oil weights....

[kevin gs1100e]

ok my 82 gs1100e calls for a minimum of a 10w40, my question is why the 5w-40 or 0w-40 are not suitable...

is it that in 1982 a 5w-? or a 0w-? was unheard of???

because a 5w40 has identical properties to a 10w40 at normal opperating temps, so the only place they are light is on start up and with normal warming up procedures a 5w40 or a 0w40 would perform identical at normal temps and give faster lube and flow at low temps ie. 30*f


so can i run a 5/0w40???

and would a 5w50 or 0w30 be suitable for mormal non drag riding???


Kevin

[DMPLATT]

We have a WET clutch. You don't want the thinner oil IMHO. Read oil threads on "Energy Conserving" etc...
I think the 5w oils are for the newer cars and have some additives.

I wouldn't chance it.

I knew I had it backwards.

http://www.baileycar.com/oil_overview_html.htm

So, I'm stumped. Why NOT? Maybe TOO thick for these bikes? My 750 likes the 15W 40 Shell Rotella.

10W 40 has made my clutch slip. So, guess I'm not helping. Myabe the THicker oil doesn't lube the clutch as well?

Try it and let us know.

[Anonymous]

Heat sensitive polymers give engine oils their ability to "change" viscosities depending on oil temperature. The polymers modify the viscosity of a base oil as it warms. The wider the stated viscosity range, the more polymers that must be used. Because polymers break down during engine oil use, an oil with a wide range (ie: 5W-50) will lose viscosity more quickly than a narrow range oil (ie: 20W-40). Use the narrowest viscosity range that is appropriate for the conditions and the bike manufacturers recommendations. Because I'm a fair weather rider, I tend to 15W-50. However, I sometimes use 10W-40 or 20W-40 depending on ambient temps, oil change frequency, and bike manufacturers recommendations as to viscosity.

[Poot]

I've always used 10w40, but I think that once I'm in the heat of the summer and theres heavy traffic, i'll switch to 15-50.

[kevin gs1100e]

the first number means nothing, as a 0w 5w 10w 15w - 40 has the same operating weight, and a 0w40 will theoretically get to the upper parts of the motor faster on cold start up.


Kevin

[Anonymous]

the first number means nothing, as a 0w 5w 10w 15w - 40 has the same operating weight, and a 0w40 will theoretically get to the upper parts of the motor faster on cold start up.

I understand that a lighter 0w or 5w base oil needs more polymer to cause a hot engine viscosity of 40. As the polymer strings break down over time in a running engine/transmission the hot engine viscosity lessens. Although not usually a problem with typical very-short motorcycle oil change intervals, those oils with a very light base viscosity will more quickly lose high-end viscosity over time. Unless the motor is started at well-below-freezing temperatures regularly, I would go out of my way to avoid using anything that starts out at less than 10w oil. Of course, the manufacturer's recommendations must be considered.

[Anonymous]

I run 40HD, don't know the brand or the weight of it (?w-40HD). My uncle is a farmer they run it in their expensive John Deere tractors. Great stuff though, no probelms when cold or hot. Ran the bike the other day it was about 20 deg farenheit, thats a cold morning for this time of year in West Texas. I can find out the weight and brand if anyone is interested, from what my uncle says its not cheap oil. It is for me though its FREE.