Regular Auto Oil in ATV

[DrRod]

Greetings,

While pursuing my ill-fated oil change [see drain plug thread] I actually looked something up in the manual. It seems to say that using any 10W-40 oil is fine. But I recall the dealer and others saying you need to use ATV oil that contains various additives due to the wet clutch. Does anyone use plain old auto engine oil or should I stick with ATV oil? Incidentally, they are a 1999 Honda 450 ES and a 2001 Honda Recon.

 

[Zerk]

They have always said this for motorcycles.

What does it hold? Change it once a year? Throw a good sync oil in.

Not like a truck or bike where you have to do it a few times a year, at least my 4 wheelers. Even on those I go good. Which is a debated topic.

I'd go to 4 wheeler for too.

 

[DrRod]

Thanks for the quick reply. When you say sync oil are you referring to sync for ATVs or any [auto] sync oil?

 

[Zerk]

I would go with any atv type. I go with Mobil one or Amsoil usually cause I can buy it at fleet farm 7 days a week. Though I have run dealer oil. I

I don't get caught up in brands, though I do suspect some are better.

4 wheeler is 3 quarts or less probably. So less then $10. Though I realize easy to spend other people's money and you may need that 10 for something.

I have had times in my life I wanted 10 bucks more.

 

[GreenYellow]

As long as the oil doesn't have Molybdenum in it, it's fine. (In the right viscosity, of course) You can't use Moly with a wet clutch. Most automotive oils have it.

 

[Zerk]

Why make the effort to find out?

 

[GreenYellow]

Why make the effort to find out?

I agree. I use Honda oil. It's only $1 or $2 a quart more expensive than average auto oil. I have to go get an oil filter from them anyway. Peace of mind is worth a lot.

 

[DrRod]

Why make the effort to find out?

Well, the spec in the manual got me thinking in that direction. Plus you can buy regular oil almost anywhere while ATV oil requires a trip to the dealer and they can be hard to get to given their hours [and they all seem to close on Sunday and Monday].

 

[mjonesnh]

Run Honda oil in my Rancher ATV. Reason being that the Honda oil is API spec'ed SG. I believe this is the last spec before friction fighters were introduced to passenger vehicles. In this case it is the lack of additives for the wet clutch instead of extra additives.

 

[ProjectKing]

I agree with others. I run Honda oil in my Honda Foreman 450. You have to use motorcycle oil due to wet clutch.

Hondas are built like tanks. No reason to ruin a fine machine by using the wrong or cheap oil. Good luck! (0: