important engine oil question

Tiesco

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So I have rebuilt my motor about a week ago and I was wondering what type of oil I should run? The manual says 10w-30 so I'm gonna run that weight. A friend of mine mentioned oil that contains zinc which is good for flat tappet cams and for breaking in older motors. So I'm just curious if there's any brand with certain additives and qualities that y'all would recommend? Or am I just being too timid?
 
Any 20W50 is OK. ZDDP is a plus. Change it often. 1000 or smiles or so. I use Valvoline 20/50 racing oil with ZDDP.
I'm not one for running anything other than the manufactures specified weight. Especially in the case of motorcycles where having a heavier weight could cause the clutch to slip. Running racing oil isnt really my thing either as it's not really made to last long(that's why they drain the oil after like every race).

Theres a difference in the additives is all I'm saying. Just like how theres a difference between high mileage oil and high interval oil. And the types that are approved by different organizations like SAE, ILLSAC and dexos. I don't know enough without further research but running the right oil with the right additives, even if it's the correct weight, is key to the longevity of a motor and it's often overlooked.
 
I'm not one for running anything other than the manufactures specified weight.
You'll not be wanting 10W-30 then....

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I think most people here run either 20W-40 or 20W-50 as Greg....GLJ suggested.
 
You want an oil that has ZDDP in it, or an additive for your oil of choice. Have a look here.

I appreciate the link. My next question is would it be easier to buy an oil that has the correct Zinc in it already? I don't imagine you would wanna over-do it or under-do it on the ZDDP.
And i know where i came up with that 10w-30 number. The Clymer manual I have lists the recommended engine oil and fork oil right next to each other and I must have crossed the numbers in my head.
 
If you google zddp oils, there's lots of them out there... brand names and otherwise. Another consideration is oil that either says it's wet clutch compatible or motorcycle specific.
 
I cannot be doing with the long debates on oil so here it is, use a good quality semi synthetic motorcycle wet clutch specific oil 10/40, as these will do the job perfectly, if you use any others that are for cars and trucks a lot of them will have friction modifiers in them which will make your clutch slip, which ones are a lottery, all of the bike oils out there have to meet a standard i use whatever my local bike shop has on the shelf which is always a good branded i just keep to the same grade 10/40 semi in all my bikes.
 
I appreciate the link. My next question is would it be easier to buy an oil that has the correct Zinc in it already? I don't imagine you would wanna over-do it or under-do it on the ZDDP.
And i know where i came up with that 10w-30 number. The Clymer manual I have lists the recommended engine oil and fork oil right next to each other and I must have crossed the numbers in my head.

You are making this more difficult than needed. Go to auto parts and buy 20-50 Castrol or valvoline. Done.
 
You are making this more difficult than needed.
Yeah, you're probably right. The question I posted probably could have been answered with just a bit more research. I'm just trying to do things the right way ya know. I sorta thought that there might have been some secret that only yall knew but I guess it didn't have to be that complicated. I forgot about JASO so ill be sure to look for that when getting oil.
 
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The filtration system on these isn't the greatest so the best thing for them is frequent oil changes and filter cleanings. Most of us only go 1000 to 1500 miles between changes. On a rebuild you'll want to change it more frequently at first because you're breaking it in. I wouldn't go more than a few hundred miles on the first oil fill, then maybe again in 500 miles or so. Yes, use 40wt. at the very least but just be aware that it will allow more topend noise than the 50wt. many of us use. I tried it and went back to the 50 because of that. Maybe use 40 for break-in then go back to the 50.
 
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