Did my 500 mile oil change today. Used the STP SMO-18 filter this time. Not as wide (like a millimeter or two) at the base as the stock filter, but I think it is the right one. In the case that I notice anything wrong with the non-factory filter, I'll let you guys know.

 

Some folks on here were saying that the Fram filters weren't any good and to not use them. Well for the 4.99 cost, I went and bought one and cut it open. The inside was exactly, and I mean exactly the same as the Fram interior. Right down to the number of pleats. Matter of fact the plate at the base with the return holes in it had the same numbers stamped on it as the Fram. I think the AC/Suzuki filter is either a Fram, or Fram gets them from a secondary source. Probably the same place as AC/Suzuki. So I bought a second
Fram filter and put it on. The Dealer says that it won't void the warranty.

 

So just how much are they charging you guys for the AC filter? Out here, I think I paid between $7-8 for the filter. My dealer recommends changing oil and filter every 300 miles, so I figured I'd use an AC filter and AC oil for the first change, then go with something cheaper from here on out. He did say to go with a good grade synthetic, such as Castrol 10-30 synthetic. What do you guys use? And, how often should you change the diff. fluids?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Hey Cowboy, I changing the diff fluids 3-4 times a year. I do a lot of driving in the water and the change is cheap insurance against water damage.
Jim

 

I changed the diff. oil for the first time at 1300 miles (two years). I change the engine oil every 500. I just use quaker state 10w-40. In Arkansas, you get a variety of different weather, and thats a pretty good all-weather grade oil.

 

I'm doing my second oil change now at 300 mi. Got to thinking that 100 mi for the first change 200 for the second then every 300 mi for the rest. This way all changes will now be multiples of 300 on the odometer. Now that my wife says I'm old and forgetful, I need all the help I can get.

This change and the last AC oil was/is being used. Will use Mobil 1 10w30 for all future changes. There is no conventional oil that comes close to the synthetics. (I've got a friend that works at a refinery and has seen the results from experiments the tech geeks have run in the lab there.) Also will use Mobil 1 gear oil in the front and rear diffs at the 600 mi oil change. Then will only change diff oil every year since I don't ride through water much.

 

Thanks for the thoughts on the diff. fluid changes. While I agree with JKB it is cheap insurance, I don't do much riding in water, only occasionally. As a result-based on your opinions-it sounds as if once a year would be fine.

Mike

 

The best oil I have found is the Mobil 1 synthetic for the wet clutch engines. It is 10w/40 and is designed just for single cylinder wet clutch transmissions. It costs like mad but is well worth it. I got 200 rpm's more at idle just from changing oil and using the same weight oil. Gotta be something to that.