Oil Depot Blog

Coolant Analysis Kits Available For Sale In Canada

Oildepot.ca now offers engine coolant kits for sale in Canada. The coolant samples are analyzed by a lab in Edmonton. This comprehensive procedure can test ethylene glycol or propylene glycol used in gasoline or diesel engines. This testing is performed at the same lab that conducts the oil analysis service we offer. For those simply wanting to test pH, freeze point and boil point, check out our antifreeze test strips.

What Is The Process?

  • To get a price, contact us using the form on this page. Put “coolant testing” in the “Questions or Comments” area.
  • To place an order, simply call us direct at 1-800-748-5781.
  • The kit would be shipped to you by Loomis Express from Mississauga in the East or Edmonton in the West.
  • Contents of the kit includes a 4 oz. sterile bottle and engine information form.
  • Collect your coolant sample and ship it to the Edmonton lab.
  • Once the sample reaches the lab, expect a result by email in 1-2 business days.

Why Perform Engine Coolant Analysis?

There are two main reasons why coolant analysis can be helpful.

Coolant analysis can be part of a regular maintenance program. The lab result will offer a definitive verdict on whether the coolant is suitable for continued use. This can take the guesswork out of when to change out engine coolant.

This procedure can also determine if an engine or cooling system has an issue. Problems such as a head gasket failure and excessive corrosion or depositing can be determined.

What Is The Sampling Procedure?

  • Run engine up to operating temperature to allow for adequate coolant circulation.
  • Allow engine to cool for twenty minutes before opening rad cap or draining sample.
  • There are two preferable sampling areas. The most representative sample would be found by drawing direct from the radiator using a vampire pump. The second-best option would be draining from the petcock at the bottom of the radiator (if equipped).
  • If using the petcock option, be sure to clean the area beforehand. Allow coolant to drain for a few seconds before grabbing sample. Then top-up the radiator with fresh coolant.
  • The overflow tank is not an ideal location to draw a sample. The overflow tank tends to be a resting place for sediment and deposits.

Coolant Analysis Test Result Data Points

The test result will show the following:

  • Is The Coolant Suitable For Continued Use?
  • Metals (17 types shown)
  • pH levels
  • Glycol % (Ethylene or Propylene)
  • Freeze Point
  • Boil Point
  • Nitrite
  • Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) Number
  • Total Dissolved Solids
  • Specific Conductance
  • Total Hardness
  • Visuals (color, oil, fuel, magnetic precipitate,
    non-magnetic precipitate, odor & foam)

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

/by

Is A Longer Oil Filter Needed For Harley Milwaukee-Eight Engines?

AMSOIL Ea Motorcycle Oil FiltersA reader asks: Did you hear that Harley-Davidson has a new oil filter for Milwaukee-8 engines? Apparently, it’s 1/2” longer than the previous oil filter. Is AMSOIL going to spec a longer oil filter for the Milwaukee-8 engine? Or is it even necessary?

Our answer: AMSOIL is not changing their oil filter recommendations for the Milwaukee-Eight motor. They will continue to offer the EAOM134 (black finish) and EAOM134C (chrome). These are the same filters used for the previous generation of Twin-Cam engines.

Why Did Harley Release A Longer Oil Filter For The Milwaukee-Eight Motor?

Harley-Davidson did not make this change to cure an underlying problem with their previous oil filter. It seems to be simply an effort to optimize engine protection.

Harley only offers one reason in the service bulletin announcing this new oil filter. Quote: “The increased media supports the higher flow rate of MKE-8 engines”. This doesn’t imply that the new oil filter offers more flow. They are simply saying that there is a bit more filter media surface area to accommodate the increased volume of oil flow. The Harley-Davidson bulletin also states that using the previous, shorter oil filter will not void warranty.

A longer oil filter does NOT increase the flow rate. It only increases the capacity. The filter media determines the flow rate, not the oil filter size. For example, the entire line of AMSOIL motorcycle oil filters have the same flow rate, regardless of size.

Larger oil filters tend not to translate into any sort of advantage. Consider the size of an oil filter on the average V-6 car engine. Some aren’t much bigger than a motorcycle oil filter. Yet a capacity issue is all but unheard of.

