I am sure this has been asked before, But here goes anway. Is it worthwhile to run synthetic in my Grizzly after breaking in the engine ?? I get mixed answers from different Techs. when I ask them. Some say goe for it and other say stick with 5w-30 or 10w-30 in the winter and 20w-40 in the summer because running synthetic has been known to cause clutch problems on the Grizzlies. I told them I would use the Amsoil 4 stroke oil that has no friction modifiers and they still said they don't recomend it. I was told that unless I am racing it or driving it hard for long periods in hot weather that I will never see any difference. I don't know who to believe. One could be saying usine it hoping to get to do some clutch work, One could be saying not to use it to get clutch or engine work or they could just be giving me an opinion with no facts to back it up. I will mostly be using it for trail riding in the woods, for hunting and maybe a little mudding so nothing harsh. What do you guys think ?? Synthetic or conventional oil ?? THANKS

 

Thunder,
I would run the Amsoil. Most people have problems with synthetics in ATV's because the get the oil with moly in it. Amsoil and others manufacture motorcycle and ATV oil that is made for wet clutch operation (non-moly). What I do is purchase Amsoil in the 20w-50 v-twin bottle and the 0w-40 atv oil. In the winter I run the straight 0w-40 and it starts right up in cold weather. As the temps get warmer I add about a fifty percent blend with the 20w-50 and away I go. Seems to run smoother on synthetic than dino oil. The most obvious benefit is the cold starts. Synthetic flows better than dino oil and seems to stop any chatter from valves etc. that you often hear at start-up.
The added cost of Amsoil is really very minor and the benefit of knowing that you have better shear protection and can handle much more extreme conditions in temps is well worth it. It's only two oil changes a year and if you plan on keeping your quad for several years it is a cheap investment.
Good luck.

 

The Grizz uses a CTV transmission. So how would the engine oil have anything to do with the clutches??? Sounds like that Mechanic really doesnt know what he is talking about. I have been useing Amsoil 0W-40 synthetic 4 stroke formula oil for awhile now. It is designed for ATV's, snowmobiles, out-board motors, and motorcycles. And provides protection in both hot and cold temperature extremes. I run it year long with NO problems.

 

Just in case you haven't seen this-

http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

 

BigBadScrambler, I know the Grizz uses a CVT transmission, But it still uses a wet clutch lubricated by engine oil and that is why there is speculation about synthetics.

 

Thunderbolt,
I have a Honda Rancher 400 AT. My tranny works great with synthetics. The manual just states not to use oil with friction modifiers (moly) in them because it would cause slippage. Just use the Amsoil. Many techs and so-called mechanics are sometimes just plain wrong. What does your manual say? I can't imagine why it would cause any problems especially when Amsoil states right on the oil container that it meets the specs for ALL manufacturers.

 

I have just reached the 20 hour breakin so I think I will run dino for a few more hours and then dump in the Amsoil. Do you run synthetic in the diffs too?? I have thought about the synthetic gear lube.

 

I will read that link later and thanks[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Thunder,
I think it's a great idea to put synthetic in the diffs. Just make sure you use the correct recomended viscosity. Be sure and change the fluids in them on a yearly basis though. I plan on doing the same with my quad soon.

 

Does it really? What is the reason for that? Sorry for the ???'s, but I just want to get a better understanding how how and why they have it set like that