Synthetic Oil?

[vanillathunder]

Just got my first 400ex, I plan on doing an oil change on it this week. I heard synthetic is best for it so thats what I am going to go with.

1. What type of synthetic?

2. Is this the same stuff you put in your car, can I get it at Wal-Mart or does it have to be specially made for ATV's?

3. Whats a good filter to get for it, and where can I get that?

4. Is there directions anywhere on the net that has pictures for me to follow, I just want to make sure I am doing everything right?


Thanks for your help!

[nikejoe]

If you want detailed intructions on an oil change check out the link below. It is a tech aticle on how to diy. Alot of people use mobile 1 synthetic car oil. Some say it is bad for the clutch some say it's great. I couldn't decide either until I was at Autozone looking at Mobile 1 red cap car oil and looked over and they have Mobil 1 Black cap 4-stroke synthetic oil. This is what I now run. It's just my opinion, but why would they make a specific 4-stroke oil if it was okay to run the red cap car oil??? Just my opinion!
Hope this helps!!:p

DIY OIL CHANGE (http://www.exriders.com/techarticles/oil.html)

[vanillathunder]

Thanks, I am going give it a try some night this week and see what happens...do you of any other additives I could put in the fuel or oil just to get maximum performance...its running good now but just wondering if some carb cleaner or anything like that would make it run faster

[nikejoe]

I have never used any additives and don't think I would. If the quad is mainly stock to medium built you should probably run 92 or higher octain gas but there shouldn't be any reason to do anything else. No additives or race gas or AV gas or any of that crap on a mostly stock quad. Again just my opinion! Good luck with your quad they are alot of fun!!! Welcome to exriders, this site has saved my but numerous times!!! Use IT!!! It's great!:p

The only after thought I have is you may want to change the jetting after you get a pipe and K&N filter. Those are usually the first steps. If it is hard starting, and most 400ex's are, you can change the pilot jet from a 38 to a 40 or 42. Which would help it start easier. If you want more speed, you are going to have to upgrade K&N filter, pipe etc. I get most of my stuff off ebay. Between this site and that one you can find pretty much anything. When it comes time to get a pipe, do some research. THere are posts on here about pipe shootouts where they rate them and stuff. That will help you decide. I just went with a White Bros e-series slip-on and am happy with it so far. Also check out HMF it is a great pipe! Here are my 2 picks on pipes for the smaller budget guy. There are some other great pipes, but they cost a fortune. Sorry for the long *** post! Hope this helps with some upcoming decision. Just so you know most quads are NEVER finished! So keep going! Good Luck!:blah:

[vanillathunder]

Thanks again,

When I purchase the ex I was lucky enough to get it with a Pro-Circuit T-4 pipe. Do you know much about that pipe?

Also, what's a good price to pay for the K&N Filter?

My next addition is going to be a some skid plates, do you think they will be needed? I ride trails that got some deep ruts.

By the way, those long posts are great, I am learning a lot just reading your posts. Thanks a lot!!!

[nikejoe]

I love my skid plates. They were on it when I got it so I don't even know what brand they are. But they come in handy in ruts and rocky areas. Also a K&N new is usually around $50. You can sometimes find used cheaper. But I got new just to be safe. I have heard alot of good things about pro-circuit t-4. Do a search and take a look at the pipe shootout. I am not sure how they looked. The thread that I found the pipe shoot out on is in The FAQ area and it is titled something like: choosing a pipe for your 400ex. Also the last thing you may want to look at is nerf bars. I have AC propegs and they are bad ***! THey have saved my ankles a couple of times. DO NOT Get DG nerf bars. I hope you do not already have them. Most people on here are complaining that DG nerfsbend too easy! Hope this helps! Good LUCK!

[vanillathunder]

Nikejoe,


I guess I can stop talking about it and show you it.

This is a site that I am going to do...used to be a NASCAR site but didn't get too much help from my boys. I am going to change it to a quad site. The pics on there now is mine, let me know what you think and if you want yours on there

www.racinfumes.com

[nikejoe]

Looks good! You are off to a real good start. Your quad lokks nice! Skid plates would not be a bad next move. Is the jetting
stock? If you get a K&N and have the t-4 exhaust. I would jet the carb, if it's not already done. You can buy a Dyno jet kit for about $60 or if you go to your local dealer, you can get stock style Kehin jets for alot cheaper. If it's not jetted. You could start with a 40 pilot jet and a 155main. From my dealer these two jets cost me $17 and many say that is high priced! But it shure did beat $60 for a jet kit that did not include a pilot jet anyway.
Let me know what else you are thinking of. Good Luck! :p

[LTandRaptorider]

One thing to look for when buying oil... The ASME round label on the back, if it has 'energy conserving', it has additives which would be bad for the clutch.

[vanillathunder]

Nikejoe,


I am going to take your advice on the Jet kit and talk to my local dealer. I'll let you know what happens. Send me some pics of your quad and I'll throw them up on the site (if you want). I am going to be working on it most of the day so it should look a lot better by tonight. Take at easy man, and thanks again!