One of the biggest lies in the snowmobile industry is that you must use a specific oil to keep your manufacturer warranty intact. While most dealers and speed shops know the truth, there are still those who would like to strong arm you into buying ONLY their brand of oil.

We told you about this a few years ago, but the time has come to remind everyone of the law. Should the occasion arise where a dealer or manufacturer indicates you must use only their oil to satisfy their warranty requirements, U.S. Federal law states the manufacturer must do one of two things; they must have written approval from the Federal Trade Commission that no other product except their proprietary brand will work, or, the OEM must make the lubricant available to you at no cost. While a manufacturer can tell you your engine failed due to poor quality oil, they cannot tell you your warranty will be null and void if you do not use THEIR oil!

If you are faced with this circumstance, contact the manufacturer of the oil you are using. In the case of AMSOIL, they offer there own warranty; if the dealer or manufacturer tells you your engine damage is caused as a result of using AMSOIL, they will cover it! AMSOIL states this has never happened, and they've been making synthetic lubricants for thirty years. (Check an AMSOIL warranty policy for the exact details of this.)

Granted, the engine manufacturers are the ones who pay for warranty expenses, and it is in their best interests for you to use an oil of known quality. That being said, there are a host of two-stroke oils packaged and marketed for use in snowmobiles. Many of these oils are of very high quality, and are worthy of your consideration.

Another huge myth is you can safely use any TCW-3 certified oil in your snowmobile. WRONG! This marine rating is now very outdated as applied to snowmobiles and does not provide sufficient lubrication for many of the higher-powered snowmobile engines at sub-zero temperatures. Your higher quality oils will have a certification such as JASO-FC or ISO-EGD, so these are the standards you should be looking for.

AMSOIL Interceptor™ Synthetic Two-Cycle Oil

AMSOIL INC. of Superior Wisconsin, has introduced a specially formulated synthetic two-stroke oil for two-cycle motors with exhaust power valves in recreational motorsports applications. AMSOIL Interceptor contains a "Double Treat" additive system that contributes up to 30% more cleaning power, which has proven to provide "No Stick" exhaust power valve performance during extensive field tests. AMSOIL Interceptor provides superior overall lubrication for recreational two-cycle equipment in both hot and cold temperature extremes. Formulated with wax free, premium synthetic esters that are "Saturated", AMSOIL Interceptor provides the ultimate in wear protection and extremely clean operation.

Recommended for use as an injector oil or as 50:1 pre-mix, Interceptor is compatible with most mineral and synthetic two-cycle oils and offers the following benefits:

• Eliminates hard carbon deposits in ring grooves and piston skirts.
• Effectively prevents ring and exhaust valve sticking.
• Dramatically reduces wear on cylinders, pistons and bearings.
• Produces low smoke/low odor emissions.
• Protects against rust.

Interceptor is the two-cycle oil of choice for all carbureted, Electronic Fuel Injected (EFI), and Direct Fuel Injected (DFI) snowmobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles, ATVs and jet boats. AMSOIL Interceptor is recommended wherever API TC and JASO FC two-cycle oils are specified.