Archive for category: Tech Discussion

Can I Use Car Motor Oil In My Yamaha Snowmobile Engine?

A reader asks: I just bought a 2011 Yamaha Apex LTX snowmobile with the 998cc 4-stroke engine. The manual suggests using a 0W-30 motor oil meeting API SG (or higher) and JASO MA. All I can find locally is a NAPA Synthetic 5W-30. This is basically a car engine oil. Is it OK to use a car oil in a snowmobile engine? 

Our answer: No, a car motor oil is not suitable for your Yamaha snowmobile. While an automotive oil like this may work in a pinch, it’s not the best option for regular snowmobile engine duty. It would be very wise to use a motor oil that is formulated for power sports use. Here are the reasons.

Yamaha suggests that a motor oil meet the “JASO MA” specification. This is a Japanese motorcycle oil spec that has wet-clutch performance requirements. Motor oils meeting JASO MA are different from automotive motor oils in one specific area. Automotive motor oils contain friction modifiers to improve fuel mileage and combat wear. These friction modifiers can glaze and ruin motorcycle wet-clutch plates. Therefore, motorcycle/ATV motor oils do not contain friction modifiers.

Do Friction Modifiers Matter In Snowmobile Engines? Yes!

There is a belief by some that Yamaha forbids the use of friction modifers in the motor oil for their snowmobile engines. We didn’t think so, but learned otherwise the day after this post was first published. Most Yamaha snowmobile engines do actually employ a wet-clutch in the starter system. The friction modifiers in automotive motor can cause slippage and wear on the starter clutch. So using the Mobil 1 meant for your truck is not good for your Yamaha snowmobile!

There is another good reason that JASO MA might be suggested. This being that a power sports-specific motor oil will have higher levels of zinc and phosphorus than a modern automotive motor oil. Zinc and phosphorus are important anti-wear additives. Therefore, suggesting a JASO MA oil will ensure that the consumer uses a motor oil that offers sufficiently robust anti-wear properties.

A Suitable Engine Oil For Yamaha 4-Stroke Oil Snowmobiles

Our best all-round option for 4-stroke snowmobiles is AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Power Sports Synthetic 0W-40. Why a 0W-40? Yamaha themselves suggest synthetic 0W-40 as an option for most all their 4-stroke models.

Here are the features that make AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke 0W-40 such a strong option for Yamaha snowmobiles.

  • Anti-rust and corrosion additives not found in car motor oil
  • Flows down to -60°F for strong cold-start protection
  • Maintains film strength under extreme heat and heavy loads
  • Fights oil consumption
  • Offers elite wear protection
  • Wet-clutch-starter compatible
  • Meets API SL/CF, SJ, SH, SG and JASO MA/MA2 specifications

Questions? Feel free to contact us using the form on this page.

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Why You Probably Should Not Buy AMSOIL Dominator 2-Stroke Racing Oil

AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Stroke Racing OilAMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 2-Stroke Racing Oil could be considered the best product in its category on the planet. But we spend far more time talking customers OUT of buying Dominator for snowmobiles than selling it. Let us explain.

Dominator is designed for 2-stroke racing engines only. It is made for very hot operating temps and engines that are pushed to sky-high RPM.

A daily-use trail or mountain sled simply will not run hot enough to completely burn off Dominator’s additive package. What if your engine is modified or even turbo-charged? AMSOIL Interceptor is the more appropriate choice for all recreational use. This is the case regardless of how fast you ride.

Another major consideration is that Dominator’s detergent content is relatively low. The reason for this is that racing engines torn down frequently and run ultra-hot. So there is little need for a significant amount of detergent in the formula. When used in recreational engines, Dominator could contribute to some deposit build-up. Interceptor has a very robust detergent package. For this reason alone, Interceptor is a far better choice that Dominator in high-performance snowmobiles with variable exhaust power valves.

Does Interceptor Offer Less Wear Protection Than Dominator?

In terms of protection and performance, Interceptor is not a step down from Dominator. Dominator has a slightly thicker viscosity than Interceptor. But Interceptor also withstands extreme heat and heavy loads, while keeping power valves clean over extended periods. Interceptor is not a compromise for recreational-use. It provides the perfect balance of performance, top-notch protection and clean operation.

Getting The Correct Oil For The Job

We recently had a call from a customer that owned two Ski-Doo snowmobiles. One with the latest 800cc E-TEC engine and a 550cc fan-cooled engine in the other. He assumed that Dominator Racing Oil was AMSOIL’s best two-stroke oil. Therefore, he believed that he was doing right by his engines by using Dominator.

