Golf cart oil change BEWARE

[Bass56]

I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.

[Chatbrat]

Just buy Mobil 1, 10W40, do you think Yamaha is in the oil refinery business--all they do is package bulk oil

[ureout]

I hope you have a siphon I have a 2018 yamaha quiet-tech and they installed a plastic cover to insulate for noise... now it's impossible to drain the oil unless you remove the full length cover

[Bass56]

Your right, had not looked underneath. I have to have TV golf to do it but I'll bring the oil.

[retiredguy123]

I would ask the service people if they have another brand of 10W40 oil that they use for oil changes. I would be surprised if they use the Yamalube brand of oil. It's too expensive.

[HiHoSteveO]

I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.

There is no excuse for a dealer to not have the correct oil. Especially if there's only two choices and they do oil changes all day, every day.

If it were me, I'd never return there. Besides, if you bought the right oil yourself and gave it them, who says they'll use it? You' will never know.

I would call an independent service company. There are many in The Villages that will come to your house. Do a search here on TOTV for their names.
If you want to do it yourself, the oil is available at many places online including Amazon and Walmart and oil change kits are available at many places online. I just looked.

No excuse for that. From a dealer no less!

[biker1]

Don’t fret about this. They have been making the same 357 cc engine for a long time and have recommended 10W-30. I run the recommended 10W-30 in mine (2014) with no issues. I have never heard of a single person having an engine issue. I run Mobil1 and change according the owner’s manual recommendation.


I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.

[biker1]

They use the Yamaha tune-up kits which include a quart of 10W-30 Yamalube, a spark plug (BPR2ES), a drain plug washer, fuel filter (not used for EFI version of the 357 cc engine), and the two air filters.

I would ask the service people if they have another brand of 10W40 oil that they use for oil changes. I would be surprised if they use the Yamalube brand of oil. It's too expensive.

[RARO1]

What manual are you finding this in? I looked in the 2020 manual and there is no mention of 10W40...

No need to sweat it, 10w30 will be just fine.

[KennyP]

I jumped ship from the villages long ago for a variety of issues. Was tired of being told, I needed a new starter, new carburetor, new fuel pump, new clutches etc. As mentioned, I ran away from the villages, got a great mobile guy and my cart runs great and all I have to do is service it every year. Get away from the 8 dollar an hour guys with no training, youll be glad you did. Just my 2 cents

[Steven carrier]

Bought siphon changed oil, no problem. Thanks for the tip.

[Steven carrier]

Page 33

[tophcfa]

I never put anything but Amsoil into any combustion engine I own. Just my preference, but if you want the best, use Amsoil.

[Down Sized]

I have run two golf carts for seven years on The Villages oil changes without any problems. I do have the oil changed every six months.

[mjilek]

They use 100% synthetic oil.

[Scorpyo]

What manual are you finding this in? I looked in the 2020 manual and there is no mention of 10W40...

No need to sweat it, 10w30 will be just fine.
I agree. I have a Honda CR-V and an Accord. I decided to change my own oil. I asked a former Honda service manager what he recommended. He said he used 10W40 in the summer etc. I then looked in the manuals and they both said to use 0W20 all year. So I would imagine 10W30 would be fine for your cart. Just change it when recommended.

[J1ceasar]

Very funny as a car is once a year now adays

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

Just buy Mobil 1, 10W40, do you think Yamaha is in the oil refinery business--all they do is package bulk oil
They don’t package it either, they purchase it from the lowest bidder and furnish the containers, the packer delivers it to their distribution center and Yamaha sends its out, use any synthetic 10W 40 that meets Yamaha standards (any Yamaha oil package has the standards listed) just clone the standards!!!!!!!!!!!

[Samfl]

You only need to change the oil once per year. If they change the oil they take responsibility. I have a 2018 and it’s fine.

[toeser]

Your right, had not looked underneath. I have to have TV golf to do it but I'll bring the oil.

Why even bother with them? There are a couple of "bring the service to you" golf cart mechanics in the area that will do the oil change at your home, and probably for less money. I'm sure they could supply the oil you need.

