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*Cracks open can of works* Lets talk oil...

8K views 33 replies 11 participants last post by  Jeepwm69 
#1 ·
1988 TRX300FW

I know this has been discussed up, down, and sideways. Then back again. On every forum for every single internal combustion engine ever created. And opinions about oil are like the holes in your rear, everybody's got one. But in my defense my question IS pretty specific. So bare with me here...

I got Mobile 1 4T motorcycle oil, cause I love M1, and cause wet clutch. Afterwords my clutch started slipping, and has only gotten worse. I've ordered up new clutches and a new centrifugal clutch. As the M1 is motorcycle oil, and is designed for wet clutches, I suspect the oil isn't to "blame" but just unmasked already worn clutches. I suspect the old dirty (likely dino) oil the PO had in there wasn't nearly as "slick" anymore as the fresh new M1 synthetic, so while it's wet clutch friendly, it was still too slick for my old worn clutches. That's my theory at least.

So now I'm trying to decide if I want to go M1 synthetic again, dino motorcycle oil, or go the route of Rotella or HD oil that seems popular around here.

Problem is, my local Wal-Mart (I get a discount, and honestly it's the only place close that doesn't charge "auto parts store" prices) has a limited selection. But I'm not adverse to ordering online. Right now the only thing on the selves is Super Tech 20w-50 V-twin oil (all other MC oil i sold out), I bought some to soak my clutches in but I'm not going to run that. They don't have ANY multi-weight HD only, only 30W. And Rotella is only advertised as Diesel oil. So I'm confused.

The core of my question is about the Rotella. I've seen conflicting opinions on which one to use. As it's diesel oil, does it not have the friction additives that cause problems with wet clutches? I don't see a MC rated Rotella, but the price is good so I'm tempted. For those using Rotella, what one do you use, and you just get the regular Rotella diesel oil right? I'm not missing something here am I?

So my options "off the shelf" right now are M1 10w-40 MC oil, Super Tech 10w-40 dino MC oil, or Rotella. We have Wal-Marts on every corner, so I can drive around or order what's needed. About the only thing I can't get a hold of is multi-weight HD oil. I'm partial to synthetic's, as I've seen the long term benefits of their life long use in my BMW. 200K miles, and 20 years old, and ZERO signs of wear. Like NONE. But I'm not stuck on synthetic.

Honestly, I'm leaning towards Rotella T6 5w-40 or 15w-40 currently. I see on their site it's JASO MA rated. Seems strange to me for a non-wet clutch oil to carry JASO MA rating, but it does. Is it a diesel thing?

Last consideration is 5w or 15w. Not that it likely matters greatly, but I'm thinking 5w as I plan on some winter usage. Sub freezing temps. MC oils claim to be specially formulated for the higher temps of air-cooled engines. Wonder how that comes into play with an oil formulated for diesels?

Ok, as I've written this (and done some additional research as things occurred to me) I've really sold myself on Rotella T6 for my bike when I put the new clutches in.

Here's my findings and thoughts:
Rotella T6
Cheaper than other options
JASO MA rated for wet clutches
Synthetic
Easy to get, widely carried, and stocked by every Wal-mart. (who doesn't live close to one in the US?)
Strangely, the MAJORITY of reviews on the Rotella site for T6 are from Motorcycle riders. Weird, but true. Overall very positive reviews.
Lots of people here seem to like it.

Thoughts? Opinions? Feedback? I'm still posting this so the next guy who is confused about people using diesel oil in their ATV can benefit from what I've found and your guys input.

Thanks!
 
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#2 ·
You've answered most of your own questions. :)

Ya left out a couple points tho... Synthetic oils are NOT any "slicker" or slippery-er than conventional crude-based motor oils. Thats an unfounded old wives' tale. In fact, conventional oils containing friction modifiers are "slicker" than JASO MA synthetics are.

Synthetics can withstand a lot higher oil temperatures before the oil begins to break down and become compromised. Much, much higher than conventional oils can and for extended periods of time... they remain very stable when temps are cycled from lower to upper extremes indefinitely.

Synthetics also provide a relatively flat (and predictable) viscosity vs temp curve from well below zero to above 350 degrees. Crude based oils viscosity variations are consistent and flat only within a narrow target operating temp.

Rotella has sufficient amounts of ZDDP additives in it for motors having flat tapped camshafts. So its ideal for use in ATV motors and most other small motors too. Many other motor oils do not have ZDDP in them nowadays (or contain only trace amounts) because most vehicles come from the factory with roller cams.

