Do you guys recomend synthetic -semi synthetic-or regular oil in a mini atv with fully automatic transmission?I know these air cooled motors run hot when its 90 plus degrees outside. I have no experience with these automatics.The engine is supposed to be pre filled from the factory.Should I run it with that oil first,then switch?

 

Do not run your mini with the shipping oil in it. Drain it completely and put good stuff in it. Also don't use synthetic until you are at least past your break-in period.

 

You can run the quad with the shipping oil but do not ride it. Just run it while tuning it. Let it run for about 30 min once tuned then let it sit and drain. Use a good wet clutch motorcycle oil. You can use regular oil but the clutch wont last as long. The motorcycle oil does not have friction modifiers which are bad for the clutches. You can get 4 stroke oil at any auto parts store. Depending on the temps when cold 10w30 and hot 15w40. You can use synthetic after about 20 hrs and make sure it is a 4 stroke synthetic.

 

Actually, the motorcycle oils and auto oils are almost identical. The only auto oil;s with friction modifiers are usually the "high mileage" oils and are specially marked as containing them, since those modifiers are beyond SL spec.

The major difference with auto vs. motorcycle oil is that MC oil MIGHT contain some additives that help prevent clutch burning like higher zinc levels. But this is becoming rarer as that can increase emmissions, and CA legislates against most of that stuff.

This is an older article but does does a good job of explaining it:
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

 

The debate is not that automotive oils wont work in motorcycle engines its that automotive oils are not good for wet clutch transmissions because of the friction modifiers in the oils. The only oils that should be used in wet clutch transmissions are ones that are JASO MA certified. Automotive oils are not JASO MA certified. Im sure that automotive oils would protect motorcycle engines just fine but they will burn clutches alot quicker than motorcycle oils would. Friction modifiers are not good for clutches. They are too slippery and cause clutches to heat up more and quicker. Anything that you read will say that automotive oils are not good for wet clutches and can cause slippage because of the added friction modifiers.

 

So I can use synthetic motorcycle oil in my sons Redcat 110 semi auto after break-in? 2many you mention the JASO MA certified are OK for these motor/transmissions? This type syn. only with auto clutch? Will start new thread if need to, but jumped on for this exact reason. After about 25 hrs can I run synthetic in this 3 spd with rev.? And is it beneficial? Will spend the few extra $, but also heard synthetics are bad on auto clutches, slippage. Just want to run what is best for the longevity of the machine and not detrimental. Which synthetic? Only conventional? Thanks for any info.

 

You can use synthetic oils made for 4 stroke/motorcycle/atv. Not regular synthetic. You can also use diesel oil. Diesel oils dont have friction modifiers like rotella t 15w40.

 

Thanks 2many, am going to change after we ride this weekend, know I have some Kawi oil around, JASO MA right?. Also did your suggetsted carb adjustments from previous posts, thing is running well right now. Dropped carb slide 1 notch. Starts easier, runs stronger. This, along with valves adjusted, throttle cable free- play minimized, need some more mixture adjusting, running very well-knock on wood.