Synthetic Oils?

[babylon9484]

Hi folks, I'm throwing this out to the experts. Opinions please?

 

[Roger P.]

Waste of money.

 

[Guest]

many members here use Rotella 5W-40W synthetic oil (Blue jug). Superior to dino oil as far as oil breakdown due to heat, but some here report slipping clutchs with synthetic as well.

I don't think heat is a real concern in your locale, as compared to Phoenix...

I was using the synthetic for a while, but went back to dino for the lower cost...

 

[rustybronco]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/search.php?searchid=890663

 

[Nessism]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/search.php?searchid=890663

What Rusty is trying to say...use the search function. This topic comes up ALL THE TIME, with little agreement.

I'm of the opinion that synthetic oil is good, main feature is that it protects better at high temp and lasts longer. Like any oil, the additive packages vary from one brand to another. There is nothing in synthetic basestock oil that will make a clutch slip but some additive packages are more apt to causing slipage than others - too much moly I think.

I'm a big fan of diesel engine oils for motorcycles. The formulas have changed recently though; the CI-4 Plus is the good stuff, the newer CJ-4 is not as good since diesel engines use catalysts now and the new oil takes some of the zinc out.

One of the members posted a link to a report recently that is summarized below. I suggest getting one of these oils near the top. Note that not all the "good" oils are synthetic, and there are some synthetics near the bottom.

 

[bwringer]

I think no good can come from yet another oil thread...

 

[marvinsc]

I think no good can come from yet another oil thread...

But remember that some folks can't ride yet so it can provide some entertainment value.

 

[Nessism]

I think no good can come from yet another oil thread...

Oil threads are fine as long as people post FACTS, instead of their opinions all the time.

Regarding the Shell Rotella T oil, the old CI-4 formula is good. It's the new CJ formula that is So-So. Maybe try some of the auto parts stores in town that don't sell a whole lot of diesel oil and look for the old formula. I picked up a couple of gallons of the old style Rotella Synthetic to hold me over.

 

[eddiev]

I haven't used it. Been worried about the clutch slippage issue. But it seems many people have had good results. I'd say try it if you want but if you feel any clutch differences, go back to dino.
Eddie V

 

[Guest]

I think no good can come from yet another oil thread...

i agree. cant we go back to talking about helmet use?!:-\\\

 

[babylon9484]

Synthetic Oil

Synthetic Oil

Thanks guys. I didn't realize that I opened a Pandora's Box. We're just getting into the very early stages of a pre-riding season and I found the helmet issue entertaining. I didn't think my question about the oil would start a similar controversy. I'll stick with conventional oil since up here no matter how hot it may be during the day most nights are cool. Heat is not an issue.

Thanks to all for the info.

CF

 

[Nessism]

Dino oil is fine. My suggestion is to get one of the diesel oils since it has a more robust additive package compared to automotive oils, and is far cheaper than over priced motorcycle oils.

 

[charger71798]

As a avid user of Amsoil in everything I own I have had incredible results.No clutch slippage,slightly better milage and definatly cooler operating temps. No pinging in heavy traffic on very hot days. It is imperative to use a oil with high zinc levels as most oils do not.(roller cams in most modern engines)
I wonder who compiled the list that puts it in the ho-hum list.
I think everyone in the motocycle field needs to get a copy of "A study of Motorcycle Oils" It is a completly unbiased multitude of tests where Amsoil did not always finish first. My vote is for Amsoil MCF 10w40

 

[Nessism]

As a avid user of Amsoil in everything I own I have had incredible results.No clutch slippage,slightly better milage and definatly cooler operating temps. No pinging in heavy traffic on very hot days. It is imperative to use a oil with high zinc levels as most oils do not.(roller cams in most modern engines)
I wonder who compiled the list that puts it in the ho-hum list.
I think everyone in the motocycle field needs to get a copy of "A study of Motorcycle Oils" It is a completly unbiased multitude of tests where Amsoil did not always finish first. My vote is for Amsoil MCF 10w40

The list above is diesel engine oils. As noted, the CJ-4 formula is degraded in some noteworthy areas compared to the CI-4 and CI-4 Plus formulas - less zinc for example. The oil listed as "Amsoil" - CI-4, is rated higher than the "Amsoil Premium Synthetic" CJ-4. If you want to read the test for yourself, and see the chemical analysis reports, check this link... http://www.turbodieselregister.com/TDR57_Oil.pdf

 

[nisom512]

Oil threads are fine as long as people post FACTS, instead of their opinions all the time.

you mean like this I FEEL that synthetic is a waist of your money!!!!

 

[charger71798]

Would'nt have a problem running diesel oil in a bike if the tranny was separate. It has no rating for 75w90 gear protection that I'm aware of.

 

[Nessism]

Would'nt have a problem running diesel oil in a bike if the tranny was separate. It has no rating for 75w90 gear protection that I'm aware of.

Sorry, but I don't understand your point. Motorcycles lubricate their transmission with engine oil as I think you understand. The transmission gears chew up the motor oil and force it to break down faster than running said oil in a car engine. Due to this sharing of oil, diesel engine oil is ideal for a motorcycle since the additive package is formulated for heavy duty usage; more appropriate than modern auto oils.

 

[rustybronco]

The list above is diesel engine oils. As noted, the CJ-4 formula is degraded in some noteworthy areas compared to the CI-4 and CI-4 Plus formulas - less zinc for example.

Ed, after you cannot obtain Rotella T "without" triple protection, what oil will you most likely choose?

Rotella T synthetic, Pennzoil long life, Cummins/valvoline?

 

[Nessism]

Ed, after you cannot obtain Rotella T "without" triple protection, what oil will you most likely choose?

Rotella T synthetic, Pennzoil long life, Cummins/valvoline?

That's a good question rusty. I went to Walmart last night and ALL the diesel oils they had were the CJ-4 spec stuff - even the Rotella Synthetic.


Going to have to study some more...

 

[rustybronco]

for starters
http://committees.api.org/FindBrandByServiceCategory.asp?ServiceCategory=CI-4

Premium blue classic
http://www.valvoline.com/products/PBC.pdf

The product meets API CI-4 Plus,

Delo 400 (not le!) ***note*** moly=243
http://www.chevrondelo.com/en/products/engineoil/default.asp#

API Service Categories, including CI-4,

Castrol tection hd 15w40 (not the tection extra)
http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/b...G/local_assets/downloads/t/TectionHD15W40.pdf

API CI-4 Plus

One more note, when I used it, the amsoil m/c 20w50 was a fine oil...