It is JASO MA approved for wet clutches AND it is an Extreme Duty motor oil. Not heavy duty, Extreme Duty! Its film strength/lubricity characteristics stand out under very high loads and pressures. Which equates to an extended product lifecycle when used in properly maintained motors.

Finally, its cheap and readily available. There are no sales gimmicks or false marketing claims being made... that other (more expensive) synthetic oils must resort to, to coax your money out of your wallet... The fact that it works well in Diesel motors too means that we only need to stock one brand in the oil closet.

So is this the official Rotella oil thread?

Does it work in CanAms too? :)
 
#4 ·
Let say, synthetic retains it's "slick" qualities longer? I've seen enough research and reports to feel that's a fair statement.

I did answer my own questions more or less, but was still putting it out there to see if my thinking was correct. I almost cut the whole thing down to just the last part, but I left it as is in case anyone else gets the same question in their head as I did. Mainly "What the heck are these guys smoking putting DIESEL oil in their wet-clutch ATV's???". Once I understood it's properties better, it made sense. But I was at Wal-Mart just the other day and looked at a couple of jugs. (after reading on here people saying they used it) The bottles make it seem it's ONLY for DIESEL. I was thinking maybe there was another line that my Wal-Mart just didn't carry.

I mean, unless someone you TRUST tells you it's great for ATV's and motorcycles how would you even know to question the bottle?? Who thinks "You know what, that diesel oil is pretty cheap, think I'll try that stuff!" LOL

I could not find any blurb or even mention from Rotella anywhere about using it in anything but a diesel. Even on the spec sheets.

And BTW, the T6 Multi-vehicle 5w-30 is NOT JASO MA/MA2, so don't get that one!
 
#5 · (Edited)
as long as ya are talking oil,,. i ran the 2000es with 10w40 pennzoil, bought it in 2008. never slipped, when changing gears, or any other time. TILL.. i had a shop due an oil change in Jan-Feb, 2016, instead of me. by that time i had found out, here, i should be running JASO oil. i sent 10w30, for them to replace, the oil i had in it, cause i was going to change to oil out again, in a month, to what it needed. warm weather thing.. besides the 10w30, might collect some dirt, before i could change the oil. the shop warned me, the clutches would slip, if i used this oil. i told them, to do it anyway. sure enough, the clutches did slip. i checked the oil, it was least 6oz. lite. that didnt help.. so i checked it again, then i noticed, the clay dirt was missing, on the adjustment nut. it locks the adjustment screw down.. once i did another another adjustment check, like the one i had done, 3mts before. it quit slipping.
tis amazing an oil change, can change the adjustment locknut, and knock off the clay, around it.. Who Knew
Castrol 10w 40, jaso ma-2, dont say anything bout extreme, nor heavy, duty.. i doubt this applies, in my case.
 
#6 ·
i noticed, the clay dirt was missing, on the adjustment nut. it locks the adjustment screw down.. once i did another another adjustment check, like the one i had done, 3mts before. it quit slipping.
tis amazing an oil change, can change the adjustment locknut, and knock off the clay, around it.. Who Knew
Castrol 10w 40, jaso ma-2, dont say anything bout extreme, nor heavy, duty.. i doubt this applies, in my case.
This is exactly why i try to do everything myself. Cant trust anyone, or they are not educated enough to fix it right, or butcher it putting it back together.
As for oil... I have always put 20W50 in the summer as its hotter out anyway, and once that oil is worn a bit its still somewhat thick. Synthetic...i use Lucas, only because of price. Usually change any oil often enough that even if it is a bad brand its not in there long enough to matter. The motor will tell you if the oil is crappy, or worn out so to say, buy the noises & performance IMO.
 
#7 ·
if it looks dirty, when ya check it,, it is
 
#8 ·
I'm a fan of that thinking too. I hate finding black oil in the stuff I buy. The sticky on this sub-forum about oil goes into how it's not necessarily lost all it's properties, as it can be black, but not saturated enough yet to degrade performance.

However, I bet not many of us have the equipment handy to test. So my rule of thumb is if it's black, change it. Can't go wrong by being safe!!

Synthetics handle suspended particles better, and can absorb more before degrading, I personally like the extra margin. But it's impossible to tell when it goes from "ok" to not ok. I just change it. That's my motto.
 
#9 ·
I use cheap oil from my local motor spares store and replace as per the service manual recommendations.
No issues to date..
A lot of the cheaper or non branded oils are from the same leading manufacturers/suppliers just labelled up differently on the bottles. You pay for the name 90% of the time.
 
