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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
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Message started by rong on 03/09/13 at 16:19:57

Title: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by rong on 03/09/13 at 16:19:57

I was looking at the recommended oils to use for the Savage. Valvoline VR1 Racing oil is not mentioned. (I’m new, but starting to get the hang of the ‘search’ button!).

According to Valvoline’s customer service, this type of Valvoline oil contains 1400 ppm zinc and 1300 ppm phosphorus. Wouldn’t this fit the ZDDP requirements for the Savage? They make: 10w-30, 20w-50, and single viscosities of 30, 40, 50, and 60.

This Valvoline oil is very common where I live and would be my choice, … if it works for the Savage.

Thanks,
Ron G

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by HondaLavis on 03/09/13 at 18:12:16

I'm no expert, but since VR1 is an AUTO oil and the bottle SPECIFICALLY SAYS don't use it in wet clutches... I'd suggest just sticking with trusty Rotella. ;)

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by ZAR on 03/09/13 at 20:40:19

Ron I'll go with Lavis on this one. There have been just too many instances of clutch issues with auto type oil in bikes!

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Gyrobob on 03/10/13 at 01:40:59

That oil is formulated for short-term use in racing auto engines. Unless you plan to be racing against autos and changing the oil after every race, I'd find something oriented more toward street use in a Savage.

Rotella, either dino or synth, works quite well,.. and,.. at Walmart,,.. is pretty stinkin' cheap.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by savagerider87 on 03/10/13 at 17:15:11

I use suzuki oil in mine and have had no issues with it at all.... its what originally came with the bike from the factory, and for around $6 a quart its not that expensive for 100% peace of mind... Ive heard of some people using Motul oil as well with excellent results. Depending on the climate, id stick with a viscosity of 10w40 but if youre in a warmer climate a thicker viscosity is definitely better, where I live it rarely gets to 90 degrees. Car oil will fry your clutch in no time flat.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by rong on 03/10/13 at 17:48:11

Thanks for the responses... plus I didn't think about the wet clutch issue.

Ron G

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Charon on 03/10/13 at 18:15:38

Some time back one of our members (Verslagen, I think) did some temperature testing with various oils. He found that 20W-50 oils cause the engine to run at higher temps than did the 10W-40 oils. These were measured as temperatures above ambient. The higher viscosity oils appear to have higher friction resulting in more losses. Those higher temperatures, to my mind, will cause the heavier oil to "thin" more than lighter oils, so the effect on the engine is higher temperatures and similar oil viscosities at operating temperatures.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by RC on 03/10/13 at 18:29:40

Whatever you use it should be Jaso MA or you will have trouble with the clutch and tappets.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Gyrobob on 03/11/13 at 07:37:47

One of the things that always happens in forums like these is that worthwhile subjects keep popping up over time. The kind of oil to use in this bike is a very worthwhile subject because:
-- The motor can be damaged if the wrong oil is used.
-- A LOT of money can be wasted on uber-expensive oil.
-- Humans simply seem to feel better deep in their heart when they use additives.

So,... oil keeps popping up as a subject.

Another thing that happens in these kinds of forums is that, since they reach many many thousands of folks, most of those folks aren't aware of research and discussions over the past decade or two that deal with their pet worthwhile subject. For the worthwhile subject of LS650/S40 oil:
-- This subject is brought up by a new newbie every few months, unaware of all the previous discussion.
-- This subject has been researched and researched and researched by actual experts,... LS650/S40 experts who are also experts in motor oil.
-- Not only are we fortunate enough here to have these experts that have done this research, these experts (in real time) are keeping the rest of us advised when something changes that affects the oil we use in our bikes. This is VERY unusual, and really an advantage to folks like me who would never bother to stay on top of situations like the way formulations of oil are changing.

That said, there is simply no point in trying to find an oil better than the Rotella commonly available at Walmart. There is not any oil that will work better,.. some others might work as well, but not better,..... and there is not any acceptable oil that is cheaper.