The bottom line is that the quality of the filter media is the most important factor in oil filter performance.

AMSOIL Oil Filters Are Ideal For The Milwaukee-8 Engine

AMSOIL has determined that the size and capacity of the EAOM134 and EAOM134C is more than appropriate for the Milwaukee-Eight engine.

The vital advantages offered by the AMSOIL Ea synthetic filter media are the filtration efficiency rate and exceptionally long service life. They are made to stay in service as long as AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50. This is 20,000 miles or one year. Therefore, capacity and service interval duration are definitely not a shortcoming with the EAOM134 and EAOM134C units. They are constructed with top-shelf components and materials. These filters are definitely built to go the distance.

AMSOIL EAOM Oil Filters also deliver world-class particle removal. They remove 98.7% of contaminants at 20-microns or larger. See how this compares to Harley Davidson’s 5-micron oil filter claims.

Will The Milwaukee-Eight Engine Run Cooler With A Slightly Longer Oil Filter?

Not likely to any measurable degree. Using AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 can lower V-Twin engine temps. Our customers observe this regularly.

In conclusion, AMSOIL Synthetic Oil Filters for the Milwaukee-Eight engine provide the proper flow rate and more than enough filtering capacity. The AMSOIL EAOM134 and EAOM134C oil filters are very much an upgrade for the M-8 engine. The AMSOIL synthetic filter media is among the most sophisticated on the market. It provides exceptional protection and long service life.

/by

Can AMSOIL 20W-50 Cure Harley Milwaukee-8 Valvetrain Ticking Noise?

Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Engine

photo credit: cycleworld.com

A reader asks: I’ve got a 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide with the Milwaukee-8 107 engine. When using conventional 20W-50 oil, I hear a valve ticking noise at about 2100 RPM. Will AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 cure this noise?

Our answer: Some customer feedback seems to suggest that this particular valvetrain noise disappears once they switch to AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50.

Please note that we haven’t personally witnessed this, nor is this a claim made by AMSOIL Inc. But this is customer feedback we have received regarding the use of AMSOIL 20W-50 in the the Milwaukee-Eight engine.

Why Would AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 Make The Milwaukee-Eight Motor Run Quieter?

It would have something to do with the robust additive package in this synthetic 20W-50. AMSOIL formulated this oil to provide a powerful anti-wear barrier. This no-doubt contributes to overall smoother and quieter v-twin operation.

Another factor is that AMSOIL 20W-50 also lowers friction. Harley customers constantly comment that their engines have better throttle response than with other oils.

AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 is a favorite with owners of all types of Harley-Davidson engines. We routinely hear about noticeably cooler operating temperatures and smoother performance. This AMSOIL 20W-50 is probably the most cost-effective upgrade you can make for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Here is more information on AMSOIL new line of oil-change kits for H-D Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines. Also note AMSOIL’s superb V-Twin Transmission and Primary Fluids.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee-Eight engine is Harley’s latest and most refined engine ever. It is designed to run considerably smoother than the Twin-Cam engine it replaced. AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 can optimize this smoothness and protect your investment.

Have questions or would you like to see wholesale pricing? Contact us using the form on this page.

/by

Is 10W-30 Oil Too Thin For Ram 6.7L Cummins Engines?

A reader asks: I’ve got a 2019 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. My manual says to use 10W-30 motor oil meeting the MS-10902 or API CJ-4 specification. I’m used to running a 5W-40 or 15W-40 in my previous trucks. Isn’t 10W-30 a bit thin for this engine?

Our answer: We can assure you that a good 10W-30 diesel motor oil is safe for your engine. But let’s discuss an important detail to watch for on the oil bottle label. This detail will improve the odds that your engine will receive the best possible wear protection.

When buying diesel motor oil, look for the “API CK-4” designation. API CK-4 is the very latest diesel engine oil standard. It is backward-compatible with API CJ-4 and Chrysler MS-10902 (and therefore warranty-approved).

Is API CK-4 An Upgrade Over API CJ-4 Diesel Oils?

Yes. The API CK-4 standard has very lofty requirements in terms of oxidation resistance, shear stability and wear resistance. It is dramatically superior to API CI-4+ motor oils you may have used 15 years ago. It is even a significant step up from the previous API CJ-4 standard. One of the primary goals of the API CK-4 spec was to allow for the use of lower viscosity oils without sacrificing wear protection.

