4-strokers: What oil do you use? What does your drained oil look like?

[bigoilbob]

That's why I admitted to not being up on the new synthetics. But I stand by my primary thesis that they are, when comparably compared (weight/grade/ recommended duty etc.) much better than crude based products. I am also not disputing that your referenced oil is a Mobil 1 product. I don't know. Just sayin' that the oil sellers know what they are doing, and that there is no advantage to using oil in an engine it's not built for.

As for the relatively high iron count in Mobil 1, I agree that is bad. But I can not find any reference to it from your link (maybe I'm overlooking it), just your reference to "hundreds of used oil analysis postings". I have tested my engine oil myself, many times, and have always been very happy with the results. Not saying I'm right on Mobil 1 v other synthetics, I might be behind the curve. But can you reference any more than your recall of posted anecdotes. Real studies? There must be some.....

Thanks Skyliner70cc;

Bob D.

 

[The_Aleman]

I, too, use "diesel" oil in my Huasheng, my oil of choice is Shell Rotella T 15w-40. I change it every 6-10 weeks, it comes out looking pretty much like it went in.

If your oil is black when you drain it, that could mean your engine is running too rich, as unburnt fuel often turns oil black on gasoline engines.
Consider shutting off the petcock when your engine isn't running, if you aren't already. Shutting off petcock 10-15 seconds before shutting off engine helps too.

Hello Max,
Which part # Drainzit fits the F142? I'm just finishing up a build with a shift kit and it looks like oil changes will be a pain with this kit.
Thanks
Barry

HON1010, works very well, I bought mine here: http://www.amazon.com/Drainzit-HON1010-Changing-Honda-GX110/dp/B000PDOEGI

 

[Old Bob]

That's why I admitted to not being up on the new synthetics. But I stand by my primary thesis that they are, when comparably compared (weight/grade/ recommended duty etc.) much better than crude based products. I am also not disputing that your referenced oil is a Mobil 1 product. I don't know. Just sayin' that the oil sellers know what they are doing, and that there is no advantage to using oil in an engine it's not built for.

As for the relatively high iron count in Mobil 1, I agree that is bad. But I can not find any reference to it from your link (maybe I'm overlooking it), just your reference to "hundreds of used oil analysis postings". I have tested my engine oil myself, many times, and have always been very happy with the results. Not saying I'm right on Mobil 1 v other synthetics, I might be behind the curve. But can you reference any more than your recall of posted anecdotes. Real studies? There must be some.....

Thanks Skyliner70cc;

Bob D.

You should use what the engine manufacturer recommends, if you attempt a warrenty claim with the wrong oil in the engine it will be denied.

I did real world testing on several Honda GX31 and GX35 engines.
Castrol GTX and Havoline brands were selected.
10w-30 was used as recommended by Honda.
At 2 hour intervals up to 10 hours camshaft lobe wear was measured.
After initial break in there was no significant wear on the cam.
from 10-100 hours wear was monitored at regular intervals while lobe wear did not change, the lash increased from wear of the axle hole in the cam,the pivot hole and axle of the rocker arm (shaft on GX35) push rods and sockets (GX31),rocker tip,valve stem tip.

The Honda GX31/35 engines have a significant advantage over R/S and others in that the oil slinger acts as a centrifugal oil filter, it slings solids against the oil resevoir walls so that only clean oil mist enters the engine.
Because Honda uses essentially a dry sump its important that the proper viscosity is selected,too heavy and the crankcase will not get proper lubrication.

The key thing with oil in these small engines is during the break in period the oil should be changed often to get rid of the metal fines suspended in the oil.

 

[Skyliner70cc]

This will be my last post on this topic. Manufacturer recommendations? Really? Chinese HT engines specify automotive engine oil and not 2 stroke oil ;-)

Auto manfacturers in the USA almost always now specify 5w20 but in overseas export markets almost always specify thicker oil....reason: CAFE standards (google term if it is unfamilar to you).

You can't go wrong using a superior oil whether it be a 5w40 or a 15w40 HDEO.

 

[bigoilbob]

Last message? I guess I expected that. Also no real data on Mobil 1. Too bad, because I would have been genuinely interested in an actual study, as opposed urban mythology, with the enhanced credibility that comes from being posting it on a website.

Separately, US manufacturers/sellers might very well recommend (suitable) "lighter" oils for fuel efficiency. But it's fine by me. Most cars, motorcycles and small engines (can't speak for Chinese mail order products, which I wouldn't buy anyhow*) last longer than ever because manufacturers work continuous improvement loops over product life cycles. If they recommended based on Uncle Fred's internet postings we would still be periodically filling our crankcases with kerosene to "loosen things up".

Best to all

* This is admittedly blind, uninformed bias, as I play it safe with my limited toy budget. No offense, and rebuts welcome.

 

[Old Bob]

Last message? I guess I expected that. Also no real data on Mobil 1. Too bad, because I would have been genuinely interested in an actual study, as opposed urban mythology, with the enhanced credibility that comes from being posting it on a website.

Separately, US manufacturers/sellers might very well recommend (suitable) "lighter" oils for fuel efficiency. But it's fine by me. Most cars, motorcycles and small engines (can't speak for Chinese mail order products, which I wouldn't buy anyhow*) last longer than ever because manufacturers work continuous improvement loops over product life cycles. If they recommended based on Uncle Fred's internet postings we would still be periodically filling our crankcases with kerosene to "loosen things up".

Best to all

* This is admittedly blind, uninformed bias, as I play it safe with my limited toy budget. No offense, and rebuts welcome.

@skyline Castrol and Havoline are both motor oils for four stroke engines they are not two stroke oils.

Mobil 1 wasn't tested because we were testing petroleum oils.Synthetics aren't recommened for break in.

 

[bigoilbob]

Fully understand, Old Bob. But did you respond to me by accident? None of my remarks referred, even tangentially, to any of yours. I read your last post, learned from it, and don't see any daylight (and little commonality) between what you and I said.

 

[Old Bob]

you said

Also no real data on Mobil 1. Too bad, because I would have been genuinely interested in an actual study

and I replied to that comment with

Mobil 1 wasn't tested because we were testing petroleum oils.Synthetics aren't recommened for break in.

I also addressed skyliner's comment in the same post

Chinese HT engines specify automotive engine oil and not 2 stroke oil

with

@skyline Castrol and Havoline are both motor oils for four stroke engines they are not two stroke oils.

 

[bigoilbob]

Sorry for any misunderstanding, Old Bob. My comment on Mobil1 testing was not for you. It referred to other comments. In fact, none of my comments were intentionally meant to respond to you, or referred to anything you posted. But I do read your posts, learn from them and I can not think of anything I disagree with you about.........

 

[Old Bob]

No problem. I'll keep synthetics in mind next time Honda releases an engine in the M4 range.