Oil for Honda 3 wheeler.

[T-Keith]

I'm going to pull out the old Honda this weekend and give it a going over. It's an 83 or 84 ATC200S I believe, the basic 200cc model, not the X or big red. I'm going to change the oil a couple times to get it flushed out. I've got some Delo 15w40 (non-moly) that I was thinking of using, but I need a better year-round solution. They have Rotella 10w30 at Menards, is this a good enough oil?

What does everyone think?

 

[KW]

The Delo will work geat for you, but if you are looking for something for winter/year around use you might want to take a look at the Amsoil 0W40 oil

 

[LC]

In the past I worked as a Certified Honda Mech.
I worked on hundreds of Honda and Yamaha ATV's. The oil you suggested will work just fine. Keep the Air Filter clean and keep the mud and crud off the front of the engine. (they will overheat) And the engine will last a very long time.
Just a note: If you have an Idling problem or the idle goes up and down. Replace the needle and seat in the carb. This is a common problem with these. They tend to take in a lot of dirt and wear the needle and seat out.

 

[T-Keith]

The thing has never had engine problems, but I will keep that in mind. It literally starts on the first or second pull, even with rotten gas. The only problem is the recoil, it's a complete headache. I've completely rebuilt it twice only to have the thing come apart repeatedly. A few years ago I gave up and took the thing off, now I use a rope around the cage.

Any other oils that would work well? I'm not sure if I'll be able to find the Amsoil by Saturday. Delo would definately be too thick for the cold weather.

 

[sunruh]

Castrol Syntec 0w30 (GC!!!) has been proven to hold up well in a bike motor.

 

[T-Keith]

Not my GC, only 5 quarts left!

I could pick up some of that gold stuff, but at $5 a quart it's a little expensive. Does anyone know how much oil this thing takes?

 

[LC]

1.9 quarts. I would use any Diesel rated oil it will keep the motor clean and keep the plates on the auto clutch from sticking and slipping.

 

[T-Keith]

OK, I broke down and bought some GC. I can't believe I spent $10 on an oil change on this thing, Last time it got Valvoline 10w40. Well hopefully this will be good for several more years.

 

[JR]

T-Keith don't feel so bad. I do the same thing. I dumped in some GC in my snow blower this year. I was not thinkin. I bought it from my neighbor. He bought it at the end of last year. He used Royal Purple 5w30 from the start. He changed it at the end of last season. I used it once to flush it and put in the GC. I ran it twice and it looked like crap. So I dumped it and got to use it once and it looks great but there is no snow so there it goes.

 

[tmorris1]

T-Keith, If you want to try Amsoil Ow40 or 10W40 try Mills Fleet Farm if you have one nearby. Most Napas also seem to carry it. I have used it in a Honda 200 XR with great results. It is the same engine as your 3 wheeler has. They will run forever if taken care of. I use 10W40 in mine, but I did run some 0W40 during the fall and it seemed to run very well with it. It seemed to rev a little quicker when it was cold out.

 

[WiredForStereo]

I've used the Amsoil 10w40 motorcyle oil in an 85 200 I think and it is still running beautifully, that is when you can get the pull cord to work.

 

[Scrambler]

5w40 Rotella will work. I use it in my bike during winter months

 

[doubleshockpower]

These 200's are niosy engines I found that a 20-50 quiets them down better than any-40w and shifting improves as well, so my two mint 200es's get Amsoil 20-50 MVC @ $9.00 qt. once a year.

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=33892&highlight=couple+pics+200es

 

[T-Keith]

Thanks for the advice guys. I cleaned the tank out, drained the carb and it fired right up. I changed the oil once with Delo(non-moly) and some Chevron. Then drove it for about a half hour and put in the GC. I tried to clean the filter rotor, but the side cover would not come off. It seemed to drive very well, none of the smoking like when I put in Valvoline 10w40. This engine is never noisy, idles and drives smooth. I haven't adjusted the valve lash either.