I contacted Castrol to ask them if I can run some API SL (Castrol Power RS) in my 93 Accord. This is what I was told. I am not convinced that Motorcycles have narrower oil pathways?
I recently sold my Motorcycle and have some Power RS sitting in the Garage. I am tempted to run it thru my older Accords.
Reply from Castrol:"Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.
Castrol motorcycle oils should not be used in automobile engines and vice versa.
There are many important differences. As in cars, the primary job of oil in a motorcycle is to lubricate key moving parts -- the pistons, cams, valve stems, etc. However, for most 4-stroke motorcycles (all Japanese models) the oil ALSO bathes the starter assembly, transmission, and clutch.
Even though they both run on gasoline, motorcycle engines are very different from passenger car engines. Motorcycles have much smaller oil sump sizes and also run much hotter and at higher engine speeds. Since there is less oil cycling through the engine and cooling even hotter engine parts, it is working harder and faster than an oil in a passenger car.
Passenger car motor oils (PCMO) are designed to protect the engine.
Motorcycle oils also have to protect the engine, but they also have to protect the clutch and gearbox. While protecting the engine, motorcycle oils must protect against oxidation, wear and deposit formation, which is similar to a passenger car oil. However, since a motorcycle engine is much smaller, the oil must be formulated to travel smoothly through narrower pathways.
PCMO also contains friction modifiers, which may cause slipping and acceleration loss in a motorcycle. And the lower-viscosity motor oils that are required by modern cars may not protect gears properly and can lead to gear failure.
Castrol always recommends following the guidelines of the engine manufacturer for the recommended oil (i.e. SAE grade, API rating and manufacturer specifications) specific to your application. This information can always be found in the vehicles owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer directly.
Castrol Consumer Relations"
I recently sold my Motorcycle and have some Power RS sitting in the Garage. I am tempted to run it thru my older Accords.
Reply from Castrol:"Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.
Castrol motorcycle oils should not be used in automobile engines and vice versa.
There are many important differences. As in cars, the primary job of oil in a motorcycle is to lubricate key moving parts -- the pistons, cams, valve stems, etc. However, for most 4-stroke motorcycles (all Japanese models) the oil ALSO bathes the starter assembly, transmission, and clutch.
Even though they both run on gasoline, motorcycle engines are very different from passenger car engines. Motorcycles have much smaller oil sump sizes and also run much hotter and at higher engine speeds. Since there is less oil cycling through the engine and cooling even hotter engine parts, it is working harder and faster than an oil in a passenger car.
Passenger car motor oils (PCMO) are designed to protect the engine.
Motorcycle oils also have to protect the engine, but they also have to protect the clutch and gearbox. While protecting the engine, motorcycle oils must protect against oxidation, wear and deposit formation, which is similar to a passenger car oil. However, since a motorcycle engine is much smaller, the oil must be formulated to travel smoothly through narrower pathways.
PCMO also contains friction modifiers, which may cause slipping and acceleration loss in a motorcycle. And the lower-viscosity motor oils that are required by modern cars may not protect gears properly and can lead to gear failure.
Castrol always recommends following the guidelines of the engine manufacturer for the recommended oil (i.e. SAE grade, API rating and manufacturer specifications) specific to your application. This information can always be found in the vehicles owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer directly.
Castrol Consumer Relations"
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