*****

 

opppps i mean it depends not *****, stupid predictive text, i have personally used a mix of 70% to 80% 10w40 Valvoline atv oil and the other 20% to 30% STP oil treatment when running my Honda 200s in the hotter and harder riding times, but if in colder then 10w40 with some good 5w20 auto oil too thin it out abit for the cold since i can NOT find anything other then 10w30/10w40 atv oil close to me in small town ontario, Canada

 

I suppose you can use automotive oil in your atv but why not use what its supposed to be designed to use. An oil change costs like $25. These stories of leaving oil in for years and never changing it are most likely bs. The oil you put in your machine is not where you get cheap and put just anything in it. Or never change it. Honestly, the name brand machine specific oils aren't that expensive anyway. Most quads only need 3 quarts for an oil change anyway. So what if it costs $7 a quart. I realize this was a revived old thread but apparently people still believe that oil lasts forever and its all the same, both false.

 

i only use ATV oil any ways and change it soon as i see a blackish color starting to form, since my ATC 200e take under 2 quarts and the local carquest sells the 10 w40 Valvoline ATV oil for $5.49EACH now why people cant be bothered to change the oil with prices like that i DO NOT KNOW, MAYBE LAZINESS/STUPIDITY, but if can and WILL CHANGE the OIL in a BEAT UP POS Honda ATC 200e farm working maching i use to have some fun WHY NOT WITH A BIG MONEY RIG?????????????????? ANYBODY have any of that EXTRA cash they can THROW MY WAY instead of killing this wicked machines over the LAZINESS, OIL CHANGEs ARE EASY and FAST and MY MOM does then on her OWN CAR, so what does that say about not being able or not wanting to do it on a $8000+ machine, EASIER THEN MOST THINK,

 

Thats how I am with My ATC 185s, Vavoline ATV oil (O'reileys $4.99-$6.99) every three months. Same as my Truck, with the exception that I use regular Valvoline 10w40 for the truck.

I like the Valvoline ATV Stuff because it works great with the clutch and makes that old trike climb hills without having to downshift like crazy.

 

It probably depends on the quad, but generally, no, I wouldn't use Automotive oil due to the friction modifiers and the additives used for the wet clutch are absent. I use Valvoline ATV 10W-40 for my Honda, but your needs may vary


Also, I have heard the engine in Polaris ATVs can blow up if a non Polaris Oil is used. is there any truth to that?

 

Is this supposed to be an April fools joke? No,you can actually use any good synthetic oil in full size Polaris atvs that have cvt clutches.A lot of people do. Such as 0w40 Mobil 1, Amsoil,Rotella T6,etc.You don't have to use Polaris branded oils and a lot of people don't. The Polaris Expedition models and also the models with the wet starter type clutches that transmit power to the dry cvt clutches(Hawkeye 300 for example) then no,I wouldn't run car oil or any oil that has friction modifiers.These are oils that say "energy conserving" oil.This can cause the centrifugal type clutch shoes to slip.On these I'd use any good dedicated atv or motorcycle rated synthetic oil whether it's Polaris branded oils if you choose or some other good brand.

 

I would strongly suggest going with the oil recommended or there are often ones you can get that say they are interchangeable. You can damage internals and cause your ATV to run poorly.

 

OK, the answer is: Send a sample of the used oil when you change to Blackstone Labs! Here's a 500 mile sample from my old Arctic Cat 500 with M1 0W40 Euro formula. I have a wet clutch and a high lift cam, btw.

 

15/40 Rotella T used in all my bikes for the last 6 or 7 years. No problems. I dont know where I can find Honda 4 stroke oil for $4.75 but I can get Rotella for $3.35 and I think its better than ANY 4 stroke ATV oil!