Which is the best oil to use ?

[Prepper]

I have been doing a little research on which engine oil is best for UTV engines.  There seems to be some disagreement over using a good quality regular engine oil, and the necessity of using "M2" (or wet clutch suitable) oil.  My understanding is the "wet clutch" suitable oil has less friction reduction properties (hence a more responsive clutch with less slippage).  While less friction reduction properties would seem to be better for the wet clutch... it would not be best for the internal engine parts like camshaft bearings and other moving parts where friction is detrimental and would lead to premature failure.  Some folks swear you need M2 oil, while others say they have been using regular motor oil for years and their clutch is just fine.  Could they both be right ???

Any thoughts ?

 

[T-boss 410]

I didn't take any chances. I used what the manual calls for, which was oil for clutches.

[Joe Breaux]

I use  CASTROL ACTEVO  .Wet clutch approved  10w40. Have used it for years in all my ATVS ..Never fried a clutch yet. Buy it by the big jug at Wallyworld.  I did see a guy put STP in his Honda once..clutch began slipping in hours .

[Joe Breaux]

Just changed my oil in my MSU 500..boy it was dirty..it's dusty ,very dusty here when it doesn't rain. Used Actevo 10w40 JASO M2  wet clutch oil..manual says 2 qts but it took 2 1/2 qts to get it where I feel comfortable..Some shops recommend 3 qts or more but I just can't see it..crank spinning in oil can't be. Good

[tipoblanco]

I just started using Mobil1 4t motorcycle oil 10w40 in my Bighorn 550,it doesnt have wet clutches but the oil is rated for wet clutch,mine lubricates gearbox and engine with a cvt

[Joe Breaux]

Mine is CVT trans too but still has a wet clutch. The CVT is belt drive between 2 sheave pullies that move in a nd out to change drive ratio to axles

[LRS]

We use synthetic Shell Rotella T6 15w-40 in the Summer and synthetic Valvoline Ultra Powersport 4-stroke 10w-40 in the Winter here in West Michigan. Both are JASO MA/MA2 certified and have high levels of zinc that supports wet clutch designs. We've NEVER had any engine problems related to using this oil and it's our go-to when servicing customers' machines. Hope that helps... 😉

[tipoblanco]

On 4/6/2025 at 11:32 AM, Prepper said:

I have been doing a little research on which engine oil is best for UTV engines.  There seems to be some disagreement over using a good quality regular engine oil, and the necessity of using "M2" (or wet clutch suitable) oil.  My understanding is the "wet clutch" suitable oil has less friction reduction properties (hence a more responsive clutch with less slippage).  While less friction reduction properties would seem to be better for the wet clutch... it would not be best for the internal engine parts like camshaft bearings and other moving parts where friction is detrimental and would lead to premature failure.  Some folks swear you need M2 oil, while others say they have been using regular motor oil for years and their clutch is just fine.  Could they both be right ???

Any thoughts ?

 

Dont know whats changed in clutch material or if it has at all but i have a 91 honda 200 fourtrax,the manual calls for 10w40 sae which is all thats ever been in it,i just recently,within a year changed the clutch pack,first time since bought new and actually the clutches still looked good but its a honda and i still only use 10w40