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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A Substitute For Mobil Epic 102 Grease?

AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic GreaseA reader asks: Do you carry an equivalent of Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease? This will be used in medium-duty worm drives in both extreme winter cold and summer.

Our answer: We believe that we have an upgrade over the semi-synthetic Mobil Epic EP 102 product.

A unique aspect of Mobil Epic EP 102 is that it has a relatively rare NLGI grade of “1.5”.

NLGI # 1 grease would traditionally be considered a winter grease, while NLGI # 2 grease is considered a summer grease. The vast majority of grease sold is NLGI #2. For most of the northern half of North America, an NLGI # 1 grease can be used year-round in all but the heaviest applications.

While we don’t offer a semi-synthetic NLGI #1.5 grease, we think that a full-synthetic NLGI # 1 product would actually cover a wider temperature range.

Our replacement for the semi-synthetic Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease would be the 100% synthetic AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic Grease. Don’t let the “Arctic” title fool you. This full-synthetic, extreme pressure (EP) grease is very capable for summer use. Its synthetic formula allows for complete four-season use.

A Full Synthetic Substitute For Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease

AMSOIL Arctic Grease has an operating range of -59°C to 157°C (-75°F to 315°F). The Mobil Epic EP 102 product has an operating range of -50°C to 150°C (-58°F to 302°F). The AMSOIL Arctic Grease has a slightly wider operating range.

When it comes to extreme pressure performance, the AMSOIL Arctic Grease outperforms the Mobil Epic EP 102 product. The “4-Ball Weld Test” measures the load carrying ability of a given grease. In this test, a steel ball is rotated under pressure against three other steel balls. The amount of weight required to seize this steel ball against the other three gives us the 4-Ball Weld Test number.

AMSOIL Arctic Synthetic Grease withstands the 4-Ball Weld Test until 400 kg of pressure is applied. Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease stops out at just 250 kg.

In conclusion, AMSOIL Arctic Grease is much more than just a “winter grease”. It has a wider operating temperature range and a much greater ability to withstand extreme pressure over Mobil Epic EP 102 Grease.

We can offer AMSOIL Synthetic Arctic Grease at wholesale in Canada and the US. Contact us for a price list using the form on the page

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AMSOIL Interceptor Now Carries JASO FD Spec For Ski-Doo E-TEC

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AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector OilAMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil now meets and exceeds the requirements for the JASO FD industry specification. Why does this matter? Ski-Doo recently started recommending the use of JASO FD-compliant 2-stroke oils for their E-TEC snowmobile engines.

AMSOIL Interceptor has been extensively tested for use in Ski-Doo E-TEC engines. The addition of this spec further cements Interceptor’s credentials as the ideal 2-stroke oil for E-TEC engines. We have received nothing but rave reviews about Interceptor from our E-TEC customers. Best of all, the 100% synthetic Interceptor is priced lower than Ski-Doo/BRP 2T E-TEC Synthetic Oil or BRP Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil.

What Is The “JASO FD” 2-Stroke Oil Specification?

JASO FD is a two-stroke oil industry specification set by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization.

As with previous JASO two-stroke oil specs, JASO FD has a number of performance and smoke guidelines. This newest “FD” specification places a much greater emphasis on detergency and engine cleanliness.

How Is AMSOIL Interceptor Suitable For Ski-Doo E-TEC Engines?

The direct injection Ski-Doo E-TEC engine sets new standards in terms of fuel efficiency, low emissions and horsepower per cubic centimeter.

One of the main features of E-TEC engines is that they consume very little 2-stroke oil. A relatively small amount of oil is the difference between peak performance or an expensive engine failure. For this reason, E-TEC engines require a very advanced synthetic 2-stroke oil. AMSOIL Interceptor offers highly sophisticated synthetic anti-wear chemistry. Extensive testing in Ski-Doo E-TEC engines has proven that Interceptor provides outstanding wear control.

Another important oil requirement for E-TEC’s is cleanliness. The precise E-TEC engines require very clean internals. This is the main reason why BRP is requiring the use of 2-stroke oils that meet the JASO FD spec. Interceptor has world-class cleaning ingredients that keep E-TEC engines operating at their peak. It also keeps RAVE variable exhaust power valves clean which optimizes performance. AMSOIL Interceptor’s clean-burning performance exceeds the JASO FD requirements.

