Oil? What Would You Do?

Discussion in 'Bonneville' started by Steve T., Apr 11, 2021.

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  1. Steve T.

    Steve T. Active Member

    Dec 6, 2020
    201
    33
    Northern British Columbia
    I've used Amsoil synthetic oils in my various bikes for years. I've recently parted with my other bikes and now have a small inventory of Amsoil 10W30 just sitting on the shelf. My T120 uses Amsoil 10W40 of which I also have small stock. I've tried to find some local folks that could use the 10W30 but no luck so far - just a bunch of Harleys that would be quite happy with the old Duckhams 20W50 ;)

    So, my question is should I simply use it anyway as substitute for the 10W40?
    Is there truly a significant difference between these grades?
    Also, considering that 20 deg. C is a tropically hot day :sun: up here, maybe a "thinner" oil would be ok?

    Just wondering... What would you do?
    Thanks
     
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  2. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    2,935
    800
    Yorkshire
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  3. Dartplayer

    Dartplayer Crème de la Crème

    Aug 8, 2018
    6,912
    1,000
    New Zealand
    As pegscraper mentions the importance is the API Specification.
    It is recommended 10w50 for my Speedmaster, but this is based on operating temperatures.
    As the oils are same brand, I’d put them together for autumn/spring use, but be fussier for the height of summer.

    3D9149A9-5138-454A-9122-57F8EA46AD96.jpeg
     
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  4. Old dumb arse

    Old dumb arse Noble Member

    Mar 28, 2020
    909
    443
    KS
    Never thought about or researched multi viscosity oils, but does mixing them work? Or does it revert to the lower viscosity?
     
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  5. Steve T.

    Steve T. Active Member

    Dec 6, 2020
    201
    33
    Northern British Columbia
    Old Dumb Arse has extracted the essence of my question quite well... What happens if you mix them?

    I'm not new to this by any means but I thought I'd throw this question out there and see what lurks in the bottom of the oil drain pan (which happens to be my wife's washing up bowl (…well it was once upon a time!)

    If I can't find somebody that can use it, I could:
    1. Most likely add the odd bottle with the 10W40
    2. Use it in the lawnmower, snowblower, weedwacker or chainsaw
    3. Top up my squirty oil can for many years to come
    4. Sneak it into my neighbours boat engine...
    5. Use it in the chip pan
    6. Leave it on the shelf forever...
    7. Write 10W40 on the label and get on with life.... probably the best one?

    Cheers
     
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  6. Wishbone

    Wishbone First Class Member

    Nov 4, 2018
    861
    643
    Essex UK
    Yup option 7 is the best, cant remember many instances of a petrol engine being adversely affected by using a quality oil that meets all specs other than a minor viscosity difference and if your top temp is 20C it should be fine.

    Poor quality or Low/No oil are engine killers.
     
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  7. Steve T.

    Steve T. Active Member

    Dec 6, 2020
    201
    33
    Northern British Columbia
    Psst! Don't tell anyone but it got to 21C today (in full sun) but the "air" was still cold! Hey! in all reality, it will be option 7! (Get on with life!) inna gadda da vida! (by SIna - youtube)
    Fantastic to get out these last couple of days and start a new season - I Wish Everyone many safe and happy memorable miles!
     
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  8. Cupoftea

    Cupoftea Noble Member

    Dec 16, 2018
    567
    343
    NEW FOREST
    Try a company in UK (I assume your here in blighty) called Westway oils.
     
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  9. Steve T.

    Steve T. Active Member

    Dec 6, 2020
    201
    33
    Northern British Columbia
    I don't have any concerns with the manufacturer. Amsoil is really good stuff over here in USA & Canada ;)(NW British Columbia - 2 hour flight north of Vancouver or about 1500 kms from the Triumph Dealer!)
    The open question I had: Is there a "real world" difference between 10W40 & 10W30 and what happens if I mix a little 10W30 in the 10W40?
    There was another guy in town with an Africa Twin (10W30) but haven't seen him and I think he's also moved on (BMW/KTM)
     
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  10. Brixton Steve

    Brixton Steve Member

    Sep 21, 2019
    38
    18
    Devon
    Of course to take any worry out of it you could just do what it says in the handbook/manual.
     
  11. Steve T.

    Steve T. Active Member

    Dec 6, 2020
    201
    33
    Northern British Columbia
    Thanks, I'm not worried... just wondering ;)
    It's really a case of what to do with "good oil" that I don't want to use
     
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