So I know oil has been covered like crazy here but I didn't see this question specifically asked so here we go, got my 2002 Honda rubicon with the Hondamatic tranny out for the first time in a year or 2 got it running and changed oil in it. I put new just purchased pro honda gn4 10w-40SJ motorcycle motor oil in it. After finishing this task I was flipping through the manual for the ol ruby and I saw where it recommended using only API certified SF or SG oil only in it because of the hondamatic transmission, my jug of oil I just got had SJ wrote on it, my question is since what I added was SJ and the book calls for SF or SG did I buy the wrong Honda oil and make a boo boo here?

 

SF and SG are old , obsolete specifications , SJ is the current { newest } oil and replaces SF & SG , If you find SF or SG oil anywhere its been sitting on the shelf for a while { old stock } .


In summary, API SJ represents an improved quality level of motor oil vs API SH. API SJ oils can be used in any applications where SH oils were being appropriately used. So if your owner’s manual calls for an API SE, SF, SG or SH motor oil - API SJ will work just fine.