Technology: everything you need to know about motor oil
Motor oil is as important as the blood in our body. Its purpose is to absorb and dissipate the extreme heat generated by the engine parts and clean the engine of contaminants by transferring them to the oil filter.
Motor oil also lubricates the metal-to-metal sliding parts. In the clutch, oil will reduce heat and provide the right amount of friction between the plates. Understanding motor oil will help you decide which oil to use and learn how to care for the oil.
Viscosity
The viscosity of a fluid is the measurement of its resistance to flow at a given temperature. It is one of the main ways to describe the character of a motor oil. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the liquid. For example, heavy cream has a higher viscosity than water. Higher temperatures also generally lead to lower viscosity and vice versa. Lower viscosity oils are beneficial for creating less drag and more horsepower, but they can also break down more easily and become harmful over time.
The Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) came up with the viscosity test used by engine oil manufacturers. The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Japanese Automobile Standards Organization (JASO) each have standards for lubricants used in a wide range of applications. When an oil says it meets or exceeds API and JASO standards, it means the oil has passed the tests for their specifications.
The “10” in the standard 10W-40 engine oil label indicates the fluidity of the oil at cold temperatures. To determine this number, the viscosity test is performed at -25 degrees Celsius. A lower first number such as “0”, a viscosity value equal to water, is often used in vehicles that operate at extremely low temperatures because it is critical to move the oil quickly through the engine when starting so that the metal parts do not move without the presence of lubricating oil.
The W of winter
Every now and then life is simple, the “W” stands for winter. It means that the oil is multi-grade and designed to work in cold and warm temperatures. High-quality oils have a specific chemical composition to allow consistent viscosity in cold and hot conditions.
The “40” in 10W-40 represents the viscosity of the oil at operating temperature. This is tested at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) and is measured using the SAE J300 system, which uses centistokes (cSt) to describe the oil's mobility. For example, a 10W-30 and 10W-40 engine oil have the same starting flow for the oil to spread through the engine when it is cold, but they have different viscosities at operating temperatures. The 10W-40 is thicker when warm.
Motor oils are available in non-synthetic, semi-synthetic and fully synthetic forms. Non-synthetics are mineral or petroleum based and have a lower cost and lower quality. Semi-synthetic lubricants are a blend of petroleum-based synthetic oils, and generally provide more stability than non-synthetic lubricants. Fully synthetic oils offer the most benefits in terms of performance, longevity and purity.
Oil for cars and motorcycles differ
Although a generic oil works in multiple applications, you should choose motor oils designed specifically for your motorcycle. This maximizes the performance and reliability of your engine. Passenger car oils are aimed at fuel economy and long drain intervals. Furthermore, in cars the powertrain components are installed and lubricated separately, but in a motorcycle they work as one unit, which requires the engine oil to compensate. The engineers at motocross-specific brands focus exclusively on motorcycle applications and formulate their oils to meet specific performance criteria.
Engine oil prevents internal corrosion and is designed to keep any contaminants in suspension until the next oil change. This is why oil darkens with age. Over time, engine oil loses its ability to cool, clean and protect. Ultimately, the oil is so contaminated that the oil filter is no longer able to filter dirt. The clutch can even start to slip prematurely if the oil has not been changed, as the dirt causes the clutch plates to lose friction. Remember that Honda CRF450 models from 2002 to 2016 have a separate system for the engine oil and transmission oil.
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