| Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revision |
| techtalk:ref:oil01 [2024/01/18 05:18] – hippysmack | techtalk:ref:oil01 [2025/06/06 21:57] (current) – [Engine Oil Comparison Charts] hippysmack |
|---|
| ====== REF: Oiling & Lubrication ====== | ====== REF: Oiling & Lubrication ====== |
| ====== Engine Oil Change, Oil Specs, Aftermarkets and Comparisons ====== | ====== Engine Oil Change, Oil Specs, Aftermarkets and Comparisons ====== |
| | |
| === Further Oil Study === | === Further Oil Study === |
| **For a more in depth study on oil** manufacturing, additives, specifications, etc., click here [[techtalk:ref:oil01#Getting More Technical about Engine Oil]] \\ | |
| | **For a more in depth study on oil** manufacturing, additives, specifications, etc., click here [[:techtalk:ref:oil01#getting_more_technical_about_engine_oil|Getting More Technical about Engine Oil]]\\ |
| \\ | \\ |
| {{:techtalk:ref:oil:oil_cans_by_johngoober.jpg?nolink&300|}} ((photos by Ebay seller, johngoober, [[https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?item=144998065911&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562&_ssn=johngoober|Link to Ebay Store]] )) \\ | {{:techtalk:ref:oil:oil_cans_by_johngoober.jpg?nolink&300}} ((photos by Ebay seller, johngoober, [[https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?item=144998065911&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562&_ssn=johngoober|Link to Ebay Store]])) |
| |
| ====== Checking Oil Level ====== | ====== Checking Oil Level ====== |
| | Always check the oil after the engine is up to operating temperature before topping off the oil tank. \\ |
| | |
| | Flogging the bike with an immediate shut down could leave too much oil in the sump. \\ |
| A forum member once reported that he went and flogged his buddies 06 bike. ((NRHS Sales of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/vendors/nrhs-high-performance/33374-04s-and-up-and-oil-use/page20#post724787)) \\ | A forum member once reported that he went and flogged his buddies 06 bike. ((NRHS Sales of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/vendors/nrhs-high-performance/33374-04s-and-up-and-oil-use/page20#post724787)) \\ |
| When he parked it, he immediately checked the oil level and it was about a quart down. \\ | When he parked it, he immediately checked the oil level and it was about a quart down. \\ |
| See more on [[techtalk:ref:oil10#refoiling_lubrication|Wet sumping]] in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ | See more on [[techtalk:ref:oil10#refoiling_lubrication|Wet sumping]] in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ |
| |
| | When checking the oil level before you fire up, don't be some are tempted to add oil then. \\ |
| | But the oil in the tank can leak into the engine during shut down times. \\ |
| | Adding oil on a cold motor may end up with having too much oil in the tank during the next ride. \\ |
| | See more on [[techtalk:ref:oil10#sit_sumpimg|Sit Sumping]] in the REF section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ |
| ===== Overfilling the Oil Tank ===== | ===== Overfilling the Oil Tank ===== |
| This is a common mistake. \\ | This is a common mistake. \\ |
| * **Crankcase Drain Plug**: 1/2"x13 ((sevenyears of famine of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/135180-oil-drain-plug-leaking-woes?t=1461031&highlight=stripped+primary+drain)) | * **Crankcase Drain Plug**: 1/2"x13 ((sevenyears of famine of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/135180-oil-drain-plug-leaking-woes?t=1461031&highlight=stripped+primary+drain)) |
| * The drain on the pre1977 [non-mini sump] engine is under the flywheels, and was intended as a case drain. ((Racepres of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181232-the-simple-purpose-of-the-case-drain-plug?t=1950691)) \\ The 57 and 59 parts catalogs do specify "crankcase drain plug" while all others just read "drain plug" in the crankcase sections. ((hippysmack)) | * The drain on the pre1977 [non-mini sump] engine is under the flywheels, and was intended as a case drain. ((Racepres of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181232-the-simple-purpose-of-the-case-drain-plug?t=1950691)) \\ The 57 and 59 parts catalogs do specify "crankcase drain plug" while all others just read "drain plug" in the crankcase sections. ((hippysmack)) |
