I have a 2001 4x4 Kodiac. I am ready to do my first oil change and my question is, can I use synthetic oil in this machine. In the manual, it tells you to use Yamalube or 10w30 oil but does not mention synthetics. Just wondering if anyone out there has any experience or knowledge of this.

 

I don't have any personal experience using a synthetic. I use regular motor oil of the same weight. I've seen a few posts from others using a synthetic on their Kodiak with no problem.

 

Alot of replies on here recomend Mobil 1 15-50wt and seem to have no problems with it. Mobil 1 does have a new synthetic oil called V Twin designed for atv/motorcycles with wet clutchs and auto trannies. I bought some in 20-50 wt but havn't changed it yet. Not cheap at 8 bucks a quart but if it really is the best for my Rancher then i have no problem paying the few extra bucks a couple times a yr

 

Whatever kind you end up buying, stick with it. The yamalube isnt bad its only $3 a quart, only a buck more than regular car 10w30..

 

Mobile 1 v-twin is good oil. i used it for two years and when i changed the oil it was still fairly clean. I have since switched to castrol syntech. i did some testing and found that i couldn't tell a difference in the clutch between the two and its cheaper. mobile 1 v-twin is about $7 to $8 per qt.

 

I had problems with Castrol Syntech in my Hi-po Mustang. The lifters would not pump up. Went to Valoline and have not had the problem since.

 

I do not use synthetic. I think its fine, but why pay the extra $, when you should drop your oil every 20/25hrs. Esp if you are riding the quad hard in mud and water. If you going to ride it on the street, i would use Synthetic, otherwise i dont see it really neccassary.

 

personally i stick with regular oil,only because synthetic oil is thinner and results in lower oil pressure.but it seems no ones having any complaints on their quads