Mixing oils when topping up - do or don't?

[Bikermike1411]

Hi everyone,

I'm going away to Scotland tomorrow on the 1150. The oil is about 1/3 from the bottom of the sight glass, but i'd like it to be topped up before I go. I discovered this morning that i have a smaller filter wrench than the BMW one (a whopping 73mm it seems), and i'm struggling to find one locally. I have a chain whip and a filter removal band, but i'm not convinced i'll get either around the filter because the filter is below flush with the bottom of the engine (unless anyone else can tell me otherwise - I didn't even try this morning as I was already in my work clothes).

I'm not going to faff around too much tonight either - i'll try euro car parts and BBC in Accrington to see if they have a suitable 73mm cup socket, as well as a couple of places in Blackburn on the off chance. If they can't help, i'll order one online and do it when I get back on Monday. There is oil in, so I think i'll be right for the trip. However, I would at least like to top it up.

I know the last oil change was '20w/50 castrol' from the last service invoice. That's it. I don't know if it was semi/fully synth.

What can I safely top it up with? I don't know anything about mixing oil types. I'm struggling (seriously) to locate any 'castrol 20/50' off the shelf around here. I only want a litre!

If I can find any 20/50 oil to top up with will it do, regardless of brand or semi/fully syth, or is there a chance i'll do more harm than good? If I can't find any, can I top up with more easily available 10/40 or 15/40 oil?

Thanks in advance!
Mike

 

[gog]

You wont get a chain or band on it, too far recessed. However if its had a filter change at last service topping it up with 10/40 or 15/40 semi will be just fine IMO. Manufacturers will maybe tell you different but ive never had a problem, and neither has anyone i know. Get the right cup filter wrench and change both the oil and filter when you get back.

 

[Tractors are go]

If, it was serviced by bmw it should be synthetic.

Any reputable oil that's 20/50 or 10/40 will do.

Get 5 litres, top up and you've got enough for the filer change.

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Tapatalk

 

[Chris600v]

Hi Mike,
If the last service was June 2016 at Roy Gardners, I'm sure he used Castrol Power 1, which is a semi-synth. Top up with something of similar viscosity & it'll be fine. Better to start with the level near the top, as they can use a little on the motorway! If you get stuck for the filter wrench, give me a call when you get back, I think I've still got mine
Have a good trip!!
Chris

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Just use what you can........... any decent 10/40 or 20/50 semi synth will do fine