Jared,
Yea, this weather is crazy. They're saying NO white Christmas this year, MAN! My Grizz is definitely warm-blooded. It takes some cranking to get it going and when it does start I have to hold the throttle up a bit until it warms up.

I too ride in Clark County. Have you ever ridden at Rock Dam?

Which plow did you get? I choose the Moose plow because I wanted the tapered blade. I have a long driveway to plow and I’m hoping if I plow with some speed it will “throw” the snow – provided we get snow.

 

Put in mobil one and forget about cold weather oil trouble. It'll crank a lot easier too, just because your not trying to turn 'mollassas' in the bearings.

 

You're not supposed to run synthetic oil in a wet clutch system though. I heard it causes the clutchs to slip.

 

Synthetics will cause wet cluthces to slip, at least it did on my 100 hp sportbike. Your Grizzly should be a different matter as it has no wet clutch. I'ts a belt drive automatic. I've been running mobil one in my automatic for 3 years without any problems.

 

i dont know aboutn this clutch slippage......i am also an avid sportbike nut and i have run full synthetic oil in my bikes for years with no trouble. My current bike is a GSXR1000 and made 145hp on the dyno-stock. No slippage

 

SilverHorse,
I didn't get a plow yet.. Waiting on the weather to get me going. If we ever get snow. Where did you get your Moose blade, and if you don't mind, how much did it set you back? They have a CMP, or a Cycle Country (can't remember) thats orange at the dealer and is tapered, but they want about 500.00 for it... I didn't wanna spend that much.
I have been up to Rock Dam a few times, Never north of there really though. I've eaten at the Bar there on the trail and the lake, they have good food, and are nice people. I do most of my hunting south of Hwy 10, so I stick around there more. There are some trails around Bald Peak that are alot of fun for me. With this weather, I was thinking about going and hitting the trails one last time before it snows. Who knows?
Have you ever ridden "Dusty Trails"? They named them that for a reason, but they are pretty fun with the pipeline right there.

Have a good one.


-Jared

 

Thanks for the website Duane. I’m going to give that stuff a shot.

DaveC,
The Grizzly does have a belt drive system, but it is unlike most belt-drive systems like what you’re referring to. The Yamaha automatic drive utilizes an automatic wet clutch to engage and disengage the final (belt) drive system.

Whipit,
I’ve been told that most wet clutch damage is usually more long-term. But like Duane said, it’s due to the “anti-friction modifiers” found in synthetics (the exception being AMSOIL apparently) and most automotive oils. Just what I've been told...