is SAE 10/40 still ok?

[CartoonLifeStyle]

After switching out the oil in my katana for a bunch of fresh semi synthetic sae 10w/40 oil, I've got blueish white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

Before I switched the oil it was smoke free, is this modern oil too thin for these old beasts?

[Nessism]

No, modern oil is not thinner than old oil. Stay clear of auto oil though. Not enough zinc and phosphorus (high pressure additives). Get motorcycle or diesel engine oil. Shell Rotella is the forum favorite.

[1980GS1000E]

And, they're off!

[Guest]

Syn, syn, syn, syn, anything syn

[chuck hahn]

Was good enough at one time according to the filler cap.

[bonanzadave]

Did you possibly over fill it ?

[CartoonLifeStyle]

Did you possibly over fill it ?

Yes I did, I put about 2700ml in instead of 2500, the oil was just above the f line on the window. Could have been the straw that broke the camels back perhaps, although I didn't ride to far at that level, maybe 30 miles or so.

[tkent02]

How about a little history lesson?

How long have you owned it?

Wha oil was in it before?

Have you checked the petcock?

[CartoonLifeStyle]

How about a little history lesson?

How long have you owned it?

Wha oil was in it before?

Have you checked the petcock?

I picked this beauty up in November last year.

black stuff and only about 2 liters of it.

yes and I don't leave it overnite on prime either

so what bikes do you own as I see an empty list in your signature?

[Big T]

No, modern oil isn't too thin

But, there are modern oils that are not compatible with these old bikes.

What oil did you use, exactly?

The best way to gauge the issue is to check your oil consumption.

The white smoke may just be something burning off

[tkent02]

so what bikes do you own as I see an empty list in your signature?

One of each. If I were the one asking for help I'd mention which bike it was for.

[sparki]

oooooo handbags at dawn 'eh

.... diesel oil's a winner imo

[Allie]

The stuff you REALLY want to avoid are any oils that are 'energy conserving' according to the little round label. They have additives that can make your clutch slip, and I believe the can impregnate the fibers and ruin the plates. Everything else is negotiable.

Except I use Shell Rotella so anyone what doesn't is a poopyknickers.

[1_v8_merc]

Don't worry about smoke, go by how the bike Runs. Does it Idle, and return to Idle well, snappy throttle, no Hanging Rpm's, good power at full throttle, hesitation or vibration?
(but yeah blue smoke is not right, you said Oil over-fill I guess)

[oldgrumpy]

After switching out the oil in my katana for a bunch of fresh semi synthetic sae 10w/40 oil, I've got blueish white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

Before I switched the oil it was smoke free, is this modern oil too thin for these old beasts?

...................... hi guys i,m in australia,,,, i,ve used shell sx4 ,,fortified oil for over 10years ,, i went to buy another lot ,,yep shell has decided to stuff around and drop that ,,,and now i,ve got to go other variant oils the may be o.k. i,m currently looking at other oils regards oldgrumpy