Operating a tow truck in harsh winter conditions is a serious test for any engine, and Chinese units are not the only ones to be used. Lifan The right lubricants are becoming a critical factor that not only makes it easy to start, but also makes it long-lasting for the entire power plant, and many owners make the fatal mistake of leaving summer lubricants in the crankcase, leading to oil starvation in the first seconds of operation.
In winter, the physical properties of the fluid change, and what worked in the plus temperature turns into a thick jelly at minus. For a 15-horsepower engine that often works under load when towing a sled with a load, viscosity is paramount. tower It has been a long time since the cold weather, and you need to prepare for it in advance.
In this article, we will take a look at the technical details, specifications of oils and algorithms that will help you avoid costly repairs, explain why saving on lubrication can lead to capital expenditures, and what parameters you need to consider when buying.
Technical features of the Lifan engine in winter
Engines. Lifan The 190F series (or 192F, which is 15 hp) are classic four-stroke air-cooled petrol engines, structurally similar to the Honda GX engines, but with their own tolerances and materials. In winter, the main enemy is not only cold air, but also the change in temperature of the metal itself, which affects thermal gaps.
The air cooling system in the cold is operating in a specific mode. If the air flow is effective in removing heat in the summer, then in the winter hypothermia can become a problem, although at high towing loads the engine still comes to operating temperatures. crankshaft It should start rotating without excessive resistance.
⚠️ Attention: Long-term operation of the Lifan engine at idle speeds in severe frost without load can lead to the formation of condensation in the exhaust system and crankcase, which accelerates the corrosion of internal parts.
Particular attention should be paid to the system. lubricantUnlike car engines, there's no sophisticated fine-cleaning filtration system, so the quality of the oil itself and its ability to maintain properties at low temperatures comes to the fore. The thick lubricant simply won't get to the rubbing vapors in the seconds it takes to get started.
It's also important to remember the fuel mixture, although in four-stroke engines it doesn't mix directly with the oil in the tank, but the quality of the combustion affects the condition of the piston group. compression And power, which is especially noticeable in winter.
Classification of oils and API standards for motor vehicles
To understand what to put in your tow truck, you need to understand the abbreviations on the canisters. API (American Petroleum Institute) divides oils for gasoline engines into classes beginning with the letter S. For four-stroke motor engines, the most relevant classes are SF, SG, SH, SJ and above.
Motorcycle oils often have specifications. JASO For engines with a separate lubrication system (like Lifan) suitable oils category MA or MA2, which do not contain friction modifiers harmful to clutch if it is immersed in oil, but in the case of Lifan 15 hp with a separate crankcase, this is less critical, but the quality of the base remains important.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic bases behave differently. Mineral Oils obtained by direct distillation of oil have an unstable molecular structure that quickly breaks down and thickens in the cold. Semi-synthetics and synthetics are created chemically, ensuring stability of specifications over a wide range of temperatures.
- 🛢️ API class SJ and higher – optimal for modern Lifan engines, provides good protection against wear.
- ❄️ Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic base is required for winter operation to maintain fluidity.
- 🚫 CD and CF classes are designed for diesel engines and are not suitable for gasoline engines of motor towers.
Lower-grade oils, such as SE or SF, are only permissible in extreme cases and in summer, but in winter they are a direct route to bullies. Modern chemistry allows you to create compounds that protect you from the slugs. piston-group Even under extreme stress.
Viscosity of oil: decoding of marking by SAE
The most important parameter when choosing oil for winter is its viscosity according to classification. SAE The labeling consists of the number and letter W (Winter), followed by another number, the first number indicates viscosity at low temperatures, and the second - at high (working).
For the winter operation of the Lifan 15 hp, the first number is critical, which determines at what temperature the oil will remain fluid, allowing the starter to turn the crankshaft. For example, the 10W-30 oil will thicken at -25°C, making it almost impossible to start without first warming up.
The optimal choice for most regions of Russia in winter are oils labeled 5W-30 or 5W-40. The number 5W guarantees a confident start at temperatures up to -30 ° C. If you live in the Far North, where temperatures drop below -35 ° C, it is worth considering specialized oils 0W-30 or 0W-40.
Don't put summer oil like SAE 30 or 20W-50 into an engine in winter, it turns into plasticine at -10°C or below, and the engine will run in oil starvation mode, because the pump (or sprinkler) will not be able to pump thick mass through the channels.
What do the viscosity numbers mean?
The number before the letter W (Winter) denotes the freezing point. Each division of the scale (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W) differs by about 5 degrees Celsius. 0W - up to -35°C, 5W - up to -30°C, 10W - up to -25°C. The second number (30, 40) shows the viscosity at 100°C, which is important for protection at full load.
Older, worn-out engines sometimes recommend pouring more viscous oil (e.g. 10W-40 instead of 5W-30) to raise the system pressure, but in winter it is a double-edged sword: starting such a motor will be extremely difficult.
