1985 Honda Riding Mower - Trans. Oil

[JZiggy]

Hey guys,

I have the fortune of owning a 1985 Honda HT-R riding mower. The engine was replaced a few years ago and runs like a champ. The transmission is original and works well. It is a 5-speed with a wet clutch pack. I need some recommendations...

Engine
It specs 10w30 so I am thinking some Rotella in that flavor might be the thing -- it specifically asks for high-detergent oil so I figure a diesel oil is the best bet. Planning to change every 50 hours. (No filter)

Transmission
Also specs 10w30, but it gives no other requirements, not even a service interval. Do you think a high detergent oil is correct for this? Do wet clutch applications usually need a certain kind of oil?

Thanks

 

[JTK]

If it specs motor oil for the trans, I'd go with a heavy-duty, diesel or motorcycle oil in the 30 or 40wt range. I wouldn't use a late spec API passenger car oil, although it would probably work fine.

Cool machine by the way! Those things are like little mechanical pieces of artwork.

 

[JZiggy]

Agreed... it has grown up with me as well. I used to use it for my middle school and high school lawn jobs, back when I knew nothing about maintenance and never really changed the oil in it. Now that I'm a "grown up" I am excited to take care of it properly!

 

[JTK]

Parts are expensive (what isn't!), but most everything is still available for them online. I know I've used PlanoPower for mail-order Honda parts with great success.

Joel

 

[JZiggy]

Settled on 10w30 T5