Oil Filter every 12000 miles?

[YammyRX1]

Anyone know why Yamaha only recommends the oil filter be changed every 12000 miles? I don't put a lot of miles on so that's about 8 or 10 years for me. If I can get away doing oil every year and filter every other year that's great but I don't think I'll leave it that long. What's everyone else doing?

 

[ScottyD]

for the cost of the filter change it every time you do an oil change, the filter is cheap

 

[Jeffz]

I just changed the oil on my Phazer because the starter went out. I didn't change the filter because it was late on a Saturday and had no way of getting one and I wanted to ride. I don't think i'll change it for next season, but will definitely be doing it every season after that. It's cheap insurance!

 

[YammyRX1]

I'm not saying that I disagree with doing it yearly or don't want to spend the cash, just wondering why the engine manufacturer would suggest such long intervals for a motor that takes so much abuse.

 

[quebecmoutainrider]

why not

change the oil every year..we take our sleds in and out of a heated garage...condensation..I only do 2000 k or less a year..so if the oil..why not the filter..its the oil that cost. besides dont you love your sled.. :rules

 

[Sasquatch]

The question asked is why Yamaha says 12,00 miles. To that I can only guess. In a motorcycle the gearbox is part of the motor = more metal filings = more frequent filter changes.

With babbit bearings overhead cams and no gearbox maybe they figure the amount of metal filings are low enough that 12,000 miles is soon enough.

With high rpm usage maybe they figure carbon deposits are less because of higher piston temps and better combustion.

Maybe that is their ecological thing kicking in. Little less oil and one less filter in the dump or recycle.

The other question is what is everyone else doing? I change mine every spring before I put it away. Both oil and filter. I run 0-40 amsoil full synth. Old school = change oil = change filter. If its overkill then its overkill, so be it!

 

[pat the rat]

well,i'm the opposite,i go by the manual,the main reason i think is because sleds dont run in dust,only snow dust and that doesnt affect anything,on the quad,they recommend every 2500 km cuz of dust,makes sense,my 04 warrior had 11500 miles when i changed the filter for the first time not counting the 600 miles change,no issues at all,same with the phazer,its got 11000 miles now so my next oil change,i will be changing the filter,plus on the phazer,you have to take half the sled apart to get to the damn thing so i'm happy to go by the manual,its just to say that it wont hurt anything by going by the book,they designed the motor,they should know imo

 

[erosled]

^^^^We have a winner! Winter and water sports are "clean" for engines. That said, the filtering requirements go to long lengths.Take a look at the "air filter" in snowmobiles. I use something more substancial to wipe my, well anyway, you get the picture. Clean air, no clutch or transmission in the oilbath=long intervals. At the most change the filter when you change the oil for the summer nap, any more is really not needed. (changing the filter at summerization gets rid of that much more acidic oil before storage)

As stated above, vehicles that operate in dirty conditions need more attention.

 

[bashley]

I asked my dealer the same question and he said it was because of it barely being used. Somewhere right after clutch engagement the filter gets by-passed because of flow restrictions.
As in the previous posts, anything from the air/environment that might get in there will be little enoug that it will be cleaned out during idle time.

 

[blueironranger]

Also a slightly dirty filter actually FILTERS better than a clean filter. I cut open my first oil filter from the 500 mile break-in oil change and it looked pretty dang good yet compared to what I've seen on car engine break-in filters.

 

[YammyRX1]

A dirty filter might take more particles out but that will mean lower flow so they will stay in the motor. Lots of good info here though- sounds like there is no wrong answer (as long as they don't void your warranty for changing the filter too often!) LOL

 

[Eagle1]

If your worried about old oil in the filter can't you just drain filter and put it back on? Just an idea

 

[pat the rat]

its an idea,but might as well replace it if youre gonna take it off

 

[blueironranger]

its an idea,but might as well replace it if youre gonna take it off

Especially if you have a phazer.......

 

[Riceburner]

The other question is what is everyone else doing? I change mine every spring before I put it away. Both oil and filter. I run 0-40 amsoil full synth. Old school = change oil = change filter. If its overkill then its overkill, so be it!

My tow Vehicle Manufacturer recommends every 12,000 miles and it operates in a dirtier enviornment than my sled.

I change oil once a year [Castrol Syntec] and never change the filter again after the first change since I get a new one before 12,000 miles is up.