One of the special features of the E-TEC engine is a (mostly) one-pull start in extreme cold. AMSOIL Interceptor pours down to -56°C (-69°F) for instant cold-start oil flow.

Interceptor ticks all of the boxes for E-TEC use. It provides elite wear protection, high film strength, minimal friction, robust detergent ingredients and low-smoke.

In conclusion, Interceptor offers all of these features at a lower price than BRP 2T E-TEC Synthetic Oil.

Request wholesale pricing for AMSOIL Interceptor Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil using the contact form on this page.

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How Often To Change Differential Oil In Rarely Driven Car?

A reader asks: I have a 2006 Honda S2000 that is driven just 1000 miles per year. The few miles that it does see are very easy miles. I last changed the rear differential gear oil about 4 years and 5000 miles ago. The car is stored in a warm garage and the diff has never been exposed to moisture. The gear oil used was AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-90. How often should I change this gear oil when the car sees so few miles?

Our answer: Many car enthusiasts own have vehicles that they affectionately refer to as a “garage queen”. While these cars may see very few miles, maintenance still has to be a consideration.

When it comes to gear oil service intervals in sparsely driven cars, there isn’t much consensus. As differential oil that isn’t exposed to moisture, extreme heat or heavy loads has a very easy life.

That being said, everything oxidizes over time and eventually the additive package of the gear oil will undergo “fallout”. A very conservative service interval would be every 5 to 7 years. We are confident that a robust product like Severe Gear would last much longer. But this is likely a good window to freshen up the gear oil. This will keep corrosion at bay, wear control at its best and seals supple.

Other Stored Car Maintenance Notes

Regular maintenance is still required for cars that are rarely driven. Here are some notes on the subject.

  • Fuel degradation is a massive concern and should be considered at all times. Make sure to add gasoline stabilizer when filling the tank. Degraded fuel can foul carburetors or injectors and fuel lines. Bad gasoline can also cause depositing and significant engine performance issues.
  • Still on fuel issues, it’s a good idea to add carburetor or injector cleaner to the gas tank at least once per year.
  • Change the engine oil at least once per year. This is the case regardless of how few miles the car travels over a year. Combustion by-products allow for acid formation in the oil over time. Older vehicles also have a higher tendency toward fuel dilution in the oil. Changing the motor oil just before long-term storage is the best course of action.
  • Brake fluid tends to draw moisture out of the air, even though it is a sealed system. Brake fluid should be changed slightly more often than rear differential gear oil (every 4-5 years or so). Fresh brake fluid prevents the creation of rust and corrosion in the braking system.
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Should API CK-4 Engine Oil Be Used In Older Diesel Engines?

AMSOIL Signature Series 15W-40 Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel OilA reader asks: I’ve got a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins engine. Should I use the older generation of CI-4+ diesel oils? Are the newer API CK-4 diesel oils good for this engine? My understanding is that these engines have flat tappet cams and I hear that the newer diesel oils do not have enough zinc to protect them.

Our answer: The short answer is that (for your older engine), virtually any of our diesel motor oils will be highly effective. The long answer may surprise you.

There is a common misconception that the newest diesel motor oils meeting the latest API CK-4 specification are somehow weaker or less robust than previous generations of diesel oils. This is patently false.

In fact, API CK-4 diesel oils are considerably more sophisticated and capable than diesel oils meeting previous specifications such API CI-4+. Older diesel oil formulas meeting API CI-4+ are weaker in terms of protective capabilities.

The introduction of the CK-4 spec was a tremendous challenge for motor oil makers. Diesel engines and their emissions components have become very sophisticated in recent years. The CK-4 requirements required oil makers to ramp up their game to meet much higher standards. Here are some of the upgrades of the API CK-4 spec over the previous CJ-4 spec.

  • Increase in high temperature capabilities
  • Improvement of piston and bore wear protection
  • Better deposit control
  • Resistance to degradation of hot and cold weather properties
  • Improved shear stability
  • Enhanced aeration resistance
  • Resistance to catalyst and particulate filter fouling
  • Improved oxidation resistance

What About AMSOIL Heavy Duty Series Vs. Older Diesel Oils?