| * We used either the pre'77 or we put one into '77-+ cases so that when racing, we could pull the plug in the pits to see how much oil was in the bottom end...helping to determine how much more restriction or bypass of feed oil we needed to eliminate, because the oil pump could not get rid of it. ((Racepres of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/181232-the-simple-purpose-of-the-case-drain-plug?t=1950691)) | |
| * If you are not requiring that knowledge, or don't intend to do anything about it anyway. | |
| * According to one theory, the hole was needed for the casting and machining process only and the plug was never meant to be removed after it was installed at the factory. The MoCo couldn't provide information on exactly how the hole was used during the manufacturing process because AMF did not keep good records and also a lot of records were lost during the transition back from AMF. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96156-drilling-and-tapping-sump-plug-in-place-73xlch/page4?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=4)) | * According to one theory, the hole was needed for the casting and machining process only and the plug was never meant to be removed after it was installed at the factory. The MoCo couldn't provide information on exactly how the hole was used during the manufacturing process because AMF did not keep good records and also a lot of records were lost during the transition back from AMF. ((Shadowdog500 of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96156-drilling-and-tapping-sump-plug-in-place-73xlch/page4?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain&page=4)) |
| * Another theory is that people think the plug under the crankcase is a drain plug like you find on a car's oil pan and they remove it to drain excess oil collected in the case. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96156-drilling-and-tapping-sump-plug-in-place-73xlch?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) | * Another theory is that people think the plug under the crankcase is a drain plug like you find on a car's oil pan and they remove it to drain excess oil collected in the case. ((piniongear of the XLFORUM https://www.xlforum.net/forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/96156-drilling-and-tapping-sump-plug-in-place-73xlch?t=806833&highlight=drilling+tapping+drain)) |
| |
| ==== Engine Oil Comparison Charts ==== | ==== Engine Oil Comparison Charts ==== |
| | |
| * These charts were compiled solely from SDS, TDS and other published data from the respective companies. There are many brands on the list and many more that are not. The charts serve as a comparison to oil company claims as well as to what you are using. However, a used oil analysis will confirm more about the oil you use for your engine than these charts can. If your brand is not included here, you can search their respective website for MSDS, SDS, TDS, and PDS information where you can find all the information available from them as is included in these charts. | * These charts were compiled solely from SDS, TDS and other published data from the respective companies. There are many brands on the list and many more that are not. The charts serve as a comparison to oil company claims as well as to what you are using. However, a used oil analysis will confirm more about the oil you use for your engine than these charts can. If your brand is not included here, you can search their respective website for MSDS, SDS, TDS, and PDS information where you can find all the information available from them as is included in these charts. |
| * MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), which has been renamed to SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and TDS (Technical Data Sheets) which is also published as PDS (Product Data Sheets). You will find that some manufacturers do not update their charts as well as others. You will also find that some information in the SDS is different than the information in the TDS of the same oil bottle. | * MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), which has been renamed to SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and TDS (Technical Data Sheets) which is also published as PDS (Product Data Sheets). You will find that some manufacturers do not update their charts as well as others. You will also find that some information in the SDS is different than the information in the TDS of the same oil bottle. |
