ATV Routine Maintenance ?'s

[TXRam]

I have a 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 4X4. The owner's manual states not to use conventional motor oils, but to use Yamalube because of the friction modifiers in the regular oil causing the clutch to slip. Any one know anything about this or have any experience with it? I have several gallons of Castrol Syntec in the garage that won't get used otherwise.

Thanks for any help/tips aanyone can provide.

 

[gitchesum]

Castrol is what we use in the Yamaha Big Bears. 3 years, heavy use, no problems.

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Curtis Harris

"CASPER"
Updated 11/19/00
1997 Club Cab Dualie
correctly valved 5 speed. White, Brown Manf. brushguard and rear bumper,Sprayed in liner, Stock plate and AFC properly adjusted. Straight pipe. That's all for now. More to come.
Check out the Lone Star TDR

 

[Motorhead]

TxRam, One thing that I repetedly see people forget or ignore on small 4 stroke motorcycle/ATV's is setting the valve clearance at regular intervals. I have worked on many Hondas (trail 90's, ATV's) that people ride the snot out of them and wonder why they lose performance with them. The first thing I do is ck the valves and generally they are tight. Those engines run awfully hot. The valve clearance is generally only . 002-. 004 . I would suggest making this task a regular thing. Chris #ad

 

[Crazy Horse]

After my 2 Hondas got broke in,in 1990 I use nothing but Syntec 5W-50. It's a lot easier starting when temps are below zero than conventional oil was. Being air cooled,using synthetic the oil light never comes on even pulling a loaded trailer in warm weather. They are still going strong today. I change the oil yearly.

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2K Dodge 3500,4x4,SLT,Quad Cab,PR4 Red,Auto Trans,3. 54's,Anti-Spin Axle,Trailer TowPack,3 Piece Auto Ventshade Hood Protector,"BEEFED" up Factory Camper Pack{No Airbags},Factory Fogs,Rear Slider,Rancho 9000's,Rhino Spray In Liner,Smitty Built Nerf Bars,Alpine 60x4 Watt CD Player,Lance Cabover Camper,BD Plug n Power,K&N w/Modifed Stock Box,Amsoil 15w40,EGT Guage,And Enjoying The Ride.

2K Dodge 2500 SLT RC LB PB3 Blue
99 Dodge 1500 SLT/Sport RC SB Solor Yellow {Her Truck}

 

[TXRam]

Thanks guys. I'll go ahead and use the Yamalube this time - to finish break-in - then switch to the Castrol.

Also, on the valve clearance, I had planned on doing that myself. Anything to it, or is it pretty straight forward like it sounds. Does it need to be done at every oil change? Every other one?

I went to order a maintenance manual, but they're not available yet per the local dealer - they did let me make copies of theirs though. Pretty nice, but if they have a manual, why can't I get one. #ad


Hey Gitchesum, I actually bought mine over there in Lake Charles. They gave me the lowest price, threw in a ramp and some oil and filters, and had a guy deliver to the state line so I wouldn't have to pay sales tax.

[This message has been edited by TXRam (edited 01-01-2001). ]

 

[gitchesum]

Which one did ya get it from?
Funny, we got ours at Pasadena Yamaha.

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by gitchesum:
Funny, we got ours at Pasadena Yamaha.

That's pronounced "Pasadeener" where the air is greener! #ad


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Bill Lins Wharton, TX 98 2500 QC SLT,12 (the CORRECT # of)valves,NV4500,3. 54 LSD,Manik grille guard,Semi-Psychotty Air,Amsoil everywhere, Reading aluminum utility body and bumper,Optima yellow tops- silencer ring & muffler stolen.

 

[gitchesum]

Having lived in that thriving little metropolis, I can honestly agree with name Stinkadena.
Another version is Pasagetdowndena.


[This message has been edited by gitchesum (edited 01-02-2001). ]

 

[Amianthus]

That Yamalube suggestion is kinda loaded. I have been using Mobil 1 in mine with no problems for 3 years.
Good advice about adjusting those valves.

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'99 2500 ISB QC SLT (No Leather!), 4x4, 5sp w/McLeod, 4:10, BD-II, PE, PE-EZ, 4"exh. , Pac-Brake, A-Pillar gauge pod w/boost and pyro, Line-X, V-1, lights, siren, lic. plt. frame says "Diesel Fumes Make Me Horny!", and much more goofy stuff.

 

[Champane Flight]

Checkout Clymer.com for your maint,manual.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[Motorhead]

TX, If they are single cylinder engines its easy. If they have rocker arm type valve train,remove the valve covers and bring the piston up to "top dead center ready to fire"(all valves closed). Set them to specs. , usually cold. I'd set them at an oil change then check them at the next one also. From there, you will see how much or not at all that they have changed. Set your intervals from that info. Chris #ad