The GY6 engine is a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine widely used in scooters, ATVs, and go-karts. Developed initially in Taiwan, it’s since become a standard in Chinese-made scooters. Known for its simplicity and affordability, the GY6 engine comes in multiple displacements, primarily ranging from 49cc to 250cc.
GY6 Engine Oil Capacity
| GY6 Model | Displacement (cc) | Oil (With Filter) | Oil (Without Filter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GY6-49 | 49cc | 0.75 L (0.8 qt) | 0.66 L (0.7 qt) |
| GY6-50 | 50cc | 0.8 L (0.85 qt) | 0.7 L (0.75 qt) |
| GY6-80 | 80cc | 0.8 L (0.85 qt) | 0.7 L (0.75 qt) |
| GY6-100 | 100cc | 0.85 L (0.9 qt) | 0.75 L (0.8 qt) |
| GY6-125 | 125cc | 0.9 L (0.95 qt) | 0.8 L (0.85 qt) |
| GY6-150 | 150cc | 0.9 L (0.95 qt) | 0.8 L (0.85 qt) |
| GY6-200 | 200cc | 0.95 L (1.0 qt) | 0.85 L (0.9 qt) |
| GY6-250 | 250cc | 1.05 L (1.1 qt) | 0.95 L (1.0 qt) |
| GY6-300 | 300cc | 1.15 L (1.2 qt) | 1.05 L (1.1 qt) |
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Best Oil Type for GY6 Engines
Choosing the correct oil type ensures longevity and peak performance. Here’s what works best:
- 50cc–150cc GY6 Engines: Use SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 motorcycle oil (wet clutch compatible).
- 200cc–250cc GY6 Engines: SAE 15W-40 or fully synthetic 10W-40 for extended rides.
Look for oils labeled JASO MA/MA2 for wet clutch engines and API SN or higher for better protection.
Recommended Engine Oils for GY9
Valvoline 4‑Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic 10W‑40
- Type: Fully synthetic • Viscosity: 10W-40
- Formulated for high RPM & wet-clutch protection—designed to resist sludge, deposits, and overheating
- Popular with riders for smooth shifting and strong performance
Lucas Oil High‑Performance Semi‑Synthetic 10W‑40
- Type: Semi‑synthetic blend • Viscosity: 10W-40
- Meets API SN and JASO MA/MA‑2 standards for wet clutches l
- Engineered to reduce heat, noise, and wear—great value and highly rated
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How Often Should You Change GY6 Oil?
- Break-in Period: First change after 300 km (186 miles)
- After Break-in: Every 1000–1500 km (620–930 miles)
- Synthetic Oil Users: Every 1500–2000 km (930–1240 miles)
If you ride in dusty or hot environments, stick to the lower end of that range.
Signs Your GY6 Needs an Oil Change
- Noisy Engine Operation
- Oil Looks Dirty/Black
- Burning Smell
- Hard Starting or Stalling
- Reduced Acceleration
Trust your scooter, if it feels off, check that oil.
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How to Check Oil Level in a GY6 Engine
- Park the scooter on level ground.
- Let engine cool (5–10 minutes post-ride).
- Unscrew dipstick; wipe clean.
- Reinsert without screwing in.
- Pull out and check level.
The oil should sit between the min and max marks. Add as needed, don’t overfill!
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing GY6 Oil
- Warm the engine for 3 minutes.
- Turn off and place a pan under drain bolt.
- Remove the oil drain plug and filter screen.
- Let oil fully drain (2–5 minutes).
- Clean screen and reinstall.
- Add new oil (based on the capacity chart).
- Reinsert dipstick, run engine, and recheck level.
Tools You’ll Need for a GY6 Oil Change
- 17mm socket wrench
- Oil catch pan
- New engine oil
- Funnel
- Gloves
- Shop rag
- Optional: Magnetic drain plug (for debris)
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Common Mistakes When Changing GY6 Oil
- Overfilling oil
- Forgetting to clean the filter screen
- Using car oil not rated for wet clutches
- Not warming engine before draining
- Reusing old gaskets
Avoid these for a smooth experience every time.
Pro Tips for GY6 Maintenance
- Use a magnetic drain plug to catch metal shavings.
- Check oil every 500 km.
- Store the scooter on center stand to prevent leaks.
- Consider synthetic oil for longer drain intervals.
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FAQs
How much oil does a 150cc GY6 hold?
A 150cc GY6 engine typically holds around:
- 1.0 quart (0.95 liters) when changing oil with the filter
- 0.85 quart (0.8 liters) without changing the filter
Always check your scooter’s dipstick after refilling and avoid overfilling.
Is a GY6 a Honda engine?
No, the GY6 is not a genuine Honda engine, but it is based on an original Honda design.
The GY6 was originally developed by Honda in the 1980s, but over time, the design became open and widely copied, especially by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean manufacturers.
Today, “GY6” generally refers to a class of clone engines inspired by the original Honda engine, used in scooters, go-karts, and small ATVs.
What oil to use in GY6?
The best oil for GY6 engines depends on the displacement and climate. In general:
- 50cc–150cc GY6: Use 10W-40 or 15W-40 motorcycle-grade oil that meets JASO MA or MA2 standards.
- 200cc–250cc GY6: Use synthetic 10W-40 or 15W-40 for better protection during long rides or hot weather.
Avoid car engine oil, as it lacks the additives needed for wet-clutch systems commonly found in GY6 scooters.
How much oil does a 150R take?
If you’re referring to the Honda CRF150R (a motocross bike), it’s not a GY6 engine but a high-performance four-stroke engine. It typically takes:
- Engine oil only: About 0.72 quarts (0.68 liters)
- Transmission oil: About 0.64 quarts (0.6 liters)
Make sure to use racing-grade motorcycle oil suited for high-RPM engines if that’s what you mean by 150R.
How often should I change my GY6 oil?
You should change your GY6 engine oil:
- Every 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers (620–930 miles)
- Or every 3 months, whichever comes first
- After the break-in period, change the oil at 300 km (186 miles)
If you use synthetic oil, you may extend intervals to 2,000 km (1,240 miles), but regular checks are still recommended.