[Annie66]

If you're interested, I use Todd Casey Cart Repair to service my cart. He comes to the house and does an expert job checking out my cart and changing the oil and filter. 352-465-3934.

[Jcr500b]

I don’t know where the “70 degrees “ came from. 10w-30 oils are designed to optimally operate at 210 degrees which is a normal operating temp for an internal combustion engine.

[Guitarman1951]

I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.
I certainly didn't know this so thanks for the info. Question, does the engine have a plug at the bottom to drain the old oil? When I had my oil changed(the first time since I bought it), the guy used a suction pump thru the oil cap on top of the motor. I need a change as well but I'm being told I don't need it at 2,000 miles after the first change. Not sure.

[wamley]

If you go elsewhere, watch it doesn't negate your warrantee.

[greenflash245]

excellent plan. or get amsoil 10w-40.

[Scorpyo]

Very funny as a car is once a year now adays
Yep. I use Mobil 1 both oil and filter. The filters are rated for 20,000 miles, the oil 10,000. I change both at 10. However the wrench comes on at 5,000. I wonder why? Could it be they want you to pay for something you really don’t need. No, they wouldn’t do that.

[Ramone]

Yes, Amsoil is the best. I've used it in all my engines since 1976. Vans, cars, motor cycle, ATV, snowmobiles, Carts, lawn mower. They all run till they rust apart. Plus drain time is extended.

[wganderson13]

I change the oil myself. Buy the cheap12 V pump from eBay-$25. It goes into the dip stick, works great. I was told change every 100 hours & it will last + 20 years. Nice & BLACK oil after 100 hours. I can't imagine going 500 hours between changes, that would be every 3 years?

[bilcon]

Never had a problem with my 2013 Yamaha and always have oil changed in TV, once a year.

[Win1894]

I would never consider using a 10W-40 oil in this age of synthetic oils. A quality full synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30 will give you excellent start-up protection and once at operating temperature, excellent flow for cooling and extended wear protection. Today's 30 viscosity synthetics have much better high temperature shear strength than a conventional 40 viscosity oil. The only reason a 10W-30 oil exists is becasue they, before synthetic oil chemistry, couldn't easily make a 5W-30 oil. The only reason you can still buy a 10W-40 oil is because there are still some really old engines around whose manufacturers at the time recommended it. There is no good technical reason to use it.

[17362]

I jumped ship from the villages long ago for a variety of issues. Was tired of being told, I needed a new starter, new carburetor, new fuel pump, new clutches etc. As mentioned, I ran away from the villages, got a great mobile guy and my cart runs great and all I have to do is service it every year. Get away from the 8 dollar an hour guys with no training, youll be glad you did. Just my 2 cents

Kenny. We just bought a gas cart- still waiting for it to be delivered.
I would like to know if you could share with me your great mobile guy? I Tried to private message you but it said you don’t accept private messages. So hopefully you will see this.

[chas39]

On my 2nd gas Yamaha never a problem with engine or oil change in 20 years they come to the house & do the route service Don’t worry.

[blueash]

I don't own a gas cart. But I would simply call the 800 number for Yamaha and ask for a service expert for an opinion about 10W-30 vs 40 and whether it is ok that the local dealer is using a product other than that suggested by the manual.
1-866-747-4027
Of course they may refuse to answer your question and refer you back to your local dealer. Nah, I'm sure they will give you the answer to your concern.

[banjobob]

The motor will love both , not a big issue .

[Steven carrier]

Outside temps not engine temps.

[Scorpyo]

I change the oil myself. Buy the cheap12 V pump from eBay-$25. It goes into the dip stick, works great. I was told change every 100 hours & it will last + 20 years. Nice & BLACK oil after 100 hours. I can't imagine going 500 hours between changes, that would be every 3 years?
Would you kindly supply more info on a pump. Thanks

[Pickel64]

Using the wrong oil could void your warranty if something goes wrong. Smart thinking. Thanks for the heads up as I will now check my 2010 Yamaha manual.

[nututv]

Your engine is not going to blow up because you have 10/40 vs 10/30. It'll run just fine with either.

[aa1949a]

I had 27,000 miles on my second cart and 23,000 on my first cart. the villages golf cart store in Brownwood changed my oil no problems.

