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!
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!