400ex oil

[Badmammajamma]

'99 400ex, pretty much stock with FmF slip-on and K&N filter

I recently changed my oil on my (new to me) bike. The guy I bought it from gave me a case of Castrol 15w-20 because that's what he had been using in it. I changed the oil and filter and took it for a ride the next day. I noticed before it warms up, if I give it some throttle it will smoke (blue). I'm not sure whether or not it did this before I changed the oil, I hadn't really noticed it before. Could it just be coincidence? Am I using the right oil for a stock 400? I hope it's not rings:confused:

[speedjunkie13]

I wouldn't use that oil personally, it will be way too thin once the quad is at operating temp. Go get a few quarts of either a 5w-40 or 10w-40(factory recommended) motorcycle oil and change your oil right away.

Whether or not the change in viscosity well help your smoking issues we will have to wait and see. since the oil will be a little thicker it could possibly help the rings seal better. However, it is a '99, and it may just be time for a rebuild.

[nickm328]

After reading posts on here I think the puff of smoke at startup is pretty much normal for 400ex's. Mine does it and it's an '05. As long as it stops before warmup I don't thing it's really neccessary to dig into it just for that. Just my opinion.

[Badmammajamma]

Whoops!

It's 20w-50 that I'm running in it not 15w-20.

[Eviltanker]

If it stops when warm don't worry about it too much.

[Badmammajamma]

K thanks for all the help.

[250exkid]

umm how much oil do u have in it? if u over oil it it will burn extra oil then u will need to put a ring job on it

[Big - D Racing]

20w-50 is what I run, I also ride in the desert so I have it for the heat. Depending on where you ride you may want to drop it to 10w-40 and I wouldn't run castor unless it is specified for motorcycle/ atv et clutches which I doubt. It could be causing your clutch to slip. I run Maxima synthetic blend