I have a 2001 Honda Foreman 450S, great reliable machine. I put Amsoil 0w40 wet clutch oil in it last December. I like it cuz it allows easy starts at -25C and the transmission shifts well with it as well as it works well with the heat (air-cooled). I have probably ridden it 10 times since then including a couple of long trail rides. I have another coming up next week. Should I change it out or is it still good to go? I don't have any problem changin it, but just wondering if its overkill.
ATV oil change
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I have the same ATV (mine is the ES) and run into the same dilemma. I am always to 1 year way before my KMs or hours are close. Since it's only a little over 2 litres, I usually bite the bullet and change just before the plowing season starts each year along with the fluid in both differentials. I'm just using Honda GN4, so it isn't quite as expensive.
So the Amsoil is OK on the Foreman's clutch? My dealer recommended using only non-"Energy Conserving" non-synth oils in my Foreman.
So the Amsoil is OK on the Foreman's clutch? My dealer recommended using only non-"Energy Conserving" non-synth oils in my Foreman.
Yes, Amsoil is awesome for the reasons I stated. I wouldn't worry about the synthetic vs conventional. I think they just want you to keep buying oil from them 
. I make sure its the motorcyle wet clutch certifed as well. I figure since the oil wears so many hats (cooling, lubrication and transmission) to give it the good stuff, especially when it is so fluid at sub zero temps. I noted an improvement in shifting smoothness when I went to Amsoil. It is $9/L if I do change it so like I said it is worth it, I just wanted to get opinions.
(Bircsbor, you have pm)
. I make sure its the motorcyle wet clutch certifed as well. I figure since the oil wears so many hats (cooling, lubrication and transmission) to give it the good stuff, especially when it is so fluid at sub zero temps. I noted an improvement in shifting smoothness when I went to Amsoil. It is $9/L if I do change it so like I said it is worth it, I just wanted to get opinions. (Bircsbor, you have pm)
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I'll go out on a limb and say that you're probably good for at least two seasons using Amsoil products. Nothing but seat of the pants advice here, but there is supposed to be a superior add pack which would mean more of the good stuff to absorb more of the bad stuff. Since it's not a dino base you shouldn't have similar issues there either. Then again, only your oil analysis (hairdresser) will know for sure.
Steve
Steve
Quote:
My dealer recommended using only non-"Energy Conserving" non-synth oils in my Foreman
The Amsoil AFF is not an energy-conserving oil.
Sure the dealer is going to recommend that because that is what he sells and makes the most money off of. Also for the dealer to say to not use synthetic oil only shows his ignorance of oils.
That's the oil I have been using since 2001. First in my 2001 Rancher, then my 2005 Rancher and now for over 1000 miles in my 2006 Rincon. changed over at 5 hrs of use. The current fill in the Rincon has been in there just over 1 yr and 550 miles. I don't plan to change it for another year. The oil still looks as good as the day it went in.
The Amsoil 0W-40 AFF is a group VI PAO synthetic.
PS-I am using a Wix filter.
My dealer recommended using only non-"Energy Conserving" non-synth oils in my Foreman
The Amsoil AFF is not an energy-conserving oil.
Sure the dealer is going to recommend that because that is what he sells and makes the most money off of. Also for the dealer to say to not use synthetic oil only shows his ignorance of oils.
That's the oil I have been using since 2001. First in my 2001 Rancher, then my 2005 Rancher and now for over 1000 miles in my 2006 Rincon. changed over at 5 hrs of use. The current fill in the Rincon has been in there just over 1 yr and 550 miles. I don't plan to change it for another year. The oil still looks as good as the day it went in.
The Amsoil 0W-40 AFF is a group VI PAO synthetic.
PS-I am using a Wix filter.
I use rotella in all my ranchers{350 and 420}and change every ride.Oil is cheap and I like to ride bahlls deep in the crick.If you want your engine to last pay attention to your air filter.More engines wear out from lack of filter maintenance than oil brand.
Rotell T 5W-40 for me, I tried to run Amsoil in my Grizzly but after every ride I was down in oil(consumption!) Same thing happened with my truck and sled, also consumed it. Switched to Rotella T in my atv and Mobil-1 in my truck and no more consumption issues, plus it is a lot cheaper too!!
