Oil scam?... Snowmobile Synthetic for <$5/quart.

[sgtslag]

There are a lot of different types of oil produced, and sold, many at lower, older, standards levels, than the current maximum (API SN).

Here is the link to the API oil rating PDF file, which explains it all, in detail:

API 2010 Oil Guide

It is still possible to buy some of the older standards, and possibly save some cash in doing so.  I visited my local Mills Fleet Farm store, today, and I scoped out their oil aisles.  I found they had oils labeled for diesel engines, automobile engines, motorcycles, ATV's, and snowmobiles (I know the diesel oils have higher levels of detergent, but I doubt the others differ aside from their API ratings/compositions).  I examined the snowmobile oil, in particular:  it was full synthetic (I need to go back and get its name, so I can verify on its MSDS sheet that it is a full synthetic, and not a highly refined mineral oil), 5W-30, API SJ rating (for engines from 2001, and older; no friction modifiers, so it won't affect a wet clutch, and the normal, automotive level of detergents, unlike diesel oils).  It was just under $5/quart, while the Amsoil synthetic, was >$10/quart...

I am not saying that all synthetic oils are the same.  I am not saying that this particular brand of synthetic, snowmobile oil, is equal to Amsoil.  I am saying that it was billed as a full synthetic oil, with an API rating of SJ:  this oil is appropriate for all engines from 2001, and older, but not my '03 car.  For me, the Rotella T6 (link) will still work in all of my 4-stroke engines (SM:  2010, and older engines), which is why I won't be stocking up on the snowmobile oil, because I would have to have two types on hand, for all of my vehicles.

Anyway, if you want inexpensive synthetic oil, that exceeds the API rating for your vintage bikes, you may want to shop around, and see what you can find.  You might find a better oil, for less money.  By the way, Mills Fleet Farm has the Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic, for around $4 less, per gallon, than Wal-Mart:  $22/gallon, as opposed to $26/gallon; they also sell it in a box of three, one gallon bottles, for $65, saving a buck off the individual bottle price.  Cheers!

[Piute]

  Havn't found "The Mans Mall" F/F here in S.W.Mo. I take care of my machines and stoped useing syn. change my oil in 3 months or 2K no matter what.
  Some say Syn. will last 5K with my bike at aprx. 9k would be going on it's second ? 3rd oil change ?
 34 ? 35 in years, I've always used "V" and know theres are cheaper and better out there even under "V".
 But this old goat ,believes and likes to give the machine a real good going over every 3 months,witch includes changing the fluids/filters.(cleaning) Be surprised at what ya see (under there).
 
                                                        Piute Putt

[Re-run]

I love my local fleet farm. It gets busy sometimes too but on average I can stroll through it and leisurely shop. Prices many time are comparable too.