BajaRon
Well-known member
As many of you know I probably spend too much time in Oil research. It can be like pulling teeth to get good, varifiable information and the manufactuer can be the Worst place to look for facts! But if you work at it, you can get pretty close to the truth.
You may also know I am an Amsoil fan. Used to be a Mobil 1 fan until they went to the dark side (SM rating) and abandonded us MA users.
But all of that aside. There have been some oily rumblings that do concern me. Regardless of what brand, weight, how often you change, what filters you use or where you run your level on the dip stick, oil is a very important component in your Spyder's overall health and longevity. You're got pistons, crankshaft, valve train, bearings, transmission, clutch and more all depending on the same lubricant. In some cases, if it fails for just a few seconds you could be in trouble.
These days engines are engineered to run a particular lubricant. Not brand, but properties. The manufacturer sets minimums which almost always can be improved upon, but you NEVER want to fall below those minimum qualities.
My concern is that some have abandonded ship with their oil and may not even realize it. For example, some are using SM rated oils and or XXw-50 oils (the XX representing lower viscosity, usually 15w or 20w).
Now I am all for using whatever you think is best. I have my favorite, and you have yours. But using an SM rated or a 50 weight oil are both very bad ideas. As much as I don't worry about voiding a warranty for the usual 'worrisome issues' discussed here, either of these will certainly, and justifiably void any oil related warranty problem you may have.
There are many very good, unbiased techincal articles by Oil Engineers out there not pushing one oil or another, giving industry wide accepted facts. And I understand that most people do not have an interest in reading these unless they are trying to cure a bout with insomnia! And I realize that I may be a 1%'er in that I do enjoy these articles.
The short and sweet of it is, if you're using an SM rated oil your clutch is slipping. You many not notice it if you ride easy and or do not pull a trailer, but none-the-less, your clutch is slipping and it will not live nearly as long as it might with the correct oil. Not to mention the heat you're creating and the junk you're dumping into your filters.
The same probably goes for you if you're using an MA rated oil (though probabaly to a lesser degree than someone using an SM rated oil). MA is the lowest of the 3 wet clutch ratings meaning that you are getting the least amount of clutch slippage protection. MA1 and MA2 are a much better bet, MA2 being the best.
Next, if you are using a 50 weight viscosity oil thinking thicker is better, you are very wrong. Thicker may be better in a low RPM engine (HD) or an engine with a lot of wear, but in our high revving, close tolerance Spyder Rotax engine you are creating the following issues.
1. Heavier oil has difficulty staying with or clinging to high rpm parts
2. Heavier oil has more difficulty getting between close tolerance parts
3. Heavier oil does not release heat (or cool) as redily as lighter oil and your engine will run hotter
4. Heavier oil causes more friction, you lose HP, fuel mileage and create more heat
Most people who would use a 50 weight oil are actually creating the very conditions in their Rotax engine that they tought they were avoiding.
Some people come away from a discussion of this kind thinking they will just stick with BRP oil and be done with it. This is certainly better than using the wrong oil.
But for those of you who want the best for your Spyder, it isn't hard to fine a superior product for about the same price. Just be aware of the few, easily descerned parameters that are required.
1. 5w-40 or 10w-40 viscosity
2. MA rated (I personally highly recommended at least MA1)
3. Don't use anything with an SM rating (which you will not find any oil both SM & MA rated)
I know this was long but if it saves just 1 Spyderlover from a nasty visit to the shop it was worth the effort.
You may also know I am an Amsoil fan. Used to be a Mobil 1 fan until they went to the dark side (SM rating) and abandonded us MA users.
But all of that aside. There have been some oily rumblings that do concern me. Regardless of what brand, weight, how often you change, what filters you use or where you run your level on the dip stick, oil is a very important component in your Spyder's overall health and longevity. You're got pistons, crankshaft, valve train, bearings, transmission, clutch and more all depending on the same lubricant. In some cases, if it fails for just a few seconds you could be in trouble.
These days engines are engineered to run a particular lubricant. Not brand, but properties. The manufacturer sets minimums which almost always can be improved upon, but you NEVER want to fall below those minimum qualities.
My concern is that some have abandonded ship with their oil and may not even realize it. For example, some are using SM rated oils and or XXw-50 oils (the XX representing lower viscosity, usually 15w or 20w).
Now I am all for using whatever you think is best. I have my favorite, and you have yours. But using an SM rated or a 50 weight oil are both very bad ideas. As much as I don't worry about voiding a warranty for the usual 'worrisome issues' discussed here, either of these will certainly, and justifiably void any oil related warranty problem you may have.
There are many very good, unbiased techincal articles by Oil Engineers out there not pushing one oil or another, giving industry wide accepted facts. And I understand that most people do not have an interest in reading these unless they are trying to cure a bout with insomnia! And I realize that I may be a 1%'er in that I do enjoy these articles.
The short and sweet of it is, if you're using an SM rated oil your clutch is slipping. You many not notice it if you ride easy and or do not pull a trailer, but none-the-less, your clutch is slipping and it will not live nearly as long as it might with the correct oil. Not to mention the heat you're creating and the junk you're dumping into your filters.
The same probably goes for you if you're using an MA rated oil (though probabaly to a lesser degree than someone using an SM rated oil). MA is the lowest of the 3 wet clutch ratings meaning that you are getting the least amount of clutch slippage protection. MA1 and MA2 are a much better bet, MA2 being the best.
Next, if you are using a 50 weight viscosity oil thinking thicker is better, you are very wrong. Thicker may be better in a low RPM engine (HD) or an engine with a lot of wear, but in our high revving, close tolerance Spyder Rotax engine you are creating the following issues.
1. Heavier oil has difficulty staying with or clinging to high rpm parts
2. Heavier oil has more difficulty getting between close tolerance parts
3. Heavier oil does not release heat (or cool) as redily as lighter oil and your engine will run hotter
4. Heavier oil causes more friction, you lose HP, fuel mileage and create more heat
Most people who would use a 50 weight oil are actually creating the very conditions in their Rotax engine that they tought they were avoiding.
Some people come away from a discussion of this kind thinking they will just stick with BRP oil and be done with it. This is certainly better than using the wrong oil.
But for those of you who want the best for your Spyder, it isn't hard to fine a superior product for about the same price. Just be aware of the few, easily descerned parameters that are required.
1. 5w-40 or 10w-40 viscosity
2. MA rated (I personally highly recommended at least MA1)
3. Don't use anything with an SM rating (which you will not find any oil both SM & MA rated)
I know this was long but if it saves just 1 Spyderlover from a nasty visit to the shop it was worth the effort.
