• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

what is the thickest oil we can use?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jtrip
  • Start date Start date
J

jtrip

Guest
im looking for the thickest oil that wont hurt are bikes gs850gl the rotella seems 2 thin i put it in and got a small leak. the oil i had in it, i had no problem with so any ideas as far as the oil weight i can use ?
 
Did you use the Rotella T6 (0w-40) or the Rotella T (15w-40)?

I have heard that synthetic oils can cause leaks due to their superior cleaning power.

EDIT: Sorry, T6 is 5w-40
 
Last edited:
Adler said:
Did you use the Rotella T6 (0w-40) or the Rotella T (15w-40)?

I have heard that synthetic oils can cause leaks due to their superior cleaning power.
Click to expand...

T6 six is 5w40 not 0, I've got four gallons in the garage and I just started running it in the GS750. Seems happy so far.

/\/\ac
 
Macmatic said:
T6 six is 5w40 not 0, I've got four gallons in the garage and I just started running it in the GS750. Seems happy so far.

/\/\ac
Click to expand...

Checked my jug and you're absolutely right, I must be getting old.
 
Jtrip, are you wanting to go as thick as possible? The stock filler cap recommends 10W-40, IIRC. That's what the engine's pump, bearings, etc. are designed for. A little thicker won't really hurt, but it will rob you of some power and give it back as heat.

Is there a problem you're trying to solve with heavier oil?
 
Dogma said:
Is there a problem you're trying to solve with heavier oil?
Click to expand...

If so, solve that problem. Dont use thick oil as a band-aide. On a cooler day (yes, someday it may happen) thick oil wont circulate as well during start up when your engine needs lubrication the most.
 
It's a GS, it will run on anything. Maple syrup, squished bananas, even a good stout beer will work fine for a while.






*disclaimer, do not attempt to use stout in a 1980 - 1982 GS750.
 
Last edited:
Dogma said:
Is there a problem you're trying to solve with heavier oil?
Click to expand...
Yep, there seems to be:
jtrip said:
... the rotella seems 2 thin i put it in and got a small leak. ...
Click to expand...
If the engine leaks, don't plug it up with thicker oil, replace the gasket.

Think of the small clearances inside the engine, like the camshaft bearings. They rely on oil flowing through there to ensure proper operation and long life. If you go too thick on the oil, it won't go through those small passages and you will destroy your engine.

But, to answer his question, the manual suggests 10w-40 for most temperatures in which the bike will be operated, but allows 20w-50 if the temps don't get under about 50 degrees F.

.
 
My 2 cents:
I ran 20w50 for a while and found that my clutch was more likely to slip with heavier oil. I just run 10w40 dino oil now and change it often.
 
The 15/40 Rotella dino Oil will work Fine.. $12 gallon at wal mart. I use it in my 850 No problems, no leaks going on 46K miles & never been apart other than valve adjust. You can use 20/50 if you need to It will require that you extend you engine warm up time. Otherwise the clutch drags with the heaver oil. 0-40 is probably energy conserving oil NOT RECOMENDED
Conventional 20/50 WILL NOT cause the clutch to slip
 
I'm currently running dino style 20w/50 race oil. Works fine in mine at the temps we've been getting around here lately (75-95deg F). It does require a slightly longer warm up time for the clutch.
 
well i have been using the t6- 5w40

out here the temps have bee around 78 at night and like today 99 for the high . so 15w40 wouldn't hurt with the temps that high .

im really not having a problem with it i cleaned the motor and put the T6 5w40 in it and noticed to was leaking now when before i changed the oil never had a problem with a leak i dont know if it is thinner oil that helped with the leak or washing the motor but i will put the thicker oil in it and see how that works . to tell yall the truth im kinda scared to start pulling parts off there motor never done anything like that and really dont have anybody around here to help if i get in a bind any of yall live close to lexington ,tn if i need help lol
 
Where exactly is the leak coming from? Sounds like a bad gasket and your cleaning and oil change just unplugged a hole that was already there. If it is head gasket not a problem to change...just going to cost you a bit.

Paul
 
this sounds stupid but its the top part of the motor the very top where the half moons are if that makes since
 
Hi,

My half-moons have been through 3 valve adjustments now and are starting to leak a little. I've got extra sets so I'll be replacing them at my next valve check. In fact, I'll probably install them inside-out just to be different. :p


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
hay basscliff do you think the leak could be from the breather hose problem
 
Hi,

If the breather is clogged it could exacerbate the issue.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
That 5W-40 Rotella will be thicker than 15W-40 when the temps are really hot so not sure what you are trying to accomplish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Engine oil problem
Replies
5
Views
104
Rich82GS750TZ
Rich82GS750TZ
martin_montreal
1978 GS750 tires & suspension advice / input
Replies
1
Views
94
salty_monk
salty_monk
brit7.11
GS425 Oil Consumption. Problem?
Replies
14
Views
327
brit7.11
brit7.11
J
1979 GS850 complete - $500 - Rochester NY area - ** SOLD **
Replies
3
Views
73
jeff.saunders
J
oldGSfan
I am looking for some help with my '83 GS1100E fork setup using emulators
Replies
10
Views
257
diptenkrom
D
Back
Top