AMSOIL Heavy Duty Diesel Series is a less expensive API CK-4 option to the flagship Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Series. Heavy Duty Series was created as a budget-friendly option for fleets, the oil change installer market and those looking for a less expensive synthetic product.

We asked AMSOIL Technical Services how the API CK-4 AMSOIL Heavy Duty 15W-40 might compare to an older generation product like the API CI-4+ “AME” AMSOIL Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine 15W-40. Their answer was “It’s not even close”. While the Heavy-Duty Diesel And Marine 15W-40 is a very robust and competent product, development stopped when the API CI-4+ specification was replaced in 2007. The ball has been moved way down the field since then. So even the less expensive API CK-4 diesel oils are a step up over the previous generation.

Signature Series Max-Duty is considerably more advanced. It offers the most advanced synthetic base oil and additive technology available. As a result, Signature Series Max-Duty is an upgrade over Heavy-Duty Series in terms of wear control and service life.

What About Flat Tappet Cams?

Flat tappet cams are relatively common to many diesel engine types. The biggest concern with flat tappet cams is wear protection. Specifically, does the motor oil contain enough ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate) and phosphorus?

Flat tappets in diesel engines are less of a concern than having flat tappet cams in something like a gasoline-powered street rod motor. Street rods and drag racers run at much higher RPM and tend to have much heavier valve springs compared to stock diesel engines. Also, modern passenger car/gasoline motor oils have much lower zinc and phosphorous limits. These levels are insufficient for flat tappet wear protection. So owners of gasoline engines with flat tappet camshafts have to be very mindful of their motor oil choice.

This is not a concern with diesel engine oil. Diesel motor oils are designed for all diesel engine types. Contrary to popular belief, the newest API CK-4 spec has not limited zinc and phosphorous to dangerously low levels with 40-weight viscosities. This would include 0W-40, 5W-40 and 15W-40, etc.

The API CK-4 AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty 5W-40 and 15W-40 has zinc levels over 1300 and phosphorus levels above 1200 ppm. Similarly, the AMSOIL Heavy- Duty 5W-40 and 15W-40 has zinc over 1100 ppm and phosphorus over 1000 ppm.

To contrast, the older AMSOIL Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine 15W-40 (API CI-4+) has 1377 PPM ZDDP and 1267 ppm phosphorus. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it will protect flat tappet engines better than the API CK-4 oils. The zinc and phosphorus level comparisons are a moot point. The newer API CK-4 chemistry is miles ahead of the older API CI-4+ formula. The newer CK-4 options will provide considerably better wear protection.

Conclusion

To sum up, do not be concerned about using the latest API CK-4 diesel motor oils in older engines. They are very much backward compatible with older engine designs and are a giant step forward in terms of wear control.

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A 100:1 Oil For Yamaha 2-Stroke Outboard Motor?

AMSOIL HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke OilA readers asks: I’ve got a 2009 Yamaha 20MLHH 2-stroke, 20 horsepower outboard engine. Yamaha recommends a 100:1 mix ratio. I see that AMSOIL HP Marine has a recommended premix ratio of 50:1. I feel that this ratio is too rich for this engine. Is there any way I can get the 100:1 AMSOIL Saber Outboard Oil in Canada? 

Our answer: Your Yamaha outboard engine can easily use AMSOIL HP Marine at 100:1. It can replace the OEM Yamalube 2M TC-W3 2-stroke oil (with less exhaust smoke). It is true that Saber Outboard Premix Oil is no longer offered in Canada. However, HP Marine is certainly not a downgrade for your engine.

While HP Marine has a suggested mix ratio of 50:1 on the label, it is no stranger to ultra-lean mix ratios. HP Marine has been heavily tested in Evinrude E-TEC engines at the “lean-mix” setting. This is the equivalent of an approximate 100:1 ratio. AMSOIL’s extensive testing under extreme loads at this lean-mix setting proves that it delivers outstanding wear protection.

Yamalube 2M TC-W3 2-stroke oil is only a partial-synthetic product. HP Marine is a 100% synthetic formula that offers the very latest two-stroke marine oil technology. Therefore, we would rate it as a considerable step up over the Yamalube product.