| |
| ---- | ---- |
| |
| 1-A to B{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_1_a_to_b_.jpg?direct&100|}} 2-B{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_2_b_.jpg?direct&100|}} 3-B to E{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_3_b_to_e_.jpg?direct&100|}} 4-E to G{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_4_e_to_g_.jpg?direct&100|}} 5-H{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_5-h.jpg?direct&100|}} 6-I{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_6-i.jpg?direct&100|}} 7-I to L{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_7-_i_to_l_.jpg?direct&100|}} 8-L{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_8-_l_.jpg?direct&100|}} 9-L{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_9-_l_.jpg?direct&100|}} 10-L to M{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_10-_l_to_m_.jpg?direct&100|}} 11-M{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_11-_m_.jpg?direct&100|}} 12-M{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_12-_m_.jpg?direct&100|}} 13-M{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_13-_m_.jpg?direct&100|}} 14-M to P{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_14-_m_to_p_.jpg?direct&100|}} 15-P{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_15-_p_.jpg?direct&100|}} 16-P to R{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_16-_p_to_r_.jpg?direct&100|}} 17-R{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_17-_r_.jpg?direct&100|}} 18-R to S{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_18-_r_to_s_.jpg?direct&100|}} 19-S{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_19-_s_.jpg?direct&100|}} 20-S{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_20-_s_.jpg?direct&100|}} 21-S to T{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_21-_s_to_t_.jpg?direct&100|}} 22-V{{techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_22-_v_.jpg?direct&100|}} | 1-A to B{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_1_a_to_b_.jpg?direct&100}}2-B{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_2_b_.jpg?direct&100}}3-B to E{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_3_b_to_e_.jpg?direct&100}}4-E to G{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_4_e_to_g_.jpg?direct&100}}5-H{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_5-h.jpg?direct&100}}6-I{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_6-i.jpg?direct&100}}7-I to L{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_7-_i_to_l_.jpg?direct&100}}8-L{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_8-_l_.jpg?direct&100}}9-L{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_9-_l_.jpg?direct&100}}10-L to M{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_10-_l_to_m_.jpg?direct&100}}11-M{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_11-_m_.jpg?direct&100}}12-M{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_12-_m_.jpg?direct&100}}13-M{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_13-_m_.jpg?direct&100}}14-M to P{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_14-_m_to_p_.jpg?direct&100}}15-P{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_15-_p_.jpg?direct&100}}16-P to R{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_16-_p_to_r_.jpg?direct&100}}17-R{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_17-_r_.jpg?direct&100}}18-R to S{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_18-_r_to_s_.jpg?direct&100}}19-S{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_19-_s_.jpg?direct&100}}20-S{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_20-_s_.jpg?direct&100}}21-S to T{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_21-_s_to_t_.jpg?direct&100}}22-V{{:techtalk:ref:oil:sportsterpedia_oil_viscosity_chart_22-_v_.jpg?direct&100}} |
| |