To make that situation even better, our LS650/S40 experts (fully knowledgeable of the ZDDP issue) have that situation all figured out for us as well, should we choose to want to increase zinc levels, so to speak.

Anyway, there is just not much point in spending any energy trying to figure out what oil to use. That issue is fully handled,.. and much to our advantage since the outcome of that issue is probably the lowest cost outcome we could have hoped for.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Dave on 03/11/13 at 08:06:13

Well Said Gyrobob.

I am a recent convert to the Rotella.....and a skeptical one. Lots of other forums praised the Rottella, and did so without any supporting data. It was not until I was shown the facts on this forum that I became convinced that Rotella T was the best oil for the Savage.

There really isn't any reason to look around for other oils. Rotella is affordable, it is easily found locally to anywhere, and it provides the Savage with everything it needs.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by WD on 03/11/13 at 08:20:02

Every Walmart and truck stop in North America should have it on the shelf. In a pinch and can't find it on a road trip? Delo and Delvac are acceptable for top off and most gas stations carry at least one of them.

I've been an on again off again truck driver for 14 years. Those 3 oils flat out work. 10K mile service life in on-road big rigs is common, in a Savage they are normally/nominally a change once a year deal.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Routy on 03/13/13 at 07:28:51

5E606B767B767B190 wrote:

Whew !!! He just asked a simple question,.....I'd bet he doesn't ask another here ! This sermon after he conceeded he didn't think of the wet clutch issue. Give him a break !!

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by nick3501 on 03/13/13 at 07:47:53

;D actually its a good post, hopefully people can save themselves money or engine damage by not using the wrong oil. Of all the various auto forums I have posted to over the years, oil topics are like religion or politics. I don't know why, but some people are oil crazy. All I can do is agree, rotella fits the bill for everything a savage owner needs.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by Gyrobob on 03/13/13 at 08:34:33

Routy said, "Whew !!! He just asked a simple question,.....I'd bet he doesn't ask another here ! This sermon after he conceeded he didn't think of the wet clutch issue. Give him a break !!"

I feel just the opposite. If I ask a simple question and someone takes the time to give me a thoughtful, in-depth, answer supporting what I wanted to know, I get a kick out it, rather than getting pissed off. Getting good answers from informed folks makes me feel even more willing to ask MORE questions, not fewer.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/13/13 at 08:54:05

I thot the reply was complete & thotful & nicely done. I was gonna give Gyro a High 5..

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by WD on 03/13/13 at 09:32:00

That reply actually deserves a double high five. Well explained, no unnecessary sniping or BS...

I wish we could see responses that well done with tires, brake components and filters.

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by rong on 03/13/13 at 10:52:38

Thanks for all the added input on oil. I do appreciate it.

Being a newb, I'm starting to get the feel of the 'search button', and try to find as much as I can that's already on the site. But this added input really helps. You're gradually weaning this newb out of his 'diapers'! ;)

Ron G

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/13/13 at 11:07:18

Ehhh,,, is it REally gonna matter How much ya learn? Looks to me like, no matter what, youre pretty much doomed. YOure always gonna be rong..

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by ZAR on 03/13/13 at 20:08:51

0B141215080F3E0E3E06141853610 wrote:

I thot the reply was complete & thotful & nicely done. I was gonna give Gyro a High 5..

I'll second that motion! Extremely well thought out and presented answer without the bullsh....and bias seen in other forums!

Well done Gyro!

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by ZAR on 03/13/13 at 20:12:17

647B7D7A6760516151697B773C0E0 wrote:

Ehhh,,, is it REally gonna matter How much ya learn? Looks to me like, no matter what, youre pretty much doomed. YOure always gonna be rong..

Hey Ron....... looks like you're officially one of the group now,seeing as how JOG's raggin on ya ;). You know how the old saying goes......if we don't like ya,we ignore ya! ;D ;)

Title: Re: Would using Valvoline oil be ok?
Post by rong on 03/14/13 at 11:20:05

Enjoy being a part of the group.... and being ragged on...
The 'rong' id was on purpose ... ! Actually glad that you caught it ... ;)

--- Ron G.