[rzinski]

Buy an oil vacuum tank at Tractor Supply. It is pumped to create a vacuum in the tank. A tube connected to the tank is insert into the oil indicator hole. The valve is released and the oil is sucked out. The tank holds gallons. Pays for itself in 2 changes.
Most auto parts stores will take the used oil.

[Scorpyo]

Buy an oil vacuum tank at Tractor Supply. It is pumped to create a vacuum in the tank. A tube connected to the tank is insert into the oil indicator hole. The valve is released and the oil is sucked out. The tank holds gallons. Pays for itself in 2 changes.
Most auto parts stores will take the used oil.
Thanks. I did some research today. Found a 12v oil extraction pump at Academy Sports for $24.99. Looks good as well. Hooks to the battery. One hose goes down the dipstick hole. The other hose points to the neighbor’s property (hope the trolls don’t read this). Hit the switch and away you go. Wish I had thought about this when I changed the oil in my pressure washer.

[John_W]

Kenny. We just bought a gas cart- still waiting for it to be delivered.
I would like to know if you could share with me your great mobile guy? I Tried to private message you but it said you don’t accept private messages. So hopefully you will see this.

The two most used and recommended (do a search using the button at the top) home golf cart maintenance and repair techs are;

Willlie Wilcoxin (352) 255-1369 I've used him since 2011

Todd Casey (352) 465-3934 Todd Casey Golf Cart Repairs Website (http://www.toddcaseygolfcartrepairs.com/)


https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/all-about-golf-carts-things-156/home-golf-cart-service-265080/?highlight=home+golf+cart+repairs

[donfey]

And Mobil1 10W40 is good in virtually anything you drive - all year long.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

my god people, its just a lawnmower with 4 wheels!
:1rotfl::1rotfl: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[biker1]

Some new German cars, such as Porsche, specify 0W-40 (synthetic). Many Japanese cars specify 0W-20. For Yamaha golf carts, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 10W-30 are all OK. The second number, essentially the viscosity at operating temperature, is the important number. Buy whatever is on sale and change it according to the owner’s manual recommendation. I tend to buy Mobil-1 (synthetic) because I can get it for about $3 a quart after rebate.


I would never consider using a 10W-40 oil in this age of synthetic oils. A quality full synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30 will give you excellent start-up protection and once at operating temperature, excellent flow for cooling and extended wear protection. Today's 30 viscosity synthetics have much better high temperature shear strength than a conventional 40 viscosity oil. The only reason a 10W-30 oil exists is becasue they, before synthetic oil chemistry, couldn't easily make a 5W-30 oil. The only reason you can still buy a 10W-40 oil is because there are still some really old engines around whose manufacturers at the time recommended it. There is no good technical reason to use it.

[JoeinFL]

Just buy Mobil 1, 10W40, do you think Yamaha is in the oil refinery business--all they do is package bulk oil

The OP’s post was a good one. Pointing out something that is useful to many.
Why reply the way you did?

[Kerry Azz]

I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.
I’m cot sure what they were thinking when they designed the Yamaha engine without an oil filter. This is just a comment bur their design team baffles me. And no I won’t ever own one simply because of that.

[biker1]

The Yamaha 357 cc golf cart engines, as well as many other small air cooled engines, use a splash lubrication system and don't have an oil filter. For example, many of the excellent Honda small air cooled engines use splash lubrication and don't have an oil filter. Yamaha warranties their golf cart engines for 5000 hours if you use Yamalube and follow their recommended oil change frequency. This amounts to about 80,000 miles. I am pretty sure the engine will outlast the rest of the golf cart. There are tens of thousands of Yamaha gas golf carts in The Villages that are running around every day doing just fine.

I’m cot sure what they were thinking when they designed the Yamaha engine without an oil filter. This is just a comment bur their design team baffles me. And no I won’t ever own one simply because of that.

[HappyTXVillager]

Why even bother with them....

You mean OTHER than the Warranty?? 🥴🤪

[Topspinmo]

Yep. I use Mobil 1 both oil and filter. The filters are rated for 20,000 miles, the oil 10,000. I change both at 10. However the wrench comes on at 5,000. I wonder why? Could it be they want you to pay for something you really don’t need. No, they wouldn’t do that.

