|
10 Apr 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
|
|
Engine OIl Question
Hi folks,
With no bike specific oil readily available and my bike begging for a change I have put in some ordinary motor oil. (Castrol GTX3 Protection PLus 15w/40) Should I do another change soonish or will this oil be fine for the standard interval? The info on the back is all in foreign languages, which, being a Britisher, I have no understanding of. My manual says don't use motor oils with low friction additives but this Castrol stuff seems to make no mention of that. Any thoughts?
Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com
http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/
*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
|
10 Apr 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
|
|
Oil, black gold, texas tea.
Honda and yamaha are big on no friction additives because they state that it will make your clutch slip. The main thing is to have oil in your motor. Oil is one of the cheapest things you can do for your motor. Change it when you find some oil you can read the label. Nothing worse than riding along worrying about your motor going south. Maybe the oil was specialy formulated for yak cart wheel bearings? I have seen the results of yamaha 600 and 660 motors run low on oil here at the shop where I work. Here in the USA they use the same basic motor to power 4 wheelers. Trust me you don't want to have a oil related failure.
|
10 Apr 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
it'll be fine. ignore all the pretty packaging, you're looking for 20/40 for hot weather and possibly 10/30 for colder climates. SE. SF or SG spec. Well, that's what the manual says. Whatever you can get your hands on (within reason) is better than nothing.
try not to mix mineral and semi-synthetic, as they will seperate.
All oils should have the spec on the back, the rest of the writing is marketing and is foreign in anyones language
|
11 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: bizovac, croatia
Posts: 240
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Cartney
Hi folks,
With no bike specific oil readily available and my bike begging for a change I have put in some ordinary motor oil. (Castrol GTX3 Protection PLus 15w/40) Should I do another change soonish or will this oil be fine for the standard interval? The info on the back is all in foreign languages, which, being a Britisher, I have no understanding of. My manual says don't use motor oils with low friction additives but this Castrol stuff seems to make no mention of that. Any thoughts?
Matt
|
It is very simple to answer - use only oils indicated for motorbike use, if your motorbike has wet clutch ( most of them included ).
Regards,
AnteK, XTZ 660
__________________
AnteK
|
11 Apr 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
"use only oils indicated for motorbike use,"
that's what he's saying though, there is no motorbike specific oil available. Buying a can of oil with 'motorbike' written on it is a luxury item in a lot of places.
|
16 May 2006
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 12
|
|
From what I have read elsewhere the car specific oils to avoid are the thin 0-40, and 5-30 types, as these tend to have the friction modifiers in that can cause clutch slip. I run a Yamaha XT225 serow on 10/40 semi synthetic car oil without problems. I have friends who are using the same oil in a couple of BMW GS650's and a Triumph Tiger and Thunderbird, a neighbour also uses it in his Honda CBR600 and Suzuki GSXR that he races, again without problems. A lot of what is said about using m/cycle specific oil is all part of a markeing strategy. Also the 'car' oil is usually a fair bit cheaper than the stuff 'packaged' as m/cycle oil.
|
16 May 2006
|
|
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
|
|
Oh No , not an oil thread !
I use Amsoil and Mobil 1 in my vehicles and bikes . Both will mix with mineral oils [and I have done it on several occasions ] without causing damage .I imagine the majority of synthetics will also be ok . Synthetic oil is after all - just oil - without the impurities that are found in refined crude oil .
I know several guys who use automotive Mobil 1 15/50 in their bikes [mostly Nortons] without problems .
Most car type oils and diesel type oils can be used in a bike if they are of the SG /CF type .
The oils to avoid would be the SJ and similar which will have anti friction additives , lower viscosity and other dooberyferkins just to help modern cars be more frugal with fuel .
In a pinch , any oil is better than no oil , but look for the SG [or lower category] and a viscosity of 10/40 or 20/50 and you should be ok .
-----My 2 cents worth , no warranty implied , your mileage may vary , may cause flatulence ------------------------------------------------------
Dodger
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
|
16 May 2006
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
|
|
Clean engine oil meant for a car is better than not changing it at all. Just change it a bit more frequently.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
|
16 May 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
As far as I understand car and bike oils have gone their separate ways in recent years and that the problem is more than just getting clutch slip when using car oil. Below is an explanation I read on a classic car site (original from marcfuller)
"For the last 10 years API graded passenger car oils have been formulated with increasingly reduced zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP) amounts. Particularly the recent SL/SM grade oils of the last 3 years. The reason that ZDDP is important is that it is about the only high pressure lubricant available capable of providing lubrication between the cam lobe and tappet. The reason that the SL/SM oils can forgo a needed level of ZDDP is that newer cars use roller tappets, rather than the flat tappets in our Elans. The reason for reducing ZDDP is the zinc and phosphate reduce the life span of catalytic converters.
Fortunately, most racing oils and motorcycle oils (BMW motorcycle oil may be an exception), and diesel engine oils have the higher levels of ZDDP that were present when flat tappets were the norm"
It seems that these oils are not compatable with the way bike engine cam gear works and can lead to more rapid cam follower wear. Probably not a problem if you just need something for the short term but if you use it year in year out it may shorten engine life.
|
16 May 2006
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Brittany, France
Posts: 401
|
|
I notice in my Harley manual it says if you can't get the Harley recommended oil to use a good quality diesel engine oil since it is a better match for an air-cooled engine.
__________________
If you think you are too small to make a difference you have never spent the night with a mosquito.
|
17 May 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
|
|
note specs
the level of zinc -can- be higher in 20-50 grades as this is too thick for newer car engines that need lower levels for their catalytic converters, so is exempt the limits. all othergrades are 12 ppm or less (sg, 10ppm sf/sl). note unlike most things the grade denoted on the can is a -maximum- grade. ie if it says sg only then is likely to be better than one that says sf sg and sl as it cant comply fully with sg if it meets sf and or sl. try to avoid too wide a range eg 0-40 . and yes go find a diesel oil such as shell rotella 15-40. sg rated.. note this info is biased for air cooled engines.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|