Do "SF" rated oil have any special requirements I need for a Kayo S-200?

[thumpthump]

Hi, I'm going to do some basic maintenance on a Kayo S-200 SxS. I read the service manual, which mentions using "SF 10w-40" oil.


I had not heard of "SF" oil before so I searched. The first result is to the site BobIstheOil Guy.


There was some back-and-forth about what SF actually meant. I think it is an old classification and not used any more.

But, it seemed like MAYBE "SF" had higher Zinc requirements (ZDDP)?


https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/th...d-oils.121777/




I was planning to use some normal automotive Full Synthetic 10w-40 oil for the Kayo S-200. But perhaps I should get some Rotella TD full synthetic? I have used Rotella a long time for my diesel car/truck. I already have Rotella 15w-40 at my house I could use.


I think this might not even be a big deal, but with these low-power, older-technology engines, I don't want to assume standard synthetic is what they need.


Thanks!

[thumpthump]

Here is another article I read (well, I TRIED to read; it got technical) that talks about ZDDP and how the newer oil standards are limiting how much Zinc can be in oil.


https://www.enginebuildermag.com/201...-what-why-how/

[Megadan]

Yes, SF is just a rating for API classification that has to do with additive packages and their affect on catalytic converters and other environmental factors. Zinc, Sulfur, and Phosphorus content all playing a roll.

Rotella T4 and T6 are both wet clutch rated and contain a higher zinc level than most typical oils on the market since they are not classified as automotive oils, and instead as general purpose oil. Until I swapped out to roller cam followers I was running T6 15w-40 in my Hawk (and even after) and it LOVED that stuff. I now run the same oil I run in my Royal Enfield 650, which is a 10w-50 Synthetic.