The oil topic again!
Jun 3, 2004 | 10:50 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Shed Knocker Rider
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Joined: Oct 2003
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The oil topic again!
Im sorry for bringing this up again after it has been beaten to death again, but does anyone have any facts on using regular motor oil causes damage. My friends and I have been using Castrol 10w40 for years and have just had normal wear and tear, or so we think. My honda has seemed to have no troubles from this, but I dont no if that is because it is bullet proof or not. Any info will help.
Jun 3, 2004 | 06:20 PM
#3
Red Rider
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Honda, accept nothing less!
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The oil topic again!
Read the article. It's the best one out there. You might get away with using car oil, but that doesn't mean it is the best choice!!! Spend a little extra money for a good motorcycle oil.
http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm
http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm
Jun 4, 2004 | 09:48 AM
#5
Weekend Warrior
Joined: Jun 2004
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The oil topic again!
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html#Oil
This is also an excellent source of information about oil. There is a lot of information here. Many of the links at the bottom are also very good.
Based on what I know there are many types of automotive oil that are inappropriate for use in motorcycles and ATVs. This is particurlarly true in the case of oils marked "energy conserving" or those which contain friction modifiers. However, if you do your homework, you will find that there many automotive or commericial deisel oils out there which are as good or better for your ATV than the manufacturer branded oils.
This is also an excellent source of information about oil. There is a lot of information here. Many of the links at the bottom are also very good.
Based on what I know there are many types of automotive oil that are inappropriate for use in motorcycles and ATVs. This is particurlarly true in the case of oils marked "energy conserving" or those which contain friction modifiers. However, if you do your homework, you will find that there many automotive or commericial deisel oils out there which are as good or better for your ATV than the manufacturer branded oils.
Jun 4, 2004 | 10:09 AM
#6
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2003
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The oil topic again!
You can use ANY oil that does not say "Energy Conserving" if you have a single sump engine (most ATVs). The TRX450R is an acception to the rule, because the combustion side of the engine uses a seperate oil from the clutch/tranny.
Energy conserving oils contain Moly. The Moly is what makes them energy conserving. Also, most modern oils contain MUCH less ZDDP than the old SG rated oils, which is actually better than Moly. Moly and ZDDP do basically the same things, offer extreme-pressure protection, and reduce friction. However, they each have their advantages.
Moly is VERY good at reducing friction, but OK at extreme pressure protection, while ZDDP is VERY good at extreme pressure protection, but only OK at reducing friction.
If you are going to run a newer SL rated oil that is NOT energy conserving, I HIGHLY recommed that you make sure it is ALSO rated with an API CH or higher rating as well. "C" rated oils contain much stronger molecules that can withstand the abuse of our ATV engines better, contain higher amounts of ZDDP, and keep the engine running cleaner. I strongly recommend using synthetic C rated oil, as the molecules are even stronger yet, especially at higher temperatures.
Energy conserving oils contain Moly. The Moly is what makes them energy conserving. Also, most modern oils contain MUCH less ZDDP than the old SG rated oils, which is actually better than Moly. Moly and ZDDP do basically the same things, offer extreme-pressure protection, and reduce friction. However, they each have their advantages.
Moly is VERY good at reducing friction, but OK at extreme pressure protection, while ZDDP is VERY good at extreme pressure protection, but only OK at reducing friction.
If you are going to run a newer SL rated oil that is NOT energy conserving, I HIGHLY recommed that you make sure it is ALSO rated with an API CH or higher rating as well. "C" rated oils contain much stronger molecules that can withstand the abuse of our ATV engines better, contain higher amounts of ZDDP, and keep the engine running cleaner. I strongly recommend using synthetic C rated oil, as the molecules are even stronger yet, especially at higher temperatures.
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Jun 4, 2004 | 03:31 PM
#10
Pro Rider
Joined: Apr 2003
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The oil topic again!
Again, you have to look at the API circle on the back of the bottle and see if it says "Energy Conserving" or not. Most oils that are more than 30 weight are NOT energy conserving, but not all.
Castrol GTX is a good oil for cars, and as long as it's not energy conserving, it would be OK for your atv. However, I recommend switching to Chevron Delo 400 15W-40. Since it has a CI-4 rating, it is a MUCH better oil for your bike, and I'm pretty sure it is NOT energy conserving. Also, Shell Rotella T (conventional) is basically identical to Delo 400...so get whichever is cheaper where you buy your oil.
Personally, I run Shell Rotella T Synthetic in everything. It doesn't cost that much more, and it is even better in a motorcycle engine due to it's high temperature strength.
Castrol GTX is a good oil for cars, and as long as it's not energy conserving, it would be OK for your atv. However, I recommend switching to Chevron Delo 400 15W-40. Since it has a CI-4 rating, it is a MUCH better oil for your bike, and I'm pretty sure it is NOT energy conserving. Also, Shell Rotella T (conventional) is basically identical to Delo 400...so get whichever is cheaper where you buy your oil.
Personally, I run Shell Rotella T Synthetic in everything. It doesn't cost that much more, and it is even better in a motorcycle engine due to it's high temperature strength.