Polaris uses a 0-40 oil because of problems in getting oil to the cams and rockers of early 425's in cold weather . I would run Polaris oil in my Polaris . They went through the headaches of smoked cams and rockers and I am sure they did their best to recommend an oil that would get rid of the problem .

If I had the time I would test some Shaffer oil in the Polaris 4-strokes . I would think a 0-40 PETROLEUM molybendeum fortified oil would be the best . ( just a hunch I have been wrong before )

The problem with over head cam engines is that you place the cam and rockers above the head where the heat is. ( picture them as eggs frying in a pan with a little Crisco )

After an engine is shut down the heat up there makes oils thin out and run away from the lobes and rockers . Restarting the engine after it cools can be close to a dry start , depending on the oils ability to stay on those hot , HOT parts on top of the engine .

I would suggest running Polaris oils until someone takes the time to do better research than Polaris , they had to do something years ago when 425's were coming apart like Suzy Q packages after a Weight Watchers meeting .

Rick

 

What do you figure the coldest temperature that 0w40 is good to? Up here in Northern Ontario it can as cold as -35 where I am anyway. I don't think I'll ride on days like that.....probably be too much snow. Anyway for these cold fall days, before the snow. Should I be looking at a thinner oil?

 

The 0 - 40 is what I would recommend . My suggestion is stay with the Polaris brand oil . Warm the quad properly before going for a ride . You should be able to ride in low temps with no problems .

Rick

 

Thanks Rick

 

Just to reRitterate (excuse the pun) I agree with Rick, stay with P oil. I use my Sportsman in -20 deg C when hunting and have had no problems. For a $1 extra a Ltr/Qt it's worth the peace of mind.
My 2 bits.

 

The only problem I have is the availability of the oil. I have to drive 40 miles to get the Polaris oil. I only have to drive 5 miles to get the Amsoil. And at 15mpg, its just not econimical for me

 

The choice is yours. I'm sure that Amsoil is a good lubricant and you won't go wrong with it. On the other hand if you choose to stay with P lubricants and you have no choice but to drive 40 miles then make your shopping list and stock up.

 

my p300 was burnin oil like gas for a month or so, then i put some mobil 1 5w30 and now it is full and hasnt gone down,,... been a couple months now