Why Did Chrysler Decide To Go With 10W-30 In The 6.7L Cummins?

The move toward thinner oils in engines, transmissions and differentials has been going on for years. The reason is simple. Automakers are under constant pressure to meet government-mandated fuel economy targets. Going to lower viscosity oils is a relatively simple way to make marginal mileage gains.

It may seem like wear control is being sacrificed to achieve slightly better fuel economy. This has not turned out to be the case. The motor oil industry is constantly raising the bar to strike that balance between improved fuel economy and satisfactory wear protection. The API CK-4 specification achieves this balance.

Is 5W-40 An Option In Newer 6.7L Cummins Engines?

All this being said, Chrysler does suggest that 5W-40 engine oil can be used in temperatures under 0°F (-18°C). So 5W-40 is certainly secondary option. If your engine is seriously modified or if the truck is used for extreme towing, 5W-40 is certainly viable. But again, under most conditions, 10W-30 diesel oil is perfectly safe.

Our Motor Oil Suggestions For RAM 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engines

We suggest AMSOIL synthetic diesel oils (of course). Some brands may meet the API CK-4 standard. AMSOIL CK-4 diesel products are designed to exceed this spec. Here are the options.

Signature Series Max-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil is AMSOIL’s ultra-premium API CK-4 diesel motor oil line. It is available in both 10W-30 and 5W-40 for the Cummins 6.7. It is also available in 15W-40, 5W30 and 0W-40. This series is designed to out-perform on every front. The most important is wear control. Signature Series exceeds the Detroit Diesel Scuffing Test standard by 600%. It is also overbuilt for extended-drain capability.

Heavy-Duty Series Synthetic Diesel Oil is AMSOIL’s commercial-grade API-CK-4 diesel line. This line is also available in 10W-30 and 5W-40 for the Cummins 6.7L motor. It is also available in 15W-40. Heavy-Duty Series has a lower price tag for commercial fleets and cost-conscious consumers. But it still delivers top-notch wear protection. It beats the Detroit Diesel Scuffing Test standard by 400%.

In conclusion, check the bottle for the API CK-4 specification. You will receive the very latest diesel oil technology.

If you are interested in pricing for highly-effective AMSOIL Synthetic Diesel Engine Oils, contact us using the form on this page.

/by

Vintage Sno-Jet Kawasaki Snowmobile TV Commercial 

Below is a vintage snowmobile commercial from 1977. It features the Sno-Jet Kawasaki SST 440. Kawasaki purchased the Sno-Jet snowmobile company in 1976. For the 1977 season, they branded the models as “Sno-Jet Kawasaki”. These 1977 models were very similar to the Sno-Jet machines from the previous year.

We go further in-depth into the history of Kawasaki snowmobiles here.

While the announcer is touting the performance capabilities of this snowmobile, note that this 1977 SST 440 did not use a Kawasaki engine. Yamaha motors were actually under the hoods of the SST models. Also note that the video labels this commercial from 1976. It may have aired in late 1976, but the snowmobile is from the 1977 model-year.

Specifications For The 1977 Sno-Jet Kawasaki SST 440

  • Engine: Yamaha SS433F, fan-cooled, 2-stroke, twin cylinder
  • Displacement: 433cc
  • Bore X Stroke 68mm X 59.6mm
  • Carburetor: twin 36mm Mikuni VM36
  • Ignition: CDI
  • Spark Plug: NGK B-9EV
  • Clutch: Arctic Cat Hex Drive
  • Horsepower: 47 @ 6800 rpm
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.5 US gallons
  • Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio: 25:1
  • Weight (dry): 360 lbs.
  • Overall Length: 102″
  • Width: 35.5″
  • Overall Height: 28″ (without windshield)
  • Suspension Type: Slide rail
  • Ski Suspension Type: Monoleaf with shocks
  • Track Length: 116″
  • Track Width: 15″
  • Brake Type: Disc
  • Instrumentation: Speedometer, tachometer
  • Price: $1895 ($CAD) (approx. $7400 in today’s dollars)
/by

List Of Most Popular Motor Oil Viscosity Grades For 2020

Every year we compile a list of the most popular passenger car and diesel motor oil viscosity grades. Note that these statistics are based on Oildepot’s sales and not the motor oil industry as a whole.