| | * Credits: ((Actron http://www.laugfsoil.com/motorcycle-and-three-wheeler-oils.php)) , ((Amsoil http://www.amsoil.com/msds/mcs.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/MCV.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2090.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/mvi.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/MCV.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/zrod.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/xl_series.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/MCT.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/msds/MCF.pdf http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/gasoline/sae-10w-30-xl-extended-life-synthetic-motor-oil/?code=XLTQT-EA http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/gasoline/sae-10w-40-xl-extended-life-synthetic-motor-oil/?code=XLOQT-EA)) ((Balmerol http://www.lubeoilcompany.com/our-products/balmer-lawrie-balmerol-authorised-distributor.html)) ((Bardahl https://www.amazon.com/Bardahl-6110-Premium-20W-50-Engine/dp/B0022ZS4RM)) ((BelRay http://www.belray.com/bel-ray-exl-mineral-4t-engine-oil-20w-50 http://www.belray.com/sites/default/files/msds_files/v-twin%20synthetic%20engine%20oil%2010w-50%20item%2096915%20us_english.pdf http://www.belray.com/v-twin-mineral-engine-oil-20w-50 http://www.belray.com/sites/default/files/pds_files/V-Twin%20Mineral%20Engine%20Oil_0.pdf)) ((Best E-Cheng & Bike Master http://jalos.or.jp/onfile/pdf/4T_EV_LIST.pdf)) ((Castrol http://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/motorcycle-oil/4-stroke-engine-oil.html)) ((Cespa http://www.cepsa.com/stfls/CepsaCom/Lubricantes/Ficheros_lubricantes/ficheros/pdf/CEPSA%20MOTO%204T%20RUTA%2066%2020W50%20Rev.%204.pdf)) ((Citgo http://www.docs.citgo.com/msds_pi/C10002.pdf)) ((Elf Moto http://catalog.elf.com/en/automotive/motorcycles-and-scooters?bn=ELF)) ((Enduro http://pelumas.pertamina.com/Files/pdf/PDF%20-%20Small%20Engine%20Oils%20New.pdf)) ((Eneos http://www.eneos.pk/eneos-20w40-sg/)) ((Eni-I Ride http://www.transdiesel.com/app_docs/PDS%20(ENI%20I-RIDE%20TOURING%204T%20series).pdf)) ((Gulf Power Trac http://www.gulfoil.ie/lubricants/Product%20Data%20Sheets/gulf-powertrac-4t_20070703164523.pdf)) ((Gulf Pride http://gulf.nl/fileadmin/user_upload/sheets_EN/05_small_engine/product/1301%20Gulf%20Pride%204T%2015W-50.pdf http://www.gulfoilindia.com/product-wise/motorcycle-oils/gulf-pride-4t-20w-40/ http://www.gulfoilindia.com/product-wise/motorcycle-oils/gulf-pride-4t-plus-20w-40/ http://www.gulf.de/gulf_2010/data/1300%20Gulf%20Pride%204T%2020W-50.pdf)) ((Havoline https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=424096&docFormat=PDF https://cglapps.chevron.com/msdspds/PDSDetailPage.aspx?docDataId=395705&docFormat=PDF https://www.caltex.com/ph/motorists/products-and-services/lubricants/havoline-motorcycle-oil/havoline-super-4t.html)) ((Honda http://www.xrsonly.com/pro-honda-gn4-20w50-motor-oil)) ((Idemitsu http://ilti.idemitsu.com/files/uploads/2015/08/Idemitsu-4T-SL-MA-10W-40-S-S.pdf http://www.idemitsu-ils.com.sg/UploadedImg/1435284286_Idemitsu%204T%20SG%20CD%2020W-50.pdf)) ((Ipiranga http://www.naclub.com.br/uploads/produtos/05070830101.pdf)) ((Ipone http://ipone.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FICHE-DIX-3-DIX-4-QUINZE-5-EN.pdf http://ipone.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FICHES-FULL-POWER-KATANA-EN.pdf http://ipone.fr/wp-content/uploads/FICHE-OFF-ROAD-KATANA-EN-BD.pdf http://ipone.fr/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FICHE-ROAD-TWIN-EN.pdf)) ((Kawasaki https://enoclubricants.com/Products/MSDSDocLib/MATERIAL%20SAFETY%20DATA%20SHEETS/220031%20-%20ENOC%20Kawasaki%20Genuine%20Oil%204T,%20SM%20SAE%2020W-50.pdf)) ((Kendall http://www.phillips66lubricants.com/brands-products/kendall_brand/pdfs/Small%20Engine%20Oils/4T%20Mineral%20MA.pdf http://d31kf30t08dxq.cloudfront.net/products/product_data_sheets/000/000/015/original/PDS-4T-Synthetic-MA.pdf?1477684111 http://d31kf30t08dxq.cloudfront.net/products/product_data_sheets/000/000/013/original/PDS-4T-Semi-Synthetic-MA.pdf?1477684111)) ((Liquimoly https://www.liqui-moly.eu/liquimoly/produktdb.nsf/id/en_3816.html?OpenDocument&land=DE)) ((Lucas Zinc amounts http://lucasoil.com/pdf/Zinc_Values_MotorcycleOil.pdf http://www.jagoepublic.com/msds/ |