The wrench schedule based on miles and time, which every gets there first.

[Topspinmo]

I’m cot sure what they were thinking when they designed the Yamaha engine without an oil filter. This is just a comment bur their design team baffles me. And no I won’t ever own one simply because of that.

It’s glorified lawn Mower Single piston air cooled engine, same design pressure washer engine, generator engine, water pump engine, go cart engine, log splitter engine ect... Oil filter’s on lawn mower engines was add on when higher Hp singles and twins. any air cooled engine requires frequent oils changes especially on mowers due to load and dirty environment. Golf cart engine’s are extremely light duty when compared to the other working engines. But you still have to check and change the oil. My Yamaha oil get dirty from the combustion process not heat or dirty environment due to little load And governed RPM. I don’t have to change it as often as working engines due to light duty.

[Topspinmo]

I agree. I have a Honda CR-V and an Accord. I decided to change my own oil. I asked a former Honda service manager what he recommended. He said he used 10W40 in the summer etc. I then looked in the manuals and they both said to use 0W20 all year. So I would imagine 10W30 would be fine for your cart. Just change it when recommended.

You’re Honda engine has VVT, you don’t want to put inferior oil that might coke up when its get degraded. I would not put 10w anything in Honda that requires 0w20 full synthetic.

[Kerry Azz]

When did Yamaha start putting oil filters on their golf cart engines. At $12-13.00 a quart cost at the villages golf cart I’d never let them touch my cart. Nor would I purchase a Yamaha, my Club car actually has 2 fuel filters and an oil filter.

[davefin]

I cannot imagine anyone in Florida requiring a multi-viscosity oil (10W30 or 10W40) in their golf cart. This is oil for cooler conditions. The 30W is fine.

[biker1]

I don't believe you understand the concept of a multi-viscosity oil. 10W-30 will flow better than straight 30 at below operating temperature and flow like straight 30 at operating temperatures (typically around 200+ F). There is no downside and only upside from a lubrication point of view. It does drop into the 20s (F) around here. Also, in the case of Yamaha, they recommend 10W-30. I don't believe in second guessing the people who designed the engine.

I cannot imagine anyone in Florida requiring a multi-viscosity oil (10W30 or 10W40) in their golf cart. This is oil for cooler conditions. The 30W is fine.

[Topspinmo]

When did Yamaha start putting oil filters on their golf cart engines. At $12-13.00 a quart cost at the villages golf cart I’d never let them touch my cart. Nor would I purchase a Yamaha, my Club car actually has 2 fuel filters and an oil filter.

Walmart sells the same oil for $4 or 8 dollars If you get full syn. I would never purchase club car cheap flimsy front ends along with rest of frame, club cars don’t make the engine. Probably Kawasaki?

[Bodean]

Do you have a lawnmower with 2 or 3 wheels??

[Topspinmo]

And Mobil1 10W40 is good in virtually anything you drive - all year long.


I would Not put it In engine that has VVT that requires 0w20. If you have VVT I would change the oil early rather than late.

[biker1]

You can buy Mobil 1 synthetic for about $3 per quart if you buy when they have a rebate.

Walmart sells the same oil for $4 or 8 dollars If you get full syn. I would never purchase club car cheap flimsy front ends along with rest of frame, club cars don’t make the engine. Probably Kawasaki?

[PennBF]

I took our Cart to the LSL garage for a once over and fix anything it needed. I received the bill, paid it and while walking out noted I was being charged for an oil change and engine tune up. I am as further as you can get from being a mechanic or anything near it but do know you don't change the oil on an electric cart and tune up the engine? I went back in and asked the Manager what was going on. He said he was terribly sorry and that the Mechanic just pulled the wrong code when filling out the forms? He adjusted the bill to account for the error. Net: Always check your bill!!:ho:

[HogPilot]

I purchased a 2020 Yamaha drive 2 efi quietech from the villages golf cart in LSL. I was about to change the oil. While looking at my owners Manuel, it recommended yamalube oil viscosity 10W-30 for temperatures 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10W-40 for temperatures 10 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. So I went to TV golf cart LSL. Asked to purchase a quart of 10W-40 yamalube oil. They told me they didn't sell 10W40, just the 30. I said, but we will be in the mid 90s the whole summer. The Manuel says to use 10W40 in these temperatures. They had no answer for me other than, we only sell 10W30. So the oil changes they do, break down after 70 degrees. Tell me how how many engines get ruined by this practice. I'm going to buy the 10W40 for my oil change and do it myself.