Passenger Car And Light-Truck Motor Oil Viscosity Listing

We expected the duo of 5W-20 and 0W-20 to make further gains against 5W-30. But overall, 5W-30 still holds a steady market share. Oils like 10W-30, 10W-40 and 20W-50 have remained relatively firm due to steady demand from classic car owners. The ultra-thin 0W-16 grade enters the survey for the first time. We expect that over the next decade, auto-makers will make 0W-16 the recommended grade for economy cars. Perhaps 0W-16 will approach a double-digit share of sales in the next 5-7 years?

Chart Of Car Motor Oil Sales By Viscosity Grade For 2020

Most Popular Diesel Engine Oil Viscosity Grades

There is also very little new in the diesel motor oil segment. As expected, 5W-40 still dominates sales, but 15W-40 still holds a respectable share. The 10W-30 diesel grade has started to head upward in popularity. This viscosity is starting to be the main engine oil suggestion for big players like Ford’s 6.7L Power Stroke and the latest 6.7L Cummins engines in Ram trucks.

Chart Of Diesel Motor Oil Sales By Viscosity For 2020

/by

AMSOIL Releases New Oil Change Kits For Harley-Davidson Engines

AMSOIL Oil Change Kit For Harley Milwaukee-8AMSOIL is making additions and adding new options to the V-Twin Oil Change Kits for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Here are the details.

AMSOIL had previously offered oil change kits only for Twin-Cam engines. AMSOIL will now offer a synthetic engine oil change kits for Milwaukee-8 engines.

The other new feature of these oil change kits is a black oil filter option. The previous Twin-Cam Kits offered only a chrome oil filter.

The new versions of both the Twin-Cam and Milwaukee-Eight kits will give consumers the choice of either a black or chrome oil filter. The filters offered are AMSOIL’s full-synthetic Motorcycle Oil Filters.

Here are the kit part numbers and product descriptions.

Twin-Cam Oil Engine Change Kits

Part number: HDCK-EA

  • 4 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
  • AMSOIL EAOM134C chrome oil filter
  • O-ring for drain plug

Part Number: HDBK-EA

  • 4 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
  • AMSOIL EAOM134 black oil filter
  • O-ring for drain plug

Milwaukee-Eight Oil Change Kits

Part Number: HDMC-EA

  • 5 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
  • AMSOIL EAOM134C chrome oil filter
  • O-ring for drain plug

Part Number: HDMB-EA

  • 5 US-quarts of AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 V-Twin Motorcycle Oil
  • AMSOIL EAOM134 black oil filter
  • O-ring for drain plug

Where Can I Buy The New V-Twin Oil Change Kits For Harley-Davidson Motorcycles?

Oildepot can sell these kits at the best possible prices. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page. Put “V-Twin Oil Change Kit” in the message area.

Benefits Of The AMSOIL V-Twin Oil Change Kits

These Harley oil change kits cover every base in terms of protection and performance. AMSOIL’s popular V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 delivers top-notch wear protection, smooth performance and cooler operating temperatures.

The AMSOIL EAOM Oil Filters are among the most efficient on the market and are built with robust components throughout.

What About The Transmission and Primary?

Primary chain-case fluid and transmission fluid are sold separately from these engine oil change kits. We offer AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Primary Chaincase and AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Transmission Fluid. These products also deliver smoother operation and improved shifting performance.

 

/by

AMSOIL Releases New Drivetrain Fluid For Polaris ATV And UTV

AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Powertrain FluidAMSOIL has released a brand new synthetic drivetrain fluid that is designed especially for Polaris gearcases/differentials, transmissions, front-drive hubs and Hilliard clutches. This new product is called AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Powertrain Fluid (product code: AUPD).

This product is a high-quality replacement for Polaris Demand Drive Fluid, Polaris AGL Synthetic Gearcase and Transmission Fluid and also Polaris AGL Plus.

This new fluid is available only in AMSOIL’s remarkable Easy Pack quart container (available in singles or case of 12).