Features Of AMSOIL HP Marine

  • Low-smoke and odor
  • Robust synthetic wear protection
  • Resists carbon build-up
  • Provides excellent throttle response
  • Low aquatic toxicity
  • Protects against internal anti-rust and corrosion
  • For premix or oil-injected marine two-cycle engines

For US customers that have access to Saber Outboard, it is also an excellent choice for Yamaha outboards requiring a 100:1 premix ratio.

If you have questions or would like to request prices, contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.

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Oil For Flat Tappet Cam Polaris 800 Engine?

AMSOIL Synthetic 5W-50 ATV/UTV Motor OilA reader asks: I’ve got a Polaris Ranger 800XP. This engine has flat tappet cams, so it needs engine oil with high ZDDP levels. Do you have an engine oil that has enough zinc for this engine?

Our answer: Yes we certainly do. We offer an ATV/UTV engine oil that is designed to protect the flat tappet cams in your Polaris 800 engine. The “AUV50” AMSOIL 5W-50 ATV/UTV Synthetic Motor Oil contains a hearty 1240 ppm of ZDDP. This high amount of ZDDP makes this 5W-50 very suitable for your engine.

AMSOIL ATV/UTV 5W-50  was formulated specifically for Polaris 4-stroke engines. The flat tappet aspect of your 800cc engine was certainly a consideration when this oil was developed.

This AMSOIL 5W-50 ATV/UTV is available by itself (in US quart bottles) or with an oil filter in Polaris-specific ATV/UTV Oil Change Kits.

Features Of AMSOIL 5W-50 ATV/UTV Synthetic Motor Oil

  • Suitable for all 4-stroke Polaris ATV/UTV/Side By Side models
  • Ideal for extreme summer heat or winter cold
  • Pours down to -43°C (-45°F) for fast start-up oil flow
  • Contains anti-rust/corrosion ingredients for off-season engine protection
  • Maintains viscosity protection under heavy loads and extreme heat

Other Helpful Products For Polaris ATV’s And UTV’s

AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Transmission & Differential Oil– A direct replacement for Polaris Angle Drive Fluid and Polaris AGL Full Synthetic Gearcase and Transmission Fluid. This AMSOIL product is a tremendous upgrade for Polaris transmissions, gearcases and differentials. It offers world-class wear protection and low-friction performance.

AMSOIL Synthetic Front Drive Fluid– Designed specifically for Polaris Demand Drive 4X4 hubs and Hilliard clutches. A high-quality substitute for Pure Polaris Demand Drive Fluid and Polaris Demand Drive Plus Fluid. Provides seamless front-end engagement with the ultimate in wear control.

We can sell AMSOIL 5W-50 ATV/UTV Synthetic Motor Oil and other products for Polaris all-terrain-vehicles at wholesale prices in Canada and the United States. To request prices, contact us using the form on this page.

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Replacement Fluid For NV4500 Transmission?

AMSOIL Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear LubeA reader asks: I’ve got a Dodge Ram 3500 with the NV4500 5-speed transmission. I would like to change the fluid, but the Castrol Syntorq LT oil is (apparently) no longer available. The Mopar Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant is very expensive. Does AMSOIL offer a transmission fluid that is compatible with the NV4500’s carbon fiber synchro rings?

Our answer: Yes, we offer the AMSOIL Synthetic 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube (product code: MTG). MTG 75W90 meets the API GL-4 and Chrysler/Dodge/Mopar MS-9070 specifications. This product is fully compatible with the carbon fiber synchro rings found in the New Venture NV4500 transmission.

This is an elite-quality synthetic fluid that is readily available from our 11 warehouses is the United States and 2 warehouses in Canada. We sell AMSOIL MTG 75W-90 at a price that is generally much lower than the OEM NV4500 transmission oil found at Chrysler and GM dealerships. Contact us for pricing using the form on this page. 

Which NV4500 Fluids Will AMSOIL MTG 75W-90 Replace?

This AMSOIL Synthetic 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube replaces 75W-85 and 75W-90 fluids. It is a high-quality substitute for the following NV4500-compatible fluids.

