Triumphrat

Beemie · 05-09-2004

I have seen so many different recommended motor oils for the Thunderbird, I am questioning what is appropriate.
I have seen recommendations for 10w40 semi-synthetic, 5w40 synthetic, 15w40 synthetic and even 15w50 synthetic (Mobil 1 Racing 4T).
And then there is Mobil MX4T which is a synthetic 10W40 (vs semi-synthetic).

What gives?

mecscc · 05-09-2004

It is called the 'Oil War,' Beemie, and it is an endless war. Just follow Triumph's recommendations as to type and weight, and don't worry about it. Just don't use any oil that says "energy conserving" on the can, as it can, not always, but can, cause clutch slippage.

I use Castrol's semi-synthetic 10W-40. You can get it for a little over $2.30 a quart at Wal-Mart. Others will swear by other brands, etc. NO studies (that is, no reputable, independent studies) indicate marked performance superiority of one brand over another. Amsoil users may disagree with that since Amsoil pays a bundle to "test" their oils against others and they always come out ahead. Wonder why?

Anyway, follow Triumph's recommendations as to weight and type and forget their recommendations as to a specific brand.

Just one old man's advice and opinion. Many will no doubt follow and you can choose the answer that makes you most comfortable.

Take care,

Monte

Edited this. Just realized I created my own brand:Castol.

[ This message was edited by: mecscc on 2004-05-09 21:52 ]

Beemie · 05-09-2004

Not having a manual, what is Triumph's official recommendation for the laqte Thunderbird, short of brand?

Isn't it funny, my 76 Bonneville specifically said to use Castrol GTX in that vintage bike. Castrol must have sponsored their racing.

[ This message was edited by: Beemie on 2004-05-09 19:44 ]

mecscc · 05-09-2004

My Owner's Manual is in the saddlebags out in the garage, which is a half block from here, and, if you don't get an answer from someone else tonight, I'll get it in the morning and post the specifics. As I recall it was a type of Mobil oil.

Monte

crosstie · 05-09-2004

FWIW - My Haynes manual ('91-'99 Triples & Fours) calls for 5W/40 Synthetic or 10W/40 Semi-Synthetic...

The 'Triumph' recommendation is Mobil 1 Racing 4T 15W/50 (which I think is fully synthetic and I know is expensive!)

cheers,

Crosstie

Beemie · 05-09-2004

The Haynes seem to conflict with other recommendations in the "5w" part, and so the request for clarifications.

05-09-2004

I am a MX4T Moble guy. (10w 40 full synthetic) It's $8.99 a quart, but Moble has a killer reputation in the sytnetic business and is recommended by Triumph and comes as stock fill in vipers, vettes, and benzes Just think.. If us allies didn't bomb the Polesti oil fields while in Axis hands, We wouldn't have had a synthetic formula to capture!

Beemie · 05-10-2004

C5 vettes do indeed come with factory installed Mobil 1, but don't think that is the wise choice.
Ours hasn't stopped passing a bit of oil in ovcer 3000 miles. Need a bit of old fashioned friction to wear things in.

Slinky · 05-10-2004

A lot depends on ambient temperature. It's pretty temperate over here so I use 5w40 synthetic. I have heard of people using 15w40 in cooler climes and then wondering why the clutch sticks & drags when the engine is cold.

I use only synthetic in my bikes. I would not trust any dino oil to last 6000 miles, and i am convinced the synthetic is more viscosity stable.

Just my 2c

shedds · 05-10-2004

i just changed my oil in my 01tbird and use 15-50w spectro supreme full synthetic ,that i get from my triumph dealer they recomend 15-50w when they do it and my owners manual only gives 10-40w 15-50w semi or full synthetic oils listed amsoil is good but doesnot come in 15-50 only 10-40 too light above 30degrees and 20-50 too heavy below 30, so 15-50 is in the middle rode my bike last dec in 15 degrees with 20-50 no problem just warm it up longer before takeoff