What is the difference between a Dry sump and wet sump engine? I noticed that one of the highlights of a 400ex is the Dry sump engine, but what does that mean?

 

A dry sump engine like that of the 400EX is one where the oil is stored outside of the crankcase. That's what the tank in front of the engine is for.

Hope this helps,

 

Yes, a wet sump holds the oil in the bottom of the crankcase, while a dry sump routes it to an external tank. The advantage of dry sump is mostly for cooling. The oil is much easier to cool if you can get it away from the engine heat, if just by a little bit. Wet sumps are simpler, and cheaper to build.

 

There is also a some HP loose with a wet sump because the crank has to churn through all the oil in the crank case every revolution.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Im going to be getting a 400ex sooon, I'm almost 15 and I'm 6 foot. This is going to be my first quad.