General
Information
1‐9
Engine Oils
Engine oil for the UV four stroke engine
is classified by two standards: the
American Petroleum Institute (API)
service classification and The Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity
rating Standard classification. The API
and SAE information is on all oil
container labels. Two letters indicate the
API service classification. The number
or sequence of numbers and letter
(10W-40 for example) is the oil’s
viscosity rating. The API service
classification and the SAE viscosity
index are not indications of oil quality.
The API service classification standards,
the first letter in the classification S
indicates that the oil is for spark ignition
engines. The second letter indicates the
standard the oil satisfies.
Note:
Refer to Engine Oil and Filter in
Chapter Three for further information on
API, SAE classifications.
Always use oil with a classification
recommended by the manufacturer.
Using an oil with a different classification
can cause engine damage. Viscosity is
an indication of the oil’s thickness. Thin
oils have a lower number while thick oil
has a higher number. Engine oils fall
into
the 5-to-50 weight range for single-
grade
oils. Most manufactures
recommend
multi-grade oil. These oils
perform
efficiently across a wide range
of
operating conditions. Multi-grade oils
are
identified by a W after the first
number,
which indicates the low-
temperature
viscosity. Engine oils are
most commonly
mineral (petroleum based), but synthetic
and semi-synthetic
types are used more
frequently. When
selecting engine oil,
follow the
manufacturer’s
recommendation for
type, classification
and viscosity.
Greases
Grease is lubricating oil with thickening
agents added to it. The National
Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI
grades grease. Grades range from
No.000 to No.6, with No.6 being the
thickest. The most typical multipurpose
grease is NLGI No.2. For specific
applications, manufacturers may
recommend water-resistant type grease
or one with an additive such as
molybdenum disulfide (MoS2).
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is the hydraulic fluid used to
transmit hydraulic pressure (force) to the
wheel brakes. Brake fluid is classified by
the Department of Transportation
(DOT). Current designations for brake
fluid are DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5.
This
classification appears on the fluid
container. Each type of brake fluid has
its own definite characteristics. Do not
mix different types of brake fluid as this
may cause brake system failure. DOT 5
brake fluid is silicone based. DOT 5 is
not compatible with other brake fluids
and may cause brake system failure if
mixed with non DOT 5 fluids. When
adding brake fluid, only use the fluid
recommended by the manufacturer.
Brake fluid will damage any plastic,
painted or plated surfaces it contacts.
Use extreme care when working with
brake fluid and remove any spills
immediately with soap and water.
Hydraulic brake systems require clean
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