The owner's manual for my 2014 Yamaha cart calls for 10W30 Yamalube oil. I change the oil myself every 6 months.

[Topspinmo]

I took our Cart to the LSL garage for a once over and fix anything it needed. I received the bill, paid it and while walking out noted I was being charged for an oil change and engine tune up. I am as further as you can get from being a mechanic or anything near it but do know you don't change the oil on an electric cart and tune up the engine? I went back in and asked the Manager what was going on. He said he was terribly sorry and that the Mechanic just pulled the wrong code when filling out the forms? He adjusted the bill to account for the error. Net: Always check your bill!!:ho:


And follow up on work that was preformed.

[Topspinmo]

The owner's manual for my 2014 Yamaha cart calls for 10W30 Yamalube oil. I change the oil myself every 6 months.


Did the manual say what weight the Yamalube was?

IMO either our will be Ok.

[biker1]

Here it is. This is what Yamaha includes in their golf cart tuneup kit: oil, spark plug, two air filters, and fuel filter for carburetor carts.

86434


Did the manual say what weight the Yamalube was?

IMO either our will be Ok.

[LedZeppelinFan]

Hi, do you have the name of the mobile guy to do oil changes? I am on my second stay here in the villages and would like to get the oil changed. Thanks, Mike Zaharoff.

[John_W]

Hi, do you have the name of the mobile guy to do oil changes? I am on my second stay here in the villages and would like to get the oil changed. Thanks, Mike Zaharoff.

If you look in the Daily Sun classified section under golf carts, there are about 6 to 8 advertisers that provide home golf cart service. For ten years I had been using Willie's Golf Cart Service, his ad may still be in there, but don't call him, I called right before Christmas and he just had open heart surgery. However, the second most used home golf service is Todd Casey, just do a search using the button at the top of the site and see a lot recommendations if you want. He's sort of booked up, I called him about a week ago and the earliest appointment then was January 20th. Otherwise you can try those 4 or 5 other names in the newspaper, if you don't get the paper, they sell papers at every mail stop.

Todd Casey Golf Cart Repairs (https://www.facebook.com/ToddCaseyGolfCartRepairs/)

[MorTech]

Rod bearings and piston rings take a lot of abuse in a golf cart engine from constant stop/start shock loads. I would not use an ILSAC rated oil in these engines. Use HDEO like Rotella 10w30 or even 15w40 with their high wear additives like molybdenum, phosphorus, and zinc.

Yamalube 10w30 will be fine even in the summer heat. I hear a lot of rod/piston slap during takeoff from golf cart engines that haven't had regular oil changes :)

[jrivard]

what company do you use now?

[Topspinmo]

I would ask the service people if they have another brand of 10W40 oil that they use for oil changes. I would be surprised if they use the Yamalube brand of oil. It's too expensive.

They probably get it wholesale and mark it up, just like any other business to stay in business.

[biker1]

The noise might be the result of decreases in the operating temperature viscosity as the oil ages. Synthetics behave better than conventional oils in this regard. I suspect many people don't follow the manufacturer's recommendation on oil changes.

Rod bearings and piston rings take a lot of abuse in a golf cart engine from constant stop/start shock loads. I would not use an ILSAC rated oil in these engines. Use HDEO like Rotella 10w30 or even 15w40 with their high wear additives like molybdenum, phosphorus, and zinc.

Yamalube 10w30 will be fine even in the summer heat. I hear a lot of rod/piston slap during takeoff from golf cart engines that haven't had regular oil changes :)

[Topspinmo]

The noise might be the result of decreases in the operating temperature viscosity as the oil ages. Synthetics behave better than conventional oils in this regard. I suspect many people don't follow the manufacturer's recommendation on oil changes.

I suspect many don’t know where the dip stick is?