I did make an effort to find this information on my own and have had surprisingly bad luck. Also, as the title indicates, I'm still pretty clueless on some basic things, as I'm new to vehicles which are not cars.
Anyway, my question is about oil. Like, the simple act of adding oil to the reservoir. I have never used anything with a two stroke engine (at least, nothing which required me to maintain it) and therefore, the act of mixing oil is arcane magic to me. I bought my scooter used and the previous owner did not have the owner's manual. I've looked online for some guidance but I really don't know what I'm looking for.
Basically, if I could trouble anyone to run down the basics of how I mix the oil, which kind is best, and how I administer it, I would be eternally grateful, because my attempts to find this out on my own have really only confused me. Also, if there is some kind of dummies' documentation for this scooter, I would also appreciate being directed to it.
Learning to ride the thing was remarkably easy, even with no experience I was doing fine pretty much immediately, but the maintenance is another story. I probably should already know things like this, but I don't, and I'd much rather look stupid than break my ride!
Thanks in advance!
Potentially dumb beginner's question (Roughhouse 50)
Moderator: Modern Buddy Staff
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Ryantology
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Potentially dumb beginner's question (Roughhouse 50)
Last edited by Ryantology on Sun Sep 02, 2012 7:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Robbie
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Purchass a quart of two stroke specific oil, such as spectro 2t or Honda 2t or any other manufacturer branded 2t oil (says 2t on the bottle)
Add directly to your oil tank......the bike does the mixing for you....it has a oil injection pump.
Fuel in the fuel tank, oil in the oil tank...no muss no fuss.
Good luck and welcome aboard.
Rob
Add directly to your oil tank......the bike does the mixing for you....it has a oil injection pump.
Fuel in the fuel tank, oil in the oil tank...no muss no fuss.
Good luck and welcome aboard.
Rob
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agrogod
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- Location: Rancho Cordova, CA
Right below the seat but closer to the floorboard is an access panel. There should be a round knob, take this off. The panel will need a firm tug but should come off. You now have access to the oil induction reservoir. This is where the 2 stroke oil goes. No need to mix anything it is done automatically.
If you shine a light through one side of the scoot on the reservoir, and look through from the other side you will be able to see the oil level. Try to keep it above 1/4 capacity and fill as needed. Typical mileage for a quart of 2T is roughly 1,000 (RH50) miles. A small funnel with a long snout can help with filling, and be careful to avoid overfilling, its easy to do. It won't hurt anything, but the mess it makes can be difficult to clean up.
As to the best type that's debatable, just try not to get anything with a TCW rating, that's for marine 2T and will cause smoke. If you have a local shop you can go to, they should have 2T oil. If this fails a local Mart or auto store may have what you need. One point to also keep in mind try to get 100:1 oil. This should be printed on the container, don't let someone tell you it does, check the print.
And just like any other oil there is going to be various prices, get the best you can afford with out killing the billfold.
Oh, and welcome to the forum fellow Roughhouse (<--spelled properly)50 rider. Any further questions or concerns please ask away, many helpful people here.
If you shine a light through one side of the scoot on the reservoir, and look through from the other side you will be able to see the oil level. Try to keep it above 1/4 capacity and fill as needed. Typical mileage for a quart of 2T is roughly 1,000 (RH50) miles. A small funnel with a long snout can help with filling, and be careful to avoid overfilling, its easy to do. It won't hurt anything, but the mess it makes can be difficult to clean up.
As to the best type that's debatable, just try not to get anything with a TCW rating, that's for marine 2T and will cause smoke. If you have a local shop you can go to, they should have 2T oil. If this fails a local Mart or auto store may have what you need. One point to also keep in mind try to get 100:1 oil. This should be printed on the container, don't let someone tell you it does, check the print.
And just like any other oil there is going to be various prices, get the best you can afford with out killing the billfold.
Oh, and welcome to the forum fellow Roughhouse (<--spelled properly)50 rider. Any further questions or concerns please ask away, many helpful people here.
"When your mouth is yapping your arms stop flapping, get to work" - a quote from my father R.I.P..
always start with the simple, it may end up costing you little to nothing
always start with the simple, it may end up costing you little to nothing
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TomCat
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- Location: Taylor, Mi
Like you, I'm new to both scooters & 2T engines & have asked several "dumb" questions. So you are not alone.
The manual isn't that great (huge understatement), but if you'd like a copy I'll scan it for you. Just send me a PM.
If your RH hasn't been derestricted (won't go over 30), definitely have that done. It will do 50 (45 actual) once derestricted.
The manual isn't that great (huge understatement), but if you'd like a copy I'll scan it for you. Just send me a PM.
If your RH hasn't been derestricted (won't go over 30), definitely have that done. It will do 50 (45 actual) once derestricted.
Other ride--- Lifted '08 Suzuki SX4 AWD
"Quotes on the Internet cannot always be considered as factual" ------- Abraham Lincoln
"Quotes on the Internet cannot always be considered as factual" ------- Abraham Lincoln
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Lotrat
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- Location: Vista, CA
Owners Manual: http://www.pgo-scooter.com/support_getf ... cf383e50ad
Service Manual: http://www.modernbuddy.com/pdf/RH_Rat_S ... Manual.pdf
You'll soon learn that you have a PGO scooter with a Genuine Scooter sticker on it.
