classic motorcycle forum
Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: pulhamdown on March 02, 2010, 11:01:17 AM
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Hi. Anyone out there who can tell me what engine oil to use in a 1927 BSA 500 sidevalve?
I`m guessing it will be a monograde ie SAE 30 or 40, but should it be high or low detergent?
BTW, whilst I`m at it, what about gearbox oil? Any help appreciated. The previous owner used Silkolene SAE 40 for the engine.
Colin
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Out here in Australia we typically use monograde low detergent oils in vintage engines. 50 weight is most common, but it's generally hotter out here than in the UK so 40 might be better for your application. I wouldn't use a high detergent oil unless the motor is freshly rebuilt. Just a comment: Long ago I had a BSA Sloper that carried its oil in a reservoir in the crankcase casting. The oil got reasonably hot in there, so if your bike happens to be a sloper you might look at a heavier grade. If the gearbox has oil seals in the bearings, any heavyweight gear oil should be OK. I think BSA gearboxes have a level plug, so don't overfill or it will come out everywhere!
Leon
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Hi. Thanks for that. My bike is a flat tank sidevalve with the "oil tank" in the petrol tank. Total loss lubrication, so I reckon a low detergent SAE 40 will be fine. Thanks
Colin