Recommended brands and specifications for Lifan
The market offers many options, but for the Lifan 15 hp engine, it is better to choose products from well-known brands specializing in small motorcycles. Motul, Liqui Moly, Mannol and ZIC They are reliable suppliers of lubricants for such conditions.
Specialty oils for four-stroke garden and snow removal engines are often labeled "Snow" or "four-stroke Small Engine" and contain a package of additives that prevent oxidation during prolonged downtime, which is important for motor tow trucks that may not be used for weeks.
You don't have to chase the highest price, but it's also dangerous to buy a blatant "counterfeit"; Lifan engines are sensitive to the quality of cleaning the base oil; the presence of molybdenum and other anti-sharp additives in the composition will prolong life. valve-work and the camshaft.
| Brand | Recommended viscosity (Winter) | Type of base | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motul Snowpower 4T | 5W-30 / 5W-40 | Synthetics | Especially for snowmobiles. |
| Liqui Moly Motor 4T | 5W-30 | Semi-intelligent | Good washing ability. |
| Mannol 4-Takt Plus | 5W-30 | Semi-intelligent | Budgetary Reliable Option |
| ZIC G-FF | 5W-30 | Synthetics | High resistance to oxidation |
When buying, be sure to check the integrity of the package and the presence of holograms. fake oil may not have the right additives, which will lead to rapid wear and tear. piston-ring and laying down.
Step by step instructions for oil replacement before winter
Oil replacement is a simple procedure, but requires care, and it is best to do it immediately after the end of the season or just before winter operation, while the engine is still warm, so that the old oil drains better.
First, warm the engine for 5-10 minutes, warm oil is less viscous and will merge faster, carrying more wear and sludge products with you. After warming up, turn off the engine and install the tow truck on a flat surface.
☑️ Checklist for replacement preparations
Unscrew the oil filler cap to eliminate the vacuum and speed up the drain. Then unscrew the drain plug (usually the key is 17 or 19) or remove the drain hose if the design provides for it. Be careful, the oil can be hot.
After the oil is glass, spin the drain plug, replacing the sealing ring if necessary. Pour the new oil through the funnel to the top tag on the probe. Do not overflow above the label, this will lead to extrusion of the glands and smoke.
⚠️ Warning: Never start an engine without oil or below the minimum mark. This is guaranteed to cause the Lifan engine to jam in seconds.
After filling, start the engine and let it work for 2-3 minutes at idle speeds. Check for no leaks from the drain plug and turn off the engine. After 5 minutes, check the level again and add to normal if necessary.
The main idea of the section: Oil replacement should be carried out only on a warmed-up engine to remove old waste material and contamination as much as possible.
Typical mistakes in preparing a motor tow truck for winter
One of the most common mistakes is to keep the oil changed "on a residual basis," because owners think that if you change the oil in the summer, you will also go away in the winter, but when you work, the oil accumulates acid and combustion products, which in the winter are more aggressive to the metal.
Another mistake is mixing oils from different manufacturers and types, and even if the viscosity matches, the additive packets can chemically react, precipitate, clog up the oil channels, and if you don't know what was poured before, you'd better double wash with the new oil.
Also, the air filter is often forgotten, and in winter, the air is denser, and if the filter is dirty, the engine will run on an enriched mixture, which leads to a load on the air. spark-plug Checking and replacing the filter is a mandatory procedure.
- ❌ Mixing mineral and synthetic oils is the risk of emulsion and loss of lubricating properties.
- ❌ Ignoring the oil level - in mototukers there are no pressure sensors, control only by the probe.
- ❌ The use of working out - strictly prohibited, leads to a quick failure.
Remember that a towing vehicle is a technique that determines your safety on ice, and that running the engine safely and in extreme conditions is the result of proper training and quality maintenance.
Keep one full bottle of new oil in the garage in case you need to add on long trips. The consumption of oil for a sting in severe frosts can increase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use car oil in a Lifan 15 hp engine?
Technically, it can be as long as it is SAE viscosity class and has API tolerance (SJ and higher), but motorcycle oils are better adapted to the high revs and air-cooled temperatures typical of motorized tugs.
How often should you change oil in winter when you are actively using it?
During active winter operation, especially in conditions of heavy dust (snow crumb) and temperature changes, it is recommended to change the oil every 20-25 motor hours. This is about 2-3 full trips to fishing with intensive engine operation.
Why does the Lifan engine smoke after changing the oil?
If the smoke is white and disappears after warming up, it's condensation, which is normal in winter. If the smoke is blue and persistent, you may have transfused oil above the level, or worn oil rings. Black smoke indicates problems with carburetion.
Do I need to warm up the engine before starting?
Yes, you must. Give the engine 3-5 minutes of idling time, which is necessary to make the oil warm, get working viscosity and lubricate all rubbing fumes, especially the ones that are not. camshaft.