Motor Oil
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Here's the classic definition I was taught:
"In common usage, an engine burns or otherwise consumes fuel, and is differentiated from an electric machine (i.e., electric motor) that derives power without changing the composition of matter."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine
The only time the word motor was used at work was when referring to the 'starter motor' which was attached to the 'engine'. No exceptions. Ever.
"In common usage, an engine burns or otherwise consumes fuel, and is differentiated from an electric machine (i.e., electric motor) that derives power without changing the composition of matter."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine
The only time the word motor was used at work was when referring to the 'starter motor' which was attached to the 'engine'. No exceptions. Ever.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 327
Likes: 2
From: Livermore California
uhhh yeah ... not for motor oil.
I thought that motor and engine were the same, but I will be as clear as I can in the future. Thanks everyone. My next question is what fluid holder is located under or near the alternator. I guess you can tell, I dont have the owners manual. Maybe it would be good if someone could tell me where the various fluid containers, holders or whatever we call them are located. i.e., transmission, power steering, brake, etc. Thanks
oh yeah ... you'll soon find out that pics help alot! search the main page an post pics. remember "Confucius say ...One picture worth a thousand words"
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Here's the classic definition I was taught:
"In common usage, an engine burns or otherwise consumes fuel, and is differentiated from an electric machine (i.e., electric motor) that derives power without changing the composition of matter."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine
The only time the word motor was used at work was when referring to the 'starter motor' which was attached to the 'engine'. No exceptions. Ever.
"In common usage, an engine burns or otherwise consumes fuel, and is differentiated from an electric machine (i.e., electric motor) that derives power without changing the composition of matter."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine
The only time the word motor was used at work was when referring to the 'starter motor' which was attached to the 'engine'. No exceptions. Ever.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
"Well" My HS auto-mechanics instructor said something like this: A motor is a device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, especially an internal-combustion engine or an arrangement of coils and magnets that converts electric current into mechanical power.
I think the hard distinction of the terms has been lost over the years and there's probably so many exceptions to the rule that it becomes a bit pedantic to insist upon the usage of one word over the other. 'Electric engine' still sounds strange as does 'jet motor'.
In any case, this was not the source of confusion on this post. I see the OP has reworded the question up top. Shall we start all over again?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I think the hard distinction of the terms has been lost over the years and there's probably so many exceptions to the rule that it becomes a bit pedantic to insist upon the usage of one word over the other. 'Electric engine' still sounds strange as does 'jet motor'.
In any case, this was not the source of confusion on this post. I see the OP has reworded the question up top. Shall we start all over again?
In any case, this was not the source of confusion on this post. I see the OP has reworded the question up top. Shall we start all over again?
But the more I think about it ,it could have a time issue,like Model T verses Modern car ,I'm sure your teacher was much much older than mine. 
Just kidding and running away very fast.JC , my vote is for 10w40
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Trans oil is usually 75-90 wt, engine oil is 10w/40 or somewhere around that depending on milage, how cold the winters are where you live, etc.
but never "Corvette Winter".
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
Oh yeah, I learned the difference between engine and motor the same way your fellow countryman Mike Ward did - electric motors, gasoline/diesel engines.
Last edited by PeteZO6; Sep 23, 2011 at 11:57 PM.
