Triumphrat

green_machine · 10-19-2008, 03:15 PM

Hello everybody, new forum member here.

I have a T140D that hasn`t been on the road for about 12 years, in fact the last 5 of those during my ownership have been spent in my Nans garden shed!

I`m slowly working my way round her and I don`t think I`m far off putting some fuel in the tank and seeing if she`ll start. A visit to Stafford today has sorted out the last missing/defunct parts. Bargain of the day - Lucas 8FL flasher unit in packet - 25p!

The question is - what engine oil shall I use. The manual calls for 20/50 but my local bike shop tells me straight sae40 would be better. Also when I drained the treacle, sorry oil!!!, I thought about the muck thats still in there. Should I try some cheap 20/50 to get her started and then drain it off once up to temperature followed by a refill with whatever the forum members suggest.

Thanks in anticipation.

Stuart

JeffinIA · 10-19-2008, 03:31 PM

I use castrol 20/50 in mine thats what the manual suggests , why would you use anything different? I could see using a 10w30 in cooler temps, But by then its to cold to ride...LOL

panda · 10-19-2008, 05:07 PM

Straight 40 grade oil is superb when hot. Sadly it is not much use in a cold engine as it is too thick to circulate properly (especially in plain big end bearings) If you use it, ride gently until the oil is hot. Probably about 90% of all wear takes place in the first 2-3 miles. 20/50 was the cure as it performs better at low temperatures and is also good at the higher temperatures (especially when new).
My advice would be to use SG only rated oil of 20/50 viscosity. If you cant get SG only SF or SL will do. It can be found in those establishments ( and by mail order) that specialise in vintage cars among others. Mineral oil in a frequently used bike that does a nice mix of rides is probably good for 3000 miles or one year whichever comes sooner.

green_machine · 10-19-2008, 07:18 PM

Thanks Panda,

I use Duckhams 20/50 Mineral oil in my Harley MT350 so it will make things nice and easy if I use it in the T140 as well. I checked the container and it`s SF rated.

Stuart

panda · 10-20-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green_machine

Thanks Panda,

I use Duckhams 20/50 Mineral oil in my Harley MT350 so it will make things nice and easy if I use it in the T140 as well. I checked the container and it`s SF rated.

Stuart

I forgot, but harley V twin mineral oil came out second best ( just below BMW's own oil, but now discontinued). I am sure the duckhams will work fine, but havent seen any for some years.

green_machine · 10-22-2008, 06:09 PM

Thanks Panda.

I`ve bought some cheap 20/50 to start her up on, I will then drain that of when hot, change the paper filter, and refill with Duckhams.

Of course this is all assuming the bike will start. I`m silently hoping that the carbs are not gummed up after being stood for so long.

Stuart

Beemie · 10-22-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffinIA

I use castrol 20/50 in mine thats what the manual suggests , why would you use anything different? I could see using a 10w30 in cooler temps, But by then its to cold to ride...LOL

Castrol as most modern automotive oils don't have enough zinc for old flat tappet engines anymore.
Better do a little research and protect your cams.

Tbirdnz · 10-22-2008, 08:05 PM

I use 20W/50 in my '62 AJS and I change it often but a lot of vintage club members use Penrite 25W/70.

This particular oil is Australian made and is used for older design engines, it protects cam lobes, followers and valve gear by the inclusion of organo-zinc anti wear agents. Any make of oil that states this is OK.

It also assists in anti-sumping but most vintage bikes now have an oil-tap fitted.

-----------
Ride on !

Beemie · 10-22-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbirdnz

I use 20W/50 in my '62 AJS and I change it often but a lot of vintage club members use Penrite 25W/70.

This particular oil is Australian made and is used for older design engines, it protects cam lobes, followers and valve gear by the inclusion of organo-zinc anti wear agents. Any make of oil that states this is OK.

It also assists in anti-sumping but most vintage bikes now have an oil-tap fitted.

-----------
Ride on !

USA DEP regs limit the zinc content for car oils to a tiny %.

Red1959 · 10-22-2008, 10:42 PM

I read a report on air cool engines where it said DO NOT USE oils that claim to be 'energy conserving'. I found 20/50 api SL, it states on the bottle that it can be used on engines that specified SL or SH. My 59 650 motor ran cool all summer, I also have a MAP oil filter on it. All my manual states is 20/40. IAM NOT RECOMMENDING THIS OIL, I JUST WOULD LIKE SOME FEEDBACK IF IT IS HARMFULL TO THE OLD MILL.
The reason I use it? It does not have a list of confusing additives and is cheap. It just says 'compare to Shell". So.............??????????

Update edit: I just read where SL is low on zinc. So, I'm going to fix the leaks and use Harley Engine oil. Any feed back for this??