As a result of our conversation, he chose Interceptor for both machines. He could have used AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil in the 550cc fan-cooled engine. But he went with Interceptor in order to keep one oil on hand.

Here are AMSOIL’s three snowmobile 2-stroke injectors oils and a brief description of their intended use.

AMSOIL Interceptor– the premium choice for the very latest high-performance engines. Especially ideal for engines with power valves. A terrific upgrade over OEM synthetic injector oils. Interceptor is one of AMSOIL’s most acclaimed products

AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil– A value-priced synthetic 2-stroke oil. Ideal for utility machines, fan-cooled models or older high-performance engines. Suitable for use with power valves.

AMSOIL Dominator 2-Stroke Racing Oil– For racing engines only. Provides industry-leading protection and performance under extreme loads.

Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781. 

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AMSOIL European Improved ESP Versus Classic ESP Motor Oil

A reader asks: I‘ve got a 2011 VW GTI with the 2.0L turbo engine. It requires a motor oil that meets the VW 502.00 specification. The AMSOIL application guide suggests that I can use ether the European Car Formula Improved ESP 5W-40 or the European Car Formula Classic ESP 5W-40. What is the best oil to use? Is the “Improved” option better than the “Classic” formula?

Our answer: Let us preface our answer by stating that it is vital to choose a motor oil that meets the correct industry specification for your model. This is especially the case with European automobiles. You are fortunate in that you have a couple of choices. Both of these AMSOIL options meet the VW 502.00 spec.

For your car, there’s no wrong answer between the “AFL” AMSOIL European Car Formula Improved ESP 5W-40 or the “EFM” European Car Formula Classic ESP 5W-40. Identical performance and protection is offered by both products.

But we would lean toward “Classic” Formula 5W-40. Simply because it is priced much lower than the “Improved” Formula 5W-40. Here’s why.

What Is The Difference Between European “Improved” And “Classic” Formulas?

AMSOIL European Car Formula Classic ESP Synthetic 5W-40 Motor OilWhile both the “Classic” and “Improved” ESP 5W-40 offer about the same performance and protection, they each have a much different formulation approach.

The Improved ESP 5W-40 Formula has lower “SAPS” levels. This stands for Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulfur. SAPS are motor oil anti-wear and detergent additives. Higher levels of SAPS in motor oils can cause issues for some sensitive emission system components.

This is why certain modern European models are prescribed a motor oil specification that has low SAPS levels. For instance, most late-model European passenger vehicles with diesel engines have very sophisticated emissions equipment and exhaust treatment devices. They will usually require a low SAPS motor oil.

In place of reduced SAPS levels, motor oils like AMSOIL Improved ESP 5W-40 Formula contain ashless motor oil additives. Ashless additives tend to be far more expensive than regular SAPS additives. A common misconception is that motor oils with lower SAPS levels provide less protection. This is not the case. The ashless additives employed by AMSOIL provide exceptional protection and performance.

SAPS additives are easy to source and relatively inexpensive. This why the Classic ESP 5W-40 is much less expensive than the lower SAPS Improved ESP 5W-40.

In conclusion, both of these synthetic motor oils offer world-class performance, protection and service life. But while they have a much different ingredient list, the end result is same. For that reason, the lower price tag on “Classic” Formula 5W-40 tips the scales in its favor.

Important: For cars that suggest the Improved European Formulas with lower “SAPS”, use only that product. Consult our online application guide to find the right motor oil for your car.

Contact us with questions or to request a price list using the form on this page. 

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Cheapest And Easiest Snowmobile Upgrades

Polaris Rush 800 Pro X3 What is the cheapest and easiest way to upgrade your snowmobile? That’s simple and it’s no contest: synthetic oil. Some say synthetic oil is too expensive? No. It is literally the cheapest upgrade you can make to your snowmobile. The benefits far out-weigh the modest cost increase over mineral snowmobile oil.

Why synthetic oil? Your engine will run better at all temperatures and last longer. We don’t understand why conventional oils would even be a consideration in any snowmobile of any model year.

How Synthetic Oil Helps Two-Stroke Snowmobile Engines

If you have been running conventional oil in your 2-stroke engine, you will see a difference immediately after the switch to synthetic. You will notice less exhaust smoke and smoother performance. The engine will be easier to start in cold weather. If the engine is equipped with variable exhaust power valves, they will stay clean over longer periods. Simply put, a two-stroke engine will function better in every imaginable scenario with synthetic oil. This applies to old or the very latest engines.