#10 ·
Honestly if they carried SuperTech 10w-40 synthetic that was JASO MA certified I'd be more than happy with that. They have it in dino version, labeled motorcycle oil. But it's $8 a quart. I have no problems with "cheap" in house oil. Pretty much it's all the same anymore. Any modern oil is ok if changed at suggested intervals. I've seen bad things happen to clutches using non-JASO MA oils in wet clutch setups, so that and approximate weight are really my only requirements. The Rotella is the cheapest thing I've found that checks all the boxes. Why I'm excited.

Some report ok results using normal oil (non-JASO MA), but while it works for awhile sometimes, I've never seen it not cause clutches to go bad over the long run. There are exceptions of course, but I used to be huge into bikes that was my experience.

I'll report back on my experiences after I get some miles on the Rotella with my new clutches.
 
#11 ·
Fair warning: Supertech oils have no (or terribly insufficient amounts!) ZDDP additive in them. If you put that cheap oil (conventional or syn) in a motor that has a flat tappet camshaft you'll destroy the cam & lifters in very short order! I guarantee ya that! And its deserved!

I've seen plenty of those glittering results flowing out into my drain pans here. I see the long metal shards galled from cams & lifters thickly clustered on magnetic drain plugs too. The farmers around here are all ignorant tightwads... they neglect everything until its broken down then cobble it up, rarely they will change oil & filter in anything and they all buy walmart Supertech oil when ever they do! Yet they moan and complain constantly that their vehicles and equipment don't last very long. I think they all might be genetically related somehow. :)
 
#21 ·
I'm not at all going to disparage your first hand experience, but I've seen test on Bob the Oil guy's site that confirm many of the SuperTech oils test out almost on par with the name brand stuff. Keep in mind, many name brand oils are low in ZDDP anymore. My old classic Porsche's require a oil with high ZDDP and the forums for those cars have lots of info about what to use, and what not to use.

Most of the high end 20w-50's are high in it, as that's what was used in many of those older German cars. And they need ZDDP or your in trouble. I use Mobile 1 20w-50 just for that reason.

However, with SuperTech it all depends on where you live. I work for home office and was chatting with one of the guys who's over oil, and at that time (4 years ago) there were 3 different companies making ST for Wal-mart. What you got depended on location, and that was due to some legal reasons I can't go into. For a large part of the country the stuff you got was exactly the same stuff as was in a name brand bottle everyone knows and trust.

I've also read most of the "house brand" oils are in the same boat. They are the same stuff you get with one name brand or the other, with a different name slapped on. HOWEVER, I've also read on Bob the Oil guy that the stuff to really stay away from is convenience store chain brands. Or like Dollar General oil. Those test like very old oil, like you used to get 30 years ago.

Any new vehicle I get, from bikes to ATV's to lawnmowers, I research the heck out of it's oil requirements. Then I research who has the certs and additives it needs. No matter what brand you use, if you use the wrong KIND of oil, your going to cause issues.

That's my .02 cents. For what it's worth, I'm very happy with my Rotella diesel oil so far. My new clutches seems to play very nice with it.
 
#13 ·
I'm kind of a oil whore.

To answer your question on Rotella, the ones with JASO MA on the back of the bottle are definitely good to go. I've run T4 15W40 and T6 5W40 with no issues at all.

If you really want to get into the oil nerds talking oil, BITOG is your place (Bob Is The Oil Guy forum).

For oil to be labeled JASO MA, the manufacturer must pay to have it certified as meeting that spec, and there are quite a few guys over there who claim that the T5 and likely that T6 10W30 are in fact JASO MA rated, but Shell didn't go to the expense of having it certified as JASO MA so it's not labeled as such.

Personally, I'm not going to take that kind of chance when there are so many good JASO MA labeled bottles on the shelf.

That said, I love getting Walmart closeout oils The wife actually unloaded on me about my oil hoard the other day.

A couple of months ago they had a bunch of oil on closeout, and they had the same last year.

That Mobil 4T 10W40 was $3/quart at a lot of stores. UPC changed for some reason so the old UPC got marked down. I picked up about 20 quarts. Haven't used any of it yet.

Valvoline motorcycle oil in 10W40 went to $1/quart. Got about 20 quarts of that too, and have been using it. Good stuff.

Rotella T5 in 2.5 gal jugs, 10W30 were $13. I got about 10 of those. They'll go in tractors, Jeeps, pickups.

