I got some oil for my 2004 rincon from the dealer, the guy who served me wasn't to sure about the bike and engine and tranny oil being one. The oil he ended up telling me to use was Honda GN4 10W40 SJ. I am not sure what the SJ stands for and wanted to make sure it is the right oil!! Thanks

 

My friend...you have opened up the proverbial "can of worms" on oil. LOL!

The oil you have will be fine for the Rincon, I would guess. What does the owners manual actually specify for that quad?

I own a 2007 Rubicon with a Hondamatic transmission which is different from the Rincon's and I use Shell Rotella synthetic 5W-40 in it's engine/transmission. I understand Honda now specs 10W-30 for the Rubicon but the Shell oil works just fine.

Is that oil rated JASO MA? The Shell oil is now rated JASO MA for motorcycle use but I'm quite sure what you have will be just fine for that quad.

 

I am not sure what the owners manual says to use, as I did not get one when I bought the bike. I have ordered one but have not received it yet. One other thing, I looked underneath the bike to see if I could see the drain plug. Do you have to take the skid plate off to get at the drain plug? I do not see it in the one hole in the skid plate?

 

The Rincon does share engine and transmission oil.

Specs call for API SG or higher. API is the American Petroleum Institute, the S indicates spark ignition (as opposed to diesel oils), and the second letter indicates the oil's performance and chemical characteristics.

The spec also calls for JASO rating MA. The JASO MA rating is specific for motorcycles and indicates the oil is suitable in wet clutch applications.

Oil weight of 10W40 works well in the Rincon in most temp ranges, but you do want to let it warm up for several minutes in cold temps. The transmission will not shift well otherwise.

Honda's GN4 in 10W40 will be just fine.

 

you have opened up the proverbial "can of oil" LOL

 

The 10w 40 is the most recommended by the dealers in our area for the Rinnys/Recons so yes it's fine and of course the dealer will always recommend there brand,most of our club riders run GN4 without issues,I run it in my 400EX.Oil is very Opinionated,I do not use Polaris oil in my 500,I run Mobile 1 so it is a matter of opinion and if the oil meets the standards set by Honda as far as ratings.

 

A couple other notes on the Rincon:

Spec says 3.1 quarts with filter change, but you will find if you elevate the front end and let it sit for a while, you can get quite a bit more out.

The thing is a semi-dry sump, so to get an accurate oil level it needs to idle for 4-5 minutes with no throttle, then sit for about 2 minutes. Keep the oil level right at the full line. A hair above won't hurt anything.

Lastly, if you ever stripped that funky long oil drain plug you would be in a world of hurt. Use a torque wrench to make sure it isn't under or over tightened.

For most conditions, changing the front and rear end oil every two years is adequate, and the coolant should also be changed every two years (use motorcycle specific coolant). Keep up with the valve adjustment schedule, and take the time to check brake pads, wheel bearings, suspension pivots, and measure the alignment.

A factory Honda manual is really nice to have if you are going to do your own work.

 

I did just receive my honda service manual. I am still waiting for my owners manual. Just curious I am wanting to change oil to make sure it is the right oil. My bike takes a good ten minutes to warm up and sometimes more. If I start sooner once I get to third gear and around 65-68 kph it starts to slip and actually lose around 5 kph. Last week-end we went for a ride we went about 45 miles and then stopped for lunch, we were around 45 minutes to a hour for lunch and when we went out my bike was slipping when I got to third. 1 and 2 are fine, when it slips if I slow done and go to 2 gear it is fine just third slips. Is it normal after a 45 mile ride and an hour stop for it to take 10 minutes to warm up again. I am new to the atv world, I have always owned honda dirtbikes but never dealt with this kind of situation?? Should I do a pressure test?

 

No that isn't normal.

The early Rincons were known to have an internal oil seal that can leak.

There are 3 pressure test ports for the transmission, which are a funky strange thread. The dealer has a special gauge set to check pressure.

Generally when the seal is leaking, it acts like yours is (slipping, mostly in 3rd under heavy load).

It may be a good idea to have it tested.

Also, make sure the oil level is right at the top of the range on the dipstick.

 

I did check my oil and it is just a hair above the full mark. I have heard and read of people doing their our pressure test. A friend of mine is a heavy machine mechanic and has the stuff to do the pressure test. You mentioned a funky thread pattern, is it honda specific? I would like to do as much on my own as opposed to going to a shop a paying top dollar for a first year apprentice to do it? I am a little picky with my bikes, that is why I prefer to do what I can myself. I still haven't got my owners manual they said it was out of stock. Is there a link or somewhere online I could look to get instructions and direction for the pressure test?? Thanks, sorry for all the questions