Recommended products:
Late-model or high-performance snowmobiles- AMSOIL Interceptor
Trail, utility or recreational snowmobiles- AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil

Synthetic Oil In Four-Stroke Engines

As with 2-stroke engines, there is absolutely no good reason to use conventional oil in a 4-cycle snowmobile motor. The first benefit that comes to mind is improved oil flow during cold-starts. Synthetic oil flows better than conventional oil in cold weather. Therefore, this prevents wear during cold-starts. On the flip-side, synthetic oil will also provide vastly better protection in extreme heat. This is the case with everything from utility machines to fire-breathing mountain sleds.

Recommended product: AMSOIL Formula 4-Stroke Powersports 0W-40 Synthetic Oil

Synthetic Chain-case Oil

The chain-case is an often-forgotten component. The thrashing that the oil receives in a snowmobile chain-case is hardly trivial. Chain-case oil has to contend with foaming, shearing, moisture, corrosion, high temperatures and low temperatures. A good synthetic chain-case oil withstands all of these issues and even lowers friction for improved performance and wear reduction. Changing out the chain-case oil after every season is a wise choice.

Recommended product: AMSOIL Synthetic Chain-Case and Gear Oil

Synthetic Chassis Grease For Snowmobiles

For snowmobiles with grease-able chassis points, a good synthetic grease can reduce wear. Synthetic grease lowers friction under cold temperatures and will also pump out of the grease gun with greater ease. Also, it is vital to choose a grease that resists the effects of snow, ice, water and salt.

Recommended product: AMSOIL Synthetic Water Resistant Grease

Bonus Tip- Preventing Snowmobile Fuel Issues

One of the largest sources of mechanical problems is related to fuel. Ethanol, moisture, dirty fuel, stale gasoline and varnish are common trouble makers. Any one of these issues can cause starting problems or an expensive break-down on the trail. AMSOIL Quickshot Gasoline Additive literally neutralizes all of these issues. It promotes trouble-free performance all season long. This cost-effective product is ideal for 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines.

Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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Is There A Dye To Color Or Darken Clear Hydraulic Or Compressor Oils?

A reader asks: We have a variety of compressor and hydraulic systems in our plant. Our technicians frequently complain about difficulty with seeing clear oils in sight glasses. We’ve even had situations where production has been temporarily halted because we mistakenly believed that a reservoir was below the safe level. Do you offer a coloring that darkens the oil? It would help us with “hard to see” oil levels on sight glasses.

Our Answer: There is a product for coloring oils that is readily available. Heavy-equipment maker Caterpillar offers oil-soluble dyes that are suitable for most compressor, hydraulic, R & O and transmission fluids.

We have spoken to people that have had very good results with this product in hydraulic oil reservoirs. It immediately makes clear oils much more visible in sight glasses and on dipsticks.

These dyes are available from most CAT heavy-equipment dealers. CAT dealers are located all over the world. Please note that we do not sell CAT brand oil dye and have no affiliation with Caterpillar Inc.

Applications And Mixing Directions For CAT Oil Dye

Caterpillar Oil Dyes are available in the colors blue or red. They are soluble with most industrial hydraulic, compressor or gear oils where increased visibility is desired. It is best to consult your CAT dealer to ensure that the dye product is compatible with your intended application.

The recommended mix ratio is 16000:1. This means that 1 US ounce of dye will treat 125 US gallons of oil. The metric ratio is 6 milliliters of color to 100 liters of oil.

The Cat dye container size is 8 US ounces (240 ml). The entire container can treat 1000 US gallons (3785 liters) at the recommended mix rate.

Cat Oil Dye Part Numbers

Blue dye- New part number: 486-1536 (Old part number: 9U-5032)
Red dye- New part number: 486-1535 (Old part number: 9U-5031)

A Warning About Using Oil Dyes

Oil dyes are generally very concentrated. It is vital to wear gloves when handling oil dyes. Any contact with skin could lead to long-term staining.

In conclusion, oil dyes are an easy, safe and commonly found solution for clear industrial fluids.

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Duramax Diesel Engines: Can You Use 5W-40 Oil In Winter?

AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel OilA reader asks: I’ve got a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 with the L5P Duramax diesel engine. I see that 15W-40 oil is suggested for this engine. Can I use 5W-40 in the winter?

Our answer: Yes, you can certainly use 5W-40 in winter (and summer) in your Duramax. While 15W-40 is suggested as the predominant viscosity for your engine, GM does recommend 5W-40 for temps below -18°C (0°F). AMSOIL’s official stance is that their 5W-40 synthetic diesel oils are safe and perfectly suited for year-round use under all conditions and loads. Naturally, 5W-40 is highly recommended for winter use, but there is absolutely no downside to using it in summer as well.

