GX200 Kart engine, ATF?

[mnztr]

Hello, I run a Honda GX200 in my racing kart. We rev these suckers to about 7K rpm and change our oil every 20 minutes of operation. We tend to use pretty thin oils in them and I currently use M1 0W20. I was wondering if using M1 ATF might be a viable option. Thoughs?

Thx
Mark

 

[Cujet]

M1 ATF is a quality product, but it is not as thin as 0-20. So if fluid drag is the issue, 0-20 is about the thinnest commonly available oil.

Of course I am sure you know that ATF really is not a motor oil. (had to say that)

There are a few motor oils thinner than 0-20, I believe there is an oil that is considered a straight 0. However I cannot remember what the brand is.

It seems to me that you are at the point of diminishing returns with such thin oils. Maybe the next thing to consider is a "slightly" low oil level. Just what you can get away with I cannot say.

Chris

 

[mnztr]

we already run pretty low oil, 400 ml .

 

[txmatt]

Also, Redline sells 2wt, 5wt, 10wt, and 20wt oils...

http://redlineoil.com/products_motoroil.asp?subcatID=15

The 5wt is supposedly a 0W and the 10wt a 0W10.

Matt

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Note that their 2 wt had a Flash Point of 320°F, while the heavier oils were >400.

 

[mnztr]

I've used the cool power, it's pretty good. Do you know what the viscosity of Cool Power is? I also tried their cool power with Castor recently and was not so impressed. It takes about 3 laps to reach maximum rpm I suspect the castor is "sticky" until it gets fully warmed up.

M

 

[MolaKule]

quote:

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I was wondering if using M1 ATF might be a viable option. Thoughs?

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I would not recommend using an ATF as an engine oil replacement since ATF does not contain the proper level of detergents/dispersants and AW agents for an IC engine.

 

[Brett Miller]

What you want is Cool Power 4 cycle light. Smells really good!

 

[mnztr]

Hey MolaKule, thanks for the advice. The engine has plain big and small end bearings, yet it is splash lubricated. Any advice in such a scenario? I'm guessing that in a splash lubricated engine viscosity is less important then in a pressure lubricated engine....true or false?

 

[MolaKule]

What does Honda recommend as the viscosity for this engine?

A question to ask yourself is are you sacrificing wear with this thin oil to obtain a few more RPM and is it worth it?

Most 4-cycle air-cooled engines require a 30 weight minimum oil to avoid excessive thinning at high temps and to maintain a minimum oil film thickness.

 

[mnztr]

Well Honda states the redline is 3500 RPM and we rev them to 6700, so their recommendations are pretty much out the window. We also get about 50% more HP then the stock engine (9+ vs 6 rated). On the other there is quite a bit of cooling from the fan at these rpm and we change the oil every 20 minutes of running. We also rarely run the engine for more then 15 minutes at a time.

Mark

 

[Bill Kapaun]

Do you filter the oil and reuse it, or use brand new every time?

 

[mnztr]

new oil every time. It's appears to be quite clean when I drain it, but I think it shears down.

 

[Cujet]

As I mentioned, ATF will work. But M1 ATF is a stable 8+ viscosity oil. It does remain in grade under high heat.

Chris

 

[Brett Miller]

I never liked the Cool Power with Castor (gold). Leaves alot of residue when it burns. The Green light is the stuff you want.