You'll need to go to a scooter shop/motorcycle shop to get the correct kind of 2 stroke oil. The owners manual say "FC Class" which is JASO FC. That stands for "Japanese Automotive Standards Organization". JASO FC is the highest rating for 2-stroke oils. JASO FC oils leave little deposits and create very little smoke. They also pass specific lubricant and detergent tests.
JASO FC may be hard to find in your area and many will use API-TC rated oil. API = American Petroleum Institute. The highest level of certification for two-stroke oil is the "TC"-series.
So look for Scooter oil, made for injector systems, with JASO-FC or API-TC ratings on the label. Around $10 per bottle and will last you 800 miles give or take.
Now the gear oil is easy. You can get API SAE 140 anywhere. I use Valvoline 85W-140. Walmart even has it. It comes in a quart size bottle for around $10. You'll have enough oil for ten 90cc gear oil changes. This is done every 2000-3000 miles so you'll be good for 20,000-30,000 miles with one bottle.
This 2 stroke oil goes in the reservoir behind the access door.
The gear oil goes in the rear fill hole with the white plug. The drain plug is on the bottom. Don't overfill it, it will blow out all over your rear tire which is bad.
It's all in the manual.
Service Manual: http://www.modernbuddy.com/pdf/RH_Rat_S ... Manual.pdf
You'll soon learn that you have a PGO scooter with a Genuine Scooter sticker on it.
You'll need to go to a scooter shop/motorcycle shop to get the correct kind of 2 stroke oil. The owners manual say "FC Class" which is JASO FC. That stands for "Japanese Automotive Standards Organization". JASO FC is the highest rating for 2-stroke oils. JASO FC oils leave little deposits and create very little smoke. They also pass specific lubricant and detergent tests.
JASO FC may be hard to find in your area and many will use API-TC rated oil. API = American Petroleum Institute. The highest level of certification for two-stroke oil is the "TC"-series.
So look for Scooter oil, made for injector systems, with JASO-FC or API-TC ratings on the label. Around $10 per bottle and will last you 800 miles give or take.
Now the gear oil is easy. You can get API SAE 140 anywhere. I use Valvoline 85W-140. Walmart even has it. It comes in a quart size bottle for around $10. You'll have enough oil for ten 90cc gear oil changes. This is done every 2000-3000 miles so you'll be good for 20,000-30,000 miles with one bottle.
This 2 stroke oil goes in the reservoir behind the access door.
The gear oil goes in the rear fill hole with the white plug. The drain plug is on the bottom. Don't overfill it, it will blow out all over your rear tire which is bad.
It's all in the manual.
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TomCat
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- Location: Taylor, Mi
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Ryantology
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- Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:18 pm
- Location: Richmond, VA
Thanks so much, everyone, that's a wealth of information!
One question I have is that, in here and elsewhere I've looked, the consensus is to use one of the kinds of oil specifically formulated for scooters, which of course, I would love to do. Assuming that I am somewhat drastically strapped for cash however, would it be okay to (temporarily) use a more general-use 2 cycle oil?
I have a bottle of 2 cycle already lying around, exact same stuff as in this photo:
The back label does not give the 100:1 ratio (50:1 is the highest it lists), but it does insist that it meets API-TC. I know it's not the optimal stuff, but will it get me by at least for a little while? Again, probably a fool's question but I want to be sure before I do it.
One question I have is that, in here and elsewhere I've looked, the consensus is to use one of the kinds of oil specifically formulated for scooters, which of course, I would love to do. Assuming that I am somewhat drastically strapped for cash however, would it be okay to (temporarily) use a more general-use 2 cycle oil?
I have a bottle of 2 cycle already lying around, exact same stuff as in this photo:
The back label does not give the 100:1 ratio (50:1 is the highest it lists), but it does insist that it meets API-TC. I know it's not the optimal stuff, but will it get me by at least for a little while? Again, probably a fool's question but I want to be sure before I do it.
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Lotrat
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- Joined: Fri Apr 29, 2011 5:35 am
- Location: Vista, CA
Seems to be ok:
Specifically designed for use in air cooled engines such as those found in lawn mowers, motorcycles, weed cutters, snow blowers, chain saws and small generators
Formulated with high quality base stocks and additives
High temperature protection
Protects against deposits and ring sticking
For premix or injector systems
Protects bearings and pistons from wear and sculling
Minimizes spark plug fouling
Minimizes exhaust smoke
Pre - diluted for easier gasoline mixing
Dyed blue for case of identification
Prevents port plugging
Meets API Service Category TC
Specifically designed for use in air cooled engines such as those found in lawn mowers, motorcycles, weed cutters, snow blowers, chain saws and small generators
Formulated with high quality base stocks and additives
High temperature protection
Protects against deposits and ring sticking
For premix or injector systems
Protects bearings and pistons from wear and sculling
Minimizes spark plug fouling
Minimizes exhaust smoke
Pre - diluted for easier gasoline mixing
Dyed blue for case of identification
Prevents port plugging
Meets API Service Category TC