We offer two synthetic 5W-40 diesel motor oil options. The ultra-premium AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-40 and the value-priced AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic 5W-40.

Is There Any Advantage To Using 15W-40 Over 5W-40?

No. Remember that both 5W-40 and 15W-40 have a 40-weight viscosity. Note that both are offering roughly the same viscosity protection at operating temperature.

The main advantage that 5W-40 offers is faster oil flow during cold-starts.

It is true that 15W-40 has been the predominant diesel oil viscosity for decades. The reason that 15W-40 was a mainstay was its relatively slim spread between the winter weight (15W) and the operating temperature weight (“40”). With previous generations of motor oil technology, a wider spread between winter weight and operating weight (such as 5W-40) was more prone to shearing and thinning.

AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil.Today’s motor oils (especially synthetic oils) have a much more linear viscosity across the temperature spectrum. As a result, they are much less prone to being too thick in the extreme cold or thinning out in extreme heat. Therefore, a good 5W-40 will provide flawless protection all year-round.

That is why a 5W-40 can now safely replace 15W-40 for year-round use.

What Is The Difference Between AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty and Heavy-Duty Diesel Oils?

Signature Series Max-Duty is AMSOIL’s most sophisticated formula. It delivers their absolute best wear control.

In the Detroit Diesel DD13 Engine Scuffing Test, Signature Series beat the minimum standard by 600%. Heavy-Duty Series beat the standard by 400%.

Signature Series Max-Duty is overbuilt for extended oil change interval capability. Heavy-Duty Series should be changed at the interval suggested by the manufacturer or by the oil life monitor.

Heavy Duty Series has a lower price tag. It was brought to market for commercial fleets, the installer market and value-minded consumers.

We can sell AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty and Heavy-Duty Series 5W-40 in Canada and the United States. Contact us using the form on this page for a wholesale price list.

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Motorcycle Oil: Do Zinc And Phosphorus Levels Matter Anymore?

AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle OilA reader asks: I’ve got a Ducati Monster 1200. AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is suggested for this model. This engine revs up to over 9000 rpm, so it needs oil with good wear protection and foaming resistance. What is the zinc and phosphorus content of this oil? I can’t find this information anywhere.

Our answer: The fixation on zinc and phosphorus content in motorcycle oil is old thinking. With today’s ashless additive technology, zinc and phosphorus levels are far less relevant for some motor oils. Let us explain.

AMSOIL Metric 15W-50 carries the JASO MA2 and API SM specifications. The JASO MA2 oil standard signifies that a motorcycle oil is safe for catalytic converters. High levels of traditional motor oil additives like zinc and phosphorus can damage catalytic converters. Therefore, alternate technology has to be employed in order for the oil to provide adequate wear protection.

Metric 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil employs the latest “ashless” additive technology. Therefore, it has less zinc and phosphorus than some of AMSOIL’s more traditional motorcycle oil formulas.

Why Zinc And Phosphorus Numbers Are Not Important Anymore

Let’s compare the zinc and phosphorus content of AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 and AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 15W-50. The V-Twin 20W-50 has a more traditional formulation than Metric 15W-50.

  • AMSOIL Metric 15W-50- Zinc- 841 ppm, Phosphorus- 767 ppm
  • AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50- Zinc- 1300 ppm, Phosphorus- 1100 ppm

Based on these numbers, is the V-Twin 20W-50 vastly superior to Metric 15W-50? Not at all! AMSOIL Technical Services tells us that the wear control between the two products is identical. They also tell us that ashless additives bring other advantages.

For instance, when there is blow-by, old-style heavy-metal additives (such as zinc and phosphorus) from can create engine deposits. Ashless additives do not create these deposits.

Conclusion

Ashless motor oil additive technology has revolutionized motor oils in the passenger car and heavy-duty diesel engine oil segments. This technology is also a major player in part of the motorcycle oil market. Simply looking for the motorcycle oil with the highest zinc and phosphorus numbers won’t automatically point to the best product.

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Comparing Harley-Davidson And AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Filter Micron Ratings

AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Oil FiltersA reader asks: I’ve been researching oil filters for my Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Harley-Davidson has oil filters that will stop particles down to 5 microns, while AMSOIL motorcycle filters only stop particles down to 20 microns. I thought that AMSOIL oil filters were supposed to be one of the better filters out there? Why are Harley filters so much better?

Our answer: The oil filter micron ratings provided by both AMSOIL and Harley-Davidson “Super Premium5” oil filters is like comparing apples to oranges. Each company is measuring their micron ratings on completely different scales. Therefore, the micron numbers are not at all comparable.

