Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
question about oil.............viscosity
Collapse
X
-
schlyme
question about oil.............viscosity
as i open this can of worms, i was wondering if anyone has tried using 20w50 in there GS's. i have an 81 1100e currently without an oil cooler. so what i want to know is would 20w50 help my engine ru not as hot in the summer?Tags: None
-
gearhead13
Originally posted by schlyme View Postas i open this can of worms, i was wondering if anyone has tried using 20w50 in there GS's. i have an 81 1100e currently without an oil cooler. so what i want to know is would 20w50 help my engine ru not as hot in the summer?
-
Ok ..i used the search feature and have read all the posts and opinions on synthetics..I have been running GN 4 from our local dealership in 10w40. This was when i didnt know squat about the GS bikes. The oil cap says use 10w40 SAE. When i mentioned this to the mechanics they said not to use conventional oil because it wouldnt last 1000 miles. Maybe they just wanted me to spend more at the dealership for the more expensive GN4.. My original intent was to just use Valavoline 10w40. (conventional) What say the more experienced minds here??MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550
NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.
I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.
Comment
-
almarconi
I run either the Rotella 5w40 synthetic or the 15w40 dino oil in my bike(s) and it seems to work fine. I've got a Benz 240D than runs the 5w40 and starting in cold weather is not a problem.
Comment
-
what about running off the shelf valvoline conventional in them? they are a 77 and a 78 750s.MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550
NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.
I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.
Comment
-
almarconi
I think as long as you change your oil regularly you won't have a problem. Make sure whatever oil you use does not say "energy conserving" on the label since these will cause problems with your clutch.
Comment
-
Originally posted by chuck hahn View Postwhat about running off the shelf valvoline conventional in them? they are a 77 and a 78 750s.Originally posted by almarconi View PostI think as long as you change your oil regularly you won't have a problem. Make sure whatever oil you use does not say "energy conserving" on the label since these will cause problems with your clutch.
Do not use conventional car oil as they are mostly "energy conserving" which does not work with a wet clutch...
Motorcycle oils or many of the diesel oils will work...
I use the Rotella 5w-40 in my bikes...it's diesel oil...you can find it at Walmart, Autozone and such like places...Bob T. ~~ Play the GSR weekly photo game: Pic of Week Game
'83 GS1100E ~ '24 Triumph Speed 400 ~ '01 TRIUMPH TT600 ~ '67 HONDA CUB
Comment
-
almarconi
Walmart sells the Rotella 5w-40 for less than $20/gallon. Its great for cold and hot weather use. I can't see any reason not to use it.
Comment
-
Forum LongTimerBard Award Winner
GSResource Superstar
Past Site Supporter- Jul 2005
- 15152
- Marysville, Michigan
If you want to lower you oil temps, you might give Amsoil 20w50 a try.
FOR ME... Amsoil 20w50 was the best oil I used in my '82 to date. TO ME, it appeared to lower the temp of the engine. but remember, what might feet hot to you might be just fine for the engine. all three of my bikes have Rotella 15w40 or 5w40 in them at the moment, but I'm thinking of switching to Amsoil 20w50 in the '80 (@$7.00 a quart).
Comment
-
oldgrumpy
shell sx20-50 forified..........
i,ve used this product in both my overhauled xs650 yam 77D...running full kits in 38cv carbs and 45 st/st headers with tracker mufflers... never thinned or let me down.. also in my 1980gs1000e ,,with a 1/2mm kit in top and 4-1 system and megacycle muffleand is running loverly...also run both my 21" old mowers with the same being 4 stroke briggs &stratton 187both of them same size and they bothget a hiding within reason.. regards david from kaniva
Comment
-
Forum LongTimerGSResource Superstar
Past Site Supporter
Super Site Supporter- Mar 2006
- 35588
- Torrance, CA
Auto oils have a good bit less zinc in them than they used to since the newer oil standards require this to improve catylist life. Diesel oil has about 25% more so I think this is a much better choice for a motorcycle that chews the oil with transmission gears and a high rpm valve train. Rotella 5W-40 synthetic is a good choice in hot temps or just regular 15W-40 diesel oil (depending on what's on sale). Motorcycle specific oil is also okay but it's highly overpriced compared to what you get and it typically has less zinc than diesel oil.Ed
To measure is to know.
Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182
Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846
Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf
KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection
Comment
-
Originally posted by schlyme View Post. so what i want to know is would 20w50 help my engine ru not as hot in the summer?
However, since the oil is just a bit thicker, it is harder to pump through the engine, it makes the engine work harder. Of course, when the engine works harder it gets warmer, so, in reality, thicker oil will make your engine run hotter (but it might only be a couple of degrees). The plus side is that at the higher temperatures, the thicker oil will not thin out as much.
Originally posted by gearhead13 View PostAFAIK, thicker oil will not make the engine run cooler, but the oil will thin out less at high temperatures (for better engine protection), and will be thicker when you first start from cold.
Originally posted by chuck hahn View Postwhat about running off the shelf valvoline conventional in them? they are a 77 and a 78 750s.
Originally posted by almarconi View PostI think as long as you change your oil regularly you won't have a problem. Make sure whatever oil you use does not say "energy conserving" on the label since these will cause problems with your clutch.Originally posted by Baatfam View PostTo expand on what almarconi is saying...
Do not use conventional car oil as they are mostly "energy conserving" which does not work with a wet clutch...
Motorcycle oils or many of the diesel oils will work...
I use the Rotella 5w-40 in my bikes...it's diesel oil...you can find it at Walmart, Autozone and such like places...
Originally posted by rustybronco View PostIf you want to lower you oil temps, you might give Amsoil 20w50 a try.FOR ME... Amsoil 20w50 was the best oil I used in my '82 to date. TO ME, it appeared to lower the temp of the engine. but remember, what might feet hot to you might be just fine for the engine. all three of my bikes have Rotella 15w40 or 5w40 in them at the moment, but I'm thinking of switching to Amsoil 20w50 in the '80 (@$7.00 a quart).
Originally posted by Nessism View PostAuto oils have a good bit less zinc in them than they used to since the newer oil standards require this to improve catylist life. Diesel oil has about 25% more so I think this is a much better choice for a motorcycle that chews the oil with transmission gears and a high rpm valve train. Rotella 5W-40 synthetic is a good choice in hot temps or just regular 15W-40 diesel oil (depending on what's on sale). Motorcycle specific oil is also okay but it's highly overpriced compared to what you get and it typically has less zinc than diesel oil.
.sigpic
mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
#1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
#2 son: 1980 GS1000G
Family Portrait
Siblings and Spouses
Mom's first ride
Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
(Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)
Comment
-
Forum LongTimerBard Award Winner
GSResource Superstar
Past Site Supporter- Jul 2005
- 15152
- Marysville, Michigan
Originally posted by Steve View PostYep, look for the "Energy Conserving" label in the API 'donut' on the back. Those are the ones you do NOT want to use, but avoiding the "EC" label is rather easy: don't use any 30w oil. I have not yet seen any of the "EC" oil that is 40w.
api service CJ-4/SM not an "EC" oil.
Comment
-
Well , just to be different............ I run a straight 50 weight mineral in my 'S . Living in the tropics , my ambient is probably higher than most of you . Going by my temp guage , the old girl runs marginally cooler with the heavier oil . With 110,000 K's on the clock , she "consumes" a little oil , but not nearly so much since swapping to the 50 . Cheers , Simon .http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/h...esMapSimon.jpg
'79 GS1000S my daily ride in Aus
'82 (x2) GS650ET in the shed
Comment
Comment