Why Did AMSOIL Create A New Drivetrain Fluid For Polaris ATV’s And UTV’s?

AMSOIL decided that they could make a single fluid for both the front drive systems as well as the transmissions and differentials. Previously, a Polaris owner would have to buy two different products. One type of fluid for the front drive system and another type for the transmission and differential.

The engineers at AMSOIL created this single full-synthetic fluid. It provides convenience and an upgrade in terms of performance and wear protection.

Doesn’t AMSOIL Already Make A Polaris Demand Drive Fluid?

Yes. AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Front Drive Fluid is for front-drive components only. The new fluid is for the front-drive as well as transmission and differential. This new ATV/UTV Powertrain Fluid replaces the previous ATV/UTV Front Drive Fluid.

Which Polaris Models Can Use This Fluid?

The vast majority of Polaris ATV and UTV models can use this product in the front-drive, transmission and rear gearcase.

  • ATV models- Sportsman, Scrambler, Phoenix, Trail Blazer, Trail Boss, ACE
  • UTV models- Ranger, RZR, General, Brutus

Is This Oil Compatible With Polaris ADC or Active Descent Control?

Yes. This product has the correct frictional proprieties for flawless ADC performance. Therefore it resists clutch chatter in models that have Polaris Active Descent Control.

Where Can I Buy AMSOIL Synthetic ATV/UTV Powertrain Fluid?

Oildepot can sell this product in Canada and the US. With our wholesale programs, we can sell the new Synthetic ATV/UTV Powertrain Fluid at the best possible prices. We ship from eleven warehouses in the US and two in Canada.

Also note that we have complete ATV/UTV engine oil change kits for most Polaris models.

Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page.

/by

Will A Gear Oil Change Cure Limited-Slip Differential Noise? 

AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-140 Synthetic Gear OilA reader asks: I’ve got a 2013 Ford F-150 with 86,000 miles. The rear differential has developed a chattering noise when taking slow corners. I have never changed the gear oil. This is a limited slip differential. Would changing the gear oil cure this noise?

Our answer: While we can’t say for sure, it is possible that a gear oil change and fresh limited slip additive could cure this chatter noise. We have heard of situations where this has worked. The simplest possible option is to try changing gear oil and limited-slip additive first.

Of course, this is assuming that there is not a mechanical issue at play. Worn clutches and springs can also lead to limited-slip differential performance problems. In that case, new oil would not cure the issue.

What seems to happen in some cases is that the original gear oil and limited-slip friction modifier additive break down over time. This can allow the clutch packs to chatter during low-speed corners.

Our Best Gear Oil And Limited Slip Additive

We strongly recommend AMSOIL Severe Gear 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil and AMSOIL Slip Lock Differential Additive. AMSOIL Severe Gear is about the most robust gear oil money can buy. It offers superb wear control, long life and friction reduction. It performs very well in arctic cold or extreme southern heat.

AMSOIL Slip Lock is a high-quality replacement for OEM limited-slip additives. It provides reliable, quiet performance at a very reasonable price.

Once the oil is changed, take the truck to an open parking lot. Slowly drive the truck in a figure-8 pattern to burnish the Slip Lock additive into the limited-slip clutch packs. You will soon see if this oil change has cured your issue.

Helpful Installation Tips

Installing gear oil in a differential can be an awkward and messy process. We have a couple of solutions that can make life much easier. The first is AMSOIL’s ingenious “Easy-Pack” container option. The “drink-box-inspired” Easy-Pack allows you to squeeze the oil directly into the differential, regardless of how cramped the location.

The other helpful solution is the AMSOIL Hand-Pump For Bottles. This kit allows you to pump oil out of quart, gallon or 2.5-gallon bottles. This inexpensive kit will come in very handy in your garage.

We certainly hope that your differential issue is not something more serious. A differential oil change is an inexpensive solution that could very well do the trick. At this point in your vehicle’s life, it’s definitely time to change the factory differential oil anyway.

We can sell AMSOIL Synthetic Gear Oils at wholesale prices in Canada and the US. Contact us using the form on this page for a wholesale price list. 

/by

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.

/by
Copyright © 2020 · Oildepot.ca - All rights reserved.