Engine oil reccs

[jimlaman]

I am in the process of looking for a naked Wing, and found one about 4 hours from my house. The guy said that it has some white smoke on start up (has been sitting mainly, not run much) and that he put 20w-50 in it after an oil change. The smoke seems to be "not unusual" from what I have read. But, it seems to me that 10w-30 or close would be the way to go for engine oil, if I understood him correctly anyway. This is a 76 w/about 20,000 on it. Any concerns? Do I dare ride it home on 20w-50 or should I change the oil before I buy it, if I do? I have not had a Wing before (currently on a CB750) so don't have access to recommended weights of oil, hence my post. Any help for a newbie appreciated!

Thanks, you may be hearing more from me!

jim in MI

[Dave B]

Hi Jim,

Not sure about oil weight, I think 10w-40 is recommended. If the 20w-50 that's in it now is more than a few months old, you might want to change it due to age, regardless of weight. I think the stuff breaks down just sitting. If it was me, I'd probably change it before riding the 4 hours back home.

As far as smoke upon start up is concerned, it's pretty common, especially after resting on the side stand. Seems some oil sneaks past the gap in the rings and into the cylinders. I belive later models used pinned rings to eliminate the problem. But I usually associate white smoke with coolant burning, rather than oil, so you may want to follow up on that.

Good luck,

Dave

[Bandanna]

WELCOME JIM TO NGW.........

YOU MAY FIND THE "WHITE SMOKE" ON STARTUP MAY BE THE REMNANTS OF VARNISH RESIDUE IN THE CARBURETTORS DUE TO OLD GAS SITTING IN THE TANK+CARB BOWLS.........

TRY FRESH GASOLINE,AND CLEAN THE CARBS OUT. YOU MAY FIND THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE SMOKE..
ALSO DOES THE EXHAUST SYSTEM HAVE A COLLECTOR BOX?

THIS ALSO MAY FILL UP WITH GUNGE+CAUSE SMOKING TOO.....

IN ANY CASE,YOU MAY WELL WANT TO CHANGE ALL THE COOLANT,OILS+TRANSMISSION OIL+FILTERS(INCLUDING FUEL) BEFORE YOU PROCEED ON THE ROAD WITH IT.........

[Dougal]

It may take a while, Firstly checkthe coolant level by removing the radiator cap. This will show the water level is OK. Also check the inside of the radiator and cap for oil sludge.
Check the engine runs OK,get it warm and then allow it to cool for 30-45 mins. Remove the sparkplugs andwhile holding some tissue over the plug holes,turn the engine over with the engine kill switch in the OFF position. You may find water will come out of the plug holes.
Be carefull, the owner may have changed the oil to get rid of any coolant in the oil.
If the abovetests show water or water contamination, a head gsket may be `blown'. This may not be to much of a disaster,provided the engine has not been used to much.
Also consider if you want to buy a bike if the owner is trying to hide a blown head gasket.

Dougal

[jimlaman]

Thanks guys! This gives me some ideas as I go look at it, and I may see what I can do to get fluids changed before I take it out. My only fear is a head gasket, but I have to ride it home, so I am going to cross my fingers. Any other ideas are appreciated.

Jim in MI

93 NH750 (soon to be for sale)
71 SL350
76 GL1000 (coming?)

[Try]

Thanks guys! This gives me some ideas as I go look at it, and I may see what I can do to get fluids changed before I take it out. My only fear is a head gasket, but I have to ride it home, so I am going to cross my fingers. Any other ideas are appreciated.

Hello and welcome aboard jimlaman, I think you have got some very
good advice and ideas from our fellow members. Go ahead and have
a look on it.

[Frenchy]

Jim,
I don't see a problem with a 20W-50 in the warm month/s here in Michigan (August & sometimes July ).

My main concern: Is it motorcycle oil?
Standard motor oit will froth up, & will not properly lubricate your clutch plates.
Motorcycle oil is designed to not froth up.

[Dougal]

Re engine oil. The main problemwith modern motor car oil is that it has got friction modifiers in it. These are not good for a wet clutch, which cars dont have, and the oil is designed for just engines, the wing uses the same oil for the gearbox as well.
Honda state 10W40 oil as a standard,but also say 20W50 can be used in hotter climates (cetainlly doetn apply in the UK) .

Dougal