Posted by Robert Hansil on September 12, 1999 at 05:59:36:
In Reply to: Can I use oil for cars? posted by Dirk Karstädt on September 11, 1999 at 10:57:31:
I wondered the same thing when I got my 99 Savage.
So I did some research go to http://www.api.org/cgi-bin/eolcs_li.cgi?c=SJ
There you can find all oils and there API (American Petroleum Institute)
classifications .
Your Savage manual says to use SF or SG well this is an old classification.
The current classification is SJ.
I went to my Suzuki dealer and found the $ performance motor oil @
$2.99 a quart and At wal mart Castrol 20-50 (SJ)
motor oil @ $1.18 A quart .
The SF/SG is an old classification 1989 or so.
Another page to look at is http://www.api.org/programs_services/eolcs2.htm
It tell you the SJ - First introduced in October 1996, SJ oils are suitable
SJ - First introduced in October 1996, SJ oils are suitable for
automotive gasoline engines yes it does say automotive but suzuki sells the
same SJ class oil for motorcycles.
The SJ or SF Or what ever means the oil has All the former carristics of the former class
and it Also meets current guidelines.
If you only look at one page look here http://www.api.org/programs_services/eolcs6.htm
It tells you ,
API
Service
Categories
GASOLINE ENGINES
SA - Obsolete - For older engines; no performance requirement. Use
only when specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
SB - Obsolete - For older engines. Use only when specifically
recommended by the manufacturer.
SC - Obsolete - For 1967 and older engines.
SD - Obsolete - For 1971 and older engines.
SE - Obsolete - For 1979 and older engines.
SF - Obsolete - For 1988 and older engines.
SG - Obsolete - For model-year 1993 and older engines.
SH - Obsolete - For model year 1996 and older engines. Valid when
preceded by certain C categories.
SJ - Current - Introduced in the API Service Symbol in October 1996.
For all engines presently in use.
Each gasoline engine category above exceeds the performance
properties of all the previous categories and can be used in place of the
lower one. For example, an SJ oil can be used for any previous category.
So when Suzuki tells you to use SF/SG they are telling you to use an outdated motor oil.
The manual says to use Suzuki performance motor oil,($2.99) Or an oil which is rated SF/SG
Page 8 in my manual.
There is no difference in car motor oil with a SJ and a motorcycle oil rated SJ Just the price.
Just a thought.