An interesting side note.... when we had to switch from R12 refrigerant to R134a; we ran a lot of different oils to learn which one provided the best compressor protection with the new refrigerant (I've always looked at an AC compressor similar to a 2 cycle engine) anyway, had over 50 test stands running.. By accident, we found a blend or semi synthetic provided the best overall durability for the variety of tests we ran. High speed, high and low temperatures, hi load load low speed. etc.
I suspect Rotax did all the lubricant testing... may have used some outside test facilities.... and I suspect they work with 2 to 4 major oil stock companies and have looked at a range of lubricants and detergents.. but never worked in Engineering at Rotax.. so would be hard to be specific. That is the way most automotive companies do it and I suspect the snowmobile brands are similar. As they all have their specific/company brands. Like you say, I doubt they have even looked at a competitive brand or run it on their tests/test stands. They have been doing this for a while and have hours, days, weeks, months and years of durability testing to base where they are going.
Ha ha.. you have me laughing big time. If the masses know too much and research too much.. sometimes the decisions come harder.. It is a lot easier to listen to ones buddy who has used X brand for years and had great luck and no issues ... and three or four of his friends use the same brand X with good results.. thumbs up to an educated decision.
One less fight if there is a warranty issue. Older sled, I will use any oil I have had good luck with before, but if I buy a 10-15000$ sled I want to get my warranty with no questions. And I know they cant leagally deny warranty without proof, but they sure can make things hard if they want. If you have a great dealer maybe different, but if they are a great dealer, buy some oil from them to support them.
You're not the first person I've heard that from. Semi Synthetic seems to be the best of both worlds. Stick a little better to the metal, lasts a little longer with better longevity than mineral. I can tell you've I've run some Semi-syn Yamalube over the years and it has never failed me.
Hard to describe. It's not a real strong smell and it doesn't bother my senses like Amsoil does. Doesn't smell as good as Klotz or APV though either.
That's what I do. I feed 3-4 sleds a season and with a full synthetic for around $12-$15 it is hard to beat. If I remember correctly, it was a limit of 3 rebates per household so I send 1 to my house, 1 to my in-laws and 1 to my buddy's house. 9 gallons for $110 is as economical as it gets and we'll usually use most of that up in a season.
so you personally feel JT4 is a "far superior"oil than XPS based on your own experience and some guy on HCS that calls himself the "chemist"?? Ohhhh ok???? not in my $15,000 dollar buggy,not a chance smh.
