Is there any reason I can run 10-40w oil in the varg?

[mbw479]

The 75-90w oil is extremely heavy and has a lot of drag, will running 10-40w do any harm?

 

[Jocke_D]

I'm not that into oil chemistry that I can give you the full chemical/technical reason why not to do it. But to use oil that differs that much from the manufacturers spec sounds like a really bad idea. 10-40 is made for a different application.

 

[AnthonyZ]

Only half joking
Gear oil and motor oil use a different viscosity numbering scheme.

 

[MadpdXabbott]

10-40 Motor Oil is not the answer, for sure. But looking for something thinner may not be all bad.

LWHS Synthetic Racing Transmission Oil - Dumonde Tech

Dumonde Tech LWHS (Low Weight High Sheer) Synthetic Racing Transmission Oil is an advanced synthetic blended oil specifically engineered to meet the demands of high performance racing engine transmissions.

www.dumondetech.com

Gear 9 Synthetic Automotive Gear Oil - Dumonde Tech

Gear 9 Synthetic Automotive Gear Oil is a very high performance synthetic lubrication which is specifically designed for high pressures and loads in Manual Transmissions, Differentials and most Limited Slip Differentials

www.dumondetech.com

I'm going to run 75-80 in my Varg after my first 5 hours.

 

[Foss]

Olive oil has a thin viscosity

 

[lanwickum]

It needs the GL-5 gear oil for types of gears in it from what I can see. There is very little oil actually in it. I am guessing most all the oil is coating the gears when it is running and the gears are not really running through the oil. Just get GL-5 rated is the most important. Could try this stuff. 75W85 GL-5 Gear Oil

 

[C5tor]

Use the proper oil for the specific application. You are comparing apple oil to orange oil here.

The SAE viscosity ratings for engine oil and gear oil are not listed using the same standard. They are designed for different heat ranges, and engine oil needs to function when mixed with gasoline and detergents while withstanding the higher temps in an engine.

To quote the Bel Rey website:

“The most common mistake is the belief that the viscosity of SAE 80W gear oil is much thicker than the viscosity of SAE 10W-40 motor oil. This is absolutely incorrect! A 10W-40 motor oil’s viscosity is actually similar to the viscosity of 80W gear oil, and the viscosity of SAE 10W-30 is similar to 75W gear oil.”

Bel-Ray Engine Oil & Bel-Ray Gear Oil – Differences Explained

While we all know the benefits of a good engine oil, the advantages of a gear oil are often overlooked because people don’t know the different requirements of lubricating an engine compared to a gearbox. […]

www.belray.com

 

[mike61]

I bought a very expensive bike.
After 5 hours I changed 80ml transmission oil. The price - some Cents!
Some hours of using the same, 20 maybe, I have to check.
Why should I take any other oil?

 

[AnthonyZ]

This is absolutely incorrect! A 10W-40 motor oil’s viscosity is actually similar to the viscosity of 80W gear oil,

C'mon, the cool kids are doing it

 

[Kurlon]

I've still got some Silkolene 0w-20 from back when I spent WAY too much racing pitbikes... 20yrs old, but it's in a plastic container so should still be fine, right?

 

[ReVolter]

The Varg comes with a 2 year warranty, unlike other motocross bikes that have NO warranty. I wouldn't want to risk that by trying to save a few dollars on oil.

 

[mbw479]

Reason for the question was that I was talking to an agricultural mechanic and he told me about a recent recall on a popular slashers gearbox. It took the same 75-90w oil the varg used, but it was causing the slasher to stall out as it is too heavy until it warms up. After the recall they went to a 10-40w oil….

That said I won’t go against the recommended oil, I do know of plenty of examples where people have gone against manufacturers spec in motorcycles with success.

 

[Foss]

I honestly don’t think these gears get hot enough to worry, in my opinion. Remember the W implies Winter not weight.