  • Castrol Syntorq LT
  • Mopar 75W-85 GL-4 Synthetic Manual Transmission Lubricant (part # 4874459)
  • GM Goodwrench or AC Delco Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid 75W-85 GL-4 (GM USA part #12346190, GM Canada part # 10953477)

About AMSOIL Synthetic 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube

  • Withstands extreme heat and heavy loads
  • Reduces friction for smooth shifts
  • Flows down to -65°F (-54°C) for excellent winter performance
  • Conditions seals
  • Safe for carbon fiber and brass components
  • Overbuilt for long service life
  • Available for immediate shipment at a great price

New Venture NV4500 Applications

The NV4500 was a popular manual transmission option in various Dodge/Ram 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty pick-ups from 1992 through 2005. The NV4500 was also found in various General Motors 2500 and 3500 pick-up trucks from 1991 to 2007.

Today, the aftermarket offers adapter kits that allow the installation of reconditioned NV4500 units in modern pick-ups, Jeeps and off-road vehicles.

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AMSOIL Aerosol Spray Products Not Sold In Canada?

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AMSOIL Heavy Duty Metal ProtectorA reader asks: I’ve seen where a number of AMSOIL aerosol spray products are listed on the US AMSOIL website, but are not included in the Canadian AMSOIL price list. Can a Canadian still buy products like AMSOIL Heavy Duty Metal Protector from the US site?

Our answer:  Unfortunately, several AMSOIL aerosol products cannot be imported into Canada. This is because some AMSOIL spray products exceed Canadian volatile organic compound (or “VOC”) limits.

The complete list of AMSOIL aerosol products that cannot be brought into Canada are listed below. You may see these products listed on the AMSOIL corporate site, but they disappear when logged in from a Canadian account.

As you’ll see, AMSOIL Heavy Duty Metal Protector is one of the products that cannot be shipped into Canada.

What Are Volatile Organic Compounds?

A VOC is a category of chemical compounds that are easily converted to gas or vapor. There is a wide range of VOCs. Canada tightened restrictions on VOCs in recent years to curb products that could harm air quality.

Which AMSOIL Aerosol Sprays Are Restricted In Canada?

The following products are not stocked at Canadian AMSOIL warehouses. They also cannot be ordered from the US and shipped into Canada.

  • Heavy Duty Metal Protector
  • Mudslinger
  • Engine Degreaser
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray
  • Power Foam
  • Heavy-Duty Degreaser
  • Silicone Spray
  • Engine Fogging Oil
  • Chain Lube
  • Firearm Cleaner and Protectant
  • Brake and Part Cleaner
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Do Carbon Cabin Filters Provide Safer Breathing Air In Your Car?

A reader asks: My car has two cabin filter options. One is a carbon cabin filter and the other is a regular cabin filter. What are the differences or advantages between the two filters? Do the carbon filters provide better air quality? 

Our answer: The filter media of a carbon cabin filter contains activated charcoal. These filters have a darker appearance compared to regular paper cabin filters. The function of the carbon/charcoal component is to block some odors from the air entering the vehicle interior.  That is the only function of a carbon cabin filter.

Aside from the odor-removing feature, carbon cabin filters perform exactly the same task as regular cabin filters. Both filter types stop dust, dirt, pollen and soot from entering the car interior through the ventilation system. In that respect, cabin filters certainly do improve the air quality in your car.

Do Carbon/Charcoal Cabin Filters Remove Carbon Monoxide?

In other words, will a carbon cabin filter make the air in your car safer? Will it remove dangerous gasoline and diesel exhaust? The short answer is no. Carbon/charcoal cabin filters will not filter out carbon monoxide and other toxic exhaust fumes. Again, a carbon cabin filter can remove odors, but that feature does necessarily make the breathing air safer than with regular cabin filters.

How Often Should You Change Your Cabin Filter?

Your car’s cabin filter should be changed once per year. Once you see how dirty these filters can get, you’ll understand why they have to be changed relatively often. A clogged cabin filter can restrict the air flow of your car’s heating/cooling system. When its time to defrost your windows in winter or cool down the interior in summer, maximum air flow is vital.

Changing Your Own Cabin Filter

Rather than have a dealer or shop change out your cabin filter, consider doing it yourself. Shops will charge a small fortune for this task. Do a search on YouTube for the cabin filter change procedure for your vehicle. You might be surprised at how easy it is.

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