As far as the PS-4, I questioned the dealership that is rebuilding my 800 about this. No different oil usage was not the cause. The tech at the dealership had to talk to a Polaris tech on several occasions through the course of this so he asked for me. His direct reply was that Polaris felt that Mobil 1 0w-40 was an adequate replacement for PS-4. The old Polaris oil was 0w-40. Now the mechanic at the dealership also stated that he would have no problems running Mobil 1 and Wix filters in his own personal machine. I also asked about the Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 synthetic and he stated that he would stick with a 0w-40 because the valve train uses hydraulic lifters and during start-up the heavier oil may not make it to the top of the valve train and get into the spots it needs to because of the tight tolerances.

I myself will use the PS-4 oil for break-in but will probably go to Mobil 1 0w-40 as it is readily available at auto part stores that are open on weekends where as most dealerships are not

I also believe that the Amsoil 0w-40 is probably even a little better than the Mobil 1 but again more expensive and not as easily found.

Basically in a nutshell the dealer tech said anything in a name brand synthetic motor oil in 0w-40 will be more than adequate for these machines. Ultimately it is your choice as I know many on this sight use the Rotella with good results and it is a hell of a lot cheaper than most other synthetics. I also believe that the Rotella would work perfectly fine in your machine. The biggest engine damage is gonna be from running low or out of oil. Probably not so much from using an oil that is one viscosity off.

Hope this helps!

Bigtime

 

Thanks Bigtime. I will cross the 5W40 off my list, not worth the gamble IMHO. Is the M 1 an atv blend, or just off the shelf?

What is your opinion on the K&N filters?

 

Mobil 1 is just off the shelf. Probably will have to get it from an auto parts store though. Some Meijers or Walmarts may carry it. Also dont be alarmed as it says European Formula on the bottle. Its the right stuff.

As far as K&N filters I have used the oil filters on my 07 RMZ 450 MX bike with good results. I have also used the air filters in both of my vehicles, my Honda TRX 450 quad and I even have one for my 11 sportsman 800. I know a lot of people bash the K&N about letting too much through, (keep in mind no air filter is 100% or you would get any air into the motor) its like anything else it comes down to proper maintanence. If you run in real dusty conditions use the pre filter wrap. Its just about making sure that you have enough oil on the filter itself or it wont do its job. This hold the same for the UNIs or any foam filter. I do believe the foam filters are a little more forgiving as the "oil" for those is extremely tacky whereas the K&N seams to be much more of an oil. Also like I said any filter not maintained will start to suck in dirt if it is left filthy and you keep riding.

I own both the UNI and the K&N for my 800. I bought the UNI first because it was a lot cheaper but soon realized that the only way to get that truely clean was to soak it in gasoline which I am not sure where you are but it is still very pricey here in Michigan. I soon bought the K&N and have had no problems with it. Its like anything else. Practice good maintanence and use common sense on either filter and it will serve you well. No matter what you get if it is not properly oiled it wont work worth a shit.

Hope this helps,

Bigtime

 

Also I didnt see what kind of machine you had but if the engine oil and trans/clutch are seperate you do not need to use an atv specific oil because of the lack of friction modifiers. Automotive grade oil is fine.

Bigtime

 

It is a 2012 Sportsman 400HO.

 

You're fine with regular auto oil WilliamBos. The atv blend would be important for sportquads like the outlaw who's clutch plates are bathed in the engine oil.

You have zero concern with that issue. You don't even have clutch plates.