If your going to run it, keep an eye on your oil level before every ride!!...........Irv
P.S. no amsoil tech to this day can tell me the reason why many, like myself have consumption issues running amsoil?? I frequent a lot of atv, truck, sled, boating forums etc and by no stretch of the imagination am I alone in this!! ..........Irv
If your going to run it, keep an eye on your oil level before every ride!!...........Irv
P.S. no amsoil tech to this day can tell me the reason why many, like myself have consumption issues running amsoil?? I frequent a lot of atv, truck, sled, boating forums etc and by no stretch of the imagination am I alone in this!! ..........Irv
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The burning is the reason I don't use Amsoil. if you can afford to keep topping it off then fine, it's a non-issue.
In this application, the only way that Amsoil would be cost effective is to keep it in there. I wouldn't hesitate to keep it in there based on your style for two years. Just keep an extra bottle or three handy.
In this application, the only way that Amsoil would be cost effective is to keep it in there. I wouldn't hesitate to keep it in there based on your style for two years. Just keep an extra bottle or three handy.
irv
I think you are just saying that to get a rise from people. I have used Amsoil for many years and I have never seen consimption issues. What is so different about the Amsoil you are using from what I am using because I have never seen any consumption issues in 30 yrs of use?
There is over 500 miles on the Amsoil in my Rincon and it has not used a drop of oil. Maybe its your equipment that the problem? I know a lot of other ATV owners running Amsoil and not one problem with it.
I think you are just saying that to get a rise from people. I have used Amsoil for many years and I have never seen consimption issues. What is so different about the Amsoil you are using from what I am using because I have never seen any consumption issues in 30 yrs of use?
There is over 500 miles on the Amsoil in my Rincon and it has not used a drop of oil. Maybe its your equipment that the problem? I know a lot of other ATV owners running Amsoil and not one problem with it.
Originally Posted By: Mike_dup1
irv
I think you are just saying that to get a rise from people. I have used Amsoil for many years and I have never seen consimption issues. What is so different about the Amsoil you are using from what I am using because I have never seen any consumption issues in 30 yrs of use?
There is over 500 miles on the Amsoil in my Rincon and it has not used a drop of oil. Maybe its your equipment that the problem? I know a lot of other ATV owners running Amsoil and not one problem with it.
Yea, your right, I am a major oil manufacturer just trying to steal some of Amsoils market, and all these people in this link work for me too!
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/synthetic-oil-getting-consumed.74158/
irv
I think you are just saying that to get a rise from people. I have used Amsoil for many years and I have never seen consimption issues. What is so different about the Amsoil you are using from what I am using because I have never seen any consumption issues in 30 yrs of use?
There is over 500 miles on the Amsoil in my Rincon and it has not used a drop of oil. Maybe its your equipment that the problem? I know a lot of other ATV owners running Amsoil and not one problem with it.
Yea, your right, I am a major oil manufacturer just trying to steal some of Amsoils market, and all these people in this link work for me too!
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/synthetic-oil-getting-consumed.74158/
I have not experienced any oil consumption and I have been using amsoil for 3 years now. My inquiry was am I changing it too soon before I got most of the use out of it. Most have said I can stretch it out to 2 years. I will monitor and if it starts to get dark I will just change it out. Right now its still golden.
You can't really go by the color. Sometimes it's an indication of oil life, other times it's not. If it's really that big of a concern then get a UOA done on it. I'm not an Amsoil fan at all (due to a negative experience with excessive consumption) but I can say that based on the evidence I've seen Amsoil is very resilient in the life expectancy department.
Unfortunately it would cost the same for the UOA as it would to fill the ATV ($20) as UOA are more $$ in Canada. At the rate its going the 2 year mark will be up by the time it actually changes color anyway.
Rotella T 5-40 synthetic for years in 3 utilities, and M1 10w-40 HM in a Timberwolf that weeps around the jug. Never a wet clutch issue issue. Thousands of miles of ugly use, twice a year changes. Honda MC club turned me on to the Rotella. I have an 88 Honda, to a 2008 Grizzly. Do what floats your boat but I am starting to believe motorcycle oil is just one of many great oil marketing myths. A cheap oil with frequent changes would probably end the shearing worry, but I still buy synthetic. So I am subject to marketing as well. I drown the dang things in the river and then worry about oil selection
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