Got some Delo last year and this year for $4/gallon. Will use the same way as the T5

Castrol Synthetic Euro 0W40 was $7/gallon. Got that and use it in the wife's Mazda 6 that will soon go to the eldest kid

Valvoline 5W30 Full syn 5 quart jugs were $5. Used that in my Honda Accord

The deal right now that I've jumped on is Mobil 1 Full synthetic. Get you a $5 coupon here for use at Walmart https://apfco.com/Secured/W1781S/

and there's also a $12 rebate on it from Mobil.

Walmart price is $22.88/5 quart jug now so I'm loading up on that for use in the wife's GX460 she bought late last year (calls for 0W20 full syn, and takes 8 quarts per change)
 
#20 ·
is' Bob the oil Guy, the same member here, that said if ya store oil,, it will lose it's blend,,. stored oil becomes worthless??? :sad
 
#24 ·
I used to run QS, till I learned the hard way to choose better (like 25 years ago, I was young and dumb). Now I run either Castrol or Mobil 1. A lot of the guys in my car groups run Amsoil or Royal Purple. But none of the testing I've seen really justified it over Castrol or M1. (btw, noticed my local Wal-mart has starting carrying some Royal Purple :eek) Amsoil and RP guys are militant about their brand tho! They'll swear using anything else is like throwing metal shavings in your engine! LOL

I'm also fine with Valveoline, everything I've read says it's good oil, but I just never use it personally.

Oil is the gear heads religion...

I run castrol full syn in all my atvs and motorcycles. its about 10 bucks a qrt, worth every dime !. made for wet clutches, thats all you need to be worried about..IS IT MADE FOR WET CLUTCHES ???. IF NOT ?..THEN DO NOT USE IT !. oh..and car engines are no where near the same thing as atvs or motorcycles !!..do not compare car/truck oil to atv oils..not even in the same ball park !. ( castrol 10w-30 or 10w-40 ) is what I buy and use, worth it to me. what you put in your machine ?..well..thats your call, question is..what will be the out come in the end ?, ever hear the saying '' you get what you pay for '' ?, well..this holds true to even atv oil :).
I agree, use JASO MA/1/2 in anything with a wet clutch. And what's good for your Honda Fit may NOT be good for your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower. Oil is not all the same, to be sure!

I don't 100% subscribe to the "you get what you pay for" school of thought in oils however. I've always had rather interesting sports cars, and I've been active on the forums for those cars since back when they were called BBS's. I've seen enough in-depth oil breakdowns by car guys who were also engineers in the field of automotive lubricants to know there is no "silver bullet" of oil for all engines and situations. All brands and types have their "perfect" target type of use case where they really shine.

But like I've said, oil is the gear head version of religion. You've got to take all the info available, and make a decision that feels right to you. I started this tread to get exactly the discussion we got. I wanted to pick the brains of the guys who lived and breathed Honda ATV's. Lots of great info here!

Thanks for the great thread!
 
#23 ·
I run castrol full syn in all my atvs and motorcycles. its about 10 bucks a qrt, worth every dime !. made for wet clutches, thats all you need to be worried about..IS IT MADE FOR WET CLUTCHES ???. IF NOT ?..THEN DO NOT USE IT !. oh..and car engines are no where near the same thing as atvs or motorcycles !!..do not compare car/truck oil to atv oils..not even in the same ball park !. ( castrol 10w-30 or 10w-40 ) is what I buy and use, worth it to me. what you put in your machine ?..well..thats your call, question is..what will be the out come in the end ?, ever hear the saying '' you get what you pay for '' ?, well..this holds true to even atv oil :).
 
#26 ·
I use to use Valvoline oils in everything, but they began to change their product formulations a bunch back in the early-mid 2000s. Some of their lines even got different refined bases swapped in which destroyed the quality and purity of some of their once great standard & premium grade motor oils. They slashed the ZDDP percentages in all of their standard product lines too, same as most other companies were doing. Their racing oils are still some of the finest specialty oils that you can buy (at any price), but everything else I used to depend on from Valvoline got kicked to the curb over 15 years ago. Its certainly not the same dominant company it once was.

I run Rotella in every 4-stroke motor that I own now. Most of those motors are ancient survivors... and almost every one of them were fed Valvoline from day one. I sure miss the good old days!
 
#29 · (Edited)
when i worked at a couple of repair shops, valve covers, when ya took them off, and also looked at the rockers, you could tell, that valvoline was the oil used, and most times the windshield sticker confirmed it. the covers had a yellowish to brownish film on the inside, as everything else..
 
#33 ·
^^^learning new stuff.. me 3
:smile
 
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