AMSOIL offers their motorcycle oil filter ratings on an “absolute” scale. Based on this measurement, their motorcycle oil filters are 98.7% efficient at stopping particles that are 20 microns in size or larger. This is a considered to be a very strong efficiency rating.

For reference, a decent automotive oil filter would stop 98.7% of particles 30 microns or larger.

Harley-Davidson provides their micron numbers on an “nominal” scale. Their nominal claim of “5-microns” with their “Super Premium5” oil filter is not telling the whole story. Filters makers claiming ultra-low nominal micron ratings aren’t mentioning the “efficiency”.

Let’s be clear. Harley-Davidson Oil Filters are definitely not removing 100% of particles down to 5-microns. This would make the oil filter so restrictive that it would go into by-pass mode every single time you rolled onto the throttle. Under most all riding conditions, that would be like having no oil filter.

What is the Difference Between “Nominal” And “Absolute” Oil Filter Ratings?

Absolute filter ratings are determined under controlled testing. The absolute filter rating is shown as 98.7% of particles of a stated diameter being stopped by the oil filter. In the case of AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil Filters, they stop 98.7% of particles measuring 20 microns in size or larger.

Nominal ratings such as the 5-micron rating touted by Harley-Davidson has zero meaning without mentioning efficiency. Chances are high that the H-D filters are about 50% efficient at 5 microns. Where a Harley 5-micron oil filter would score in an absolute filter micron test is anyone’s guess.

What Is a Micron?

A micron is a unit of measurement that is 0.001 millimeters or 0.000039 inches. For example, bacteria are 2 to 3 microns in diameter and a red blood cell is 5 microns. The diameter of human hair averages 70 to 80 microns.

Bottom Line

To sum up, Harley oil filters might be well-built and near the top of the heap. But it’s very hard to tell. The nominal 5-micron rating touted by Harley-Davidson has no meaning without mentioning efficiency.

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Motor Oil For Ford Transit Connect EcoBlue Diesel Engine

AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel OilA reader asks: I’ve got a 2019 Ford Transit Connect van with the 1.5L EcoBlue diesel engine. It requires a motor oil meeting the Ford WSS-M2C214-B1 specification. The engine oil offered by Ford is Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 F-150 Diesel Motor Oil. Do you offer a motor oil that is correct for this engine?

Our answer: Yes, we have a motor oil for the Ford Transit Connect van with the 1.5L EcoBlue motor. AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 Diesel Oil meets the Ford WSS-M2C214-B1 spec. It is a 100% synthetic substitute for Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 F-150 Diesel Motor Oil.

Benefits Of AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30

  • Industry-leading wear protection
  • Delivers consistent performance in extreme heat or arctic cold
  • Resists engine deposits
  • Capable of long service intervals
  • Combats oil consumption

The bottom line is that AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic 5W-30 is highly capable of providing steadfast wear protection in large displacement, mega-horsepower diesel engines. Therefore, it will withstand everything the EcoBlue engine can throw at it.

Where To Buy AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-30 Diesel Oil

We can sell this synthetic 5W-30 for Ford Transit Connect 1.5L EcoBlue engines at the best prices with our wholesale options. We ship from 11 warehouses in the United States and 2 locations in Canada.

Contact us for a price list using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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Switching To Synthetic Oil In 2-Stroke Sea-Doo?

AMSOIL Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector OilA reader asks: I’m looking for oil for my 2003 Sea-Doo GTI 787 with a 2-stroke engine. The previous owner used the BRP XPS 2-Stroke Mineral Oil. I’m afraid to change to a different oil as I do not want to hurt the engine. What do you suggest?

Our answer: Switching to a full synthetic two-stroke oil from a mineral-based oil will not cause any damage or performance issues. In fact, a good full-synthetic 2-stroke oil will dramatically improve wear control and enhance performance. There is zero downside to switching over to synthetic oil and plenty of upside.

Here are some of the benefits that you will notice by switching from a conventional (or “mineral”) 2-stroke oil to synthetic.

  • Less exhaust smoke
  • Lower friction and crisper throttle response
  • Reduced engine and power valve deposits
  • Improved wear control
  • Greater resistance to extreme heat

The full-synthetic upgrade we offer is AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil. It will deliver cleaner operation, less smoke, lower friction, better wear control and improved performance over the XPS Mineral 2-Stroke Oil. All of these features are available at a very competitive price versus BRP XPS Mineral Oil from your Sea-Doo dealer.

AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil is smart substitute for BRP XPS Mineral Oil at a very reasonable price. Request a wholesale price list using the form on this page.

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