Engine Oil XL600

[Burge]

Hi,

Which engine oil should I use for my 1983 XL600RD the haynes manual say's 10w 40 but some people use 20w50. What do you reckon?

Thanks Burge.

[meljordan]

Well 20w oil is stickier so it may prolong the life of bearings and so on but on an overhead cam it will not flow as quickly so the head may melt.
I think that for riding in the UK and NW EU 10w40 is fine unless your engine is very tired/rattley when a higher weight may give it a little better protection, check for the addatives though as again its a ying yang thing. Potash will turn gungy but your valv's will love it and zinc sticks to metal so is like a microscopic thrust bearing.
And remember if oil gets hotter than its designed for it becomes broken and is no longer oil,just black goo ......blah blah......
I think that there is a chart some where which shows oil weights and the temp range it's good for. could be worth a google.

[StumpyFingers]

I used to use 20w 50 in an XL250 and it ruined the head, due to the oil not reaching the camshaft properly and it ate the head.

[catteeclan]

I've been using 10/40 in everything without probs.


so far.

[Burge]

Great thanks guys 10w 40 it is!