Mixing Oils

[bristoltriathlonking]

Hi all,

I cecked my oil yesterday, and the 20w50 Rock Oil Guardian had gone down below the sight glass level. I topped up with a bit of semi synthetic 10w40 and rode it to my parents (I was on a trip and hoped to change the oil when I got there).

Alas, I haven't been able to get any appropriate oil.

I have a 100 mile run to get home, would I be doing any really lasting damage to the engine if I run the two oils in the engine for a few hundred miles or am I just being prissy. I guess in the middle of the desert you'd use whatever oil came to hand, so perhaps I'm molly-coddling the GS too much!

Also, what amount of oil does your GS burn up? Mine seems to do about half a litre per thousand miles. I'm sure this is indicative of a problem - anything I should check for? She's going in for a super service soon, so I'll let the mechanic know...

Cheers! L

 

[JJH]

I say no problem lets see what other people say. .5 litre per 1000 miles is not excessive.JJH

 

[MattW]

It won't matter in the slightest. All modern oils are compatible - even if you wanted to change grades or manufacturers you can never be sure you've drained all the previous oil out. Just do your oil change as and when you can get hold of the oil of your choice.

My 38k 1100 uses about 1/3 litre per 1000 miles on a trip which includes lots of motorway - less on more mixed riding. 1/2 litre / 1000 is quite normal.

 

[motobiker]

My usual suggestion to chaps whose bikes are still consuming oil past the 18,000 mile mark is consider switching to MINERAL oil for a year or so.

I was always lead to believe that Boxer engines do best with MINERAL... and that by using 'semi-synth' you are in effect delaying the final part of the running-in process, where the piston rings finally 'bed-in' and oil consumption stops.. like turning off a tap.

I wouldn't use anything but mineral in my bike.

Mixing oils for the purpose of a mere 'top up' isn't a problem.

Incidentally. My bike doesn't consume any. from change to change. Its had nothing but Mineral in it since I first bought it with 13,000 miles on the clock. as with the previous 1100 oil consumption ceased abruptly at around the 18,000 mile mark.

 

[JJH]

I have had 5 oilheads and none of them used oil. I had a 100 gs and that liked a good drop. JJH

 

[Aidjay]

I've been mixing between 10/40 and 20/50 for a while. I run it mostly on 20/50, but when touring, instead of taking oil with me, I buy some on route. 20/50 is not that common, so 10/40 becomes the grade of choice.

My oil consumption is about the same as yours when commuting, 1/2 litre per 1000 miles. When touring, I get around double the mileage.

 

[Lerian]

My consumption is about the same, I see white smoke coming out of the exhaust !!! How big is my problem ?

 

[davegs]

oil / smoke

Only one solution, E BAY QUICK!!

 

[Wrigsby1]

Cue 1/2 of all BM's hitting eBay

It's when they are new that it's a worry. 1/2 litre per 100...

 

[STUBBS]

just do it

 

[Packer]

I realised that my 1150 was due an oil change and I'm at Ripley this weekend which will be close to a 1,000 mile round trip.

Got a filter and crush washer from BMW and decided to use up remnant oils. So about 0.5 litres Halfords bike semi-synth 10W-40, most of the rest 2 remnant car oils, 10W-40 semi-synth both and as I was still a bit short I topped it up with diesel specific semi-synth 10W-40. All conformed to the required BMW spec or better.

I'll let you know if something went wrong on Sunday

Mine has almost stopped using oil since it was serviced by Steppers at 60,000 miles. I wonder if he used mineral oil.

 

[tully]

mineral oil

could someone please suggest a good brand and version mineral oil i could try?

mine seems to use a fair bit of oil

thank you in advance

 

[motobiker]

I don't bother with 'brands' I use wilkos own.. 15w40 £8.50 for 5L.

many on here go on and on about 20w50.. but I've found that difficult to find. (I refuse to pay for postage for engine oil) 15w40 is perfectly suitable for our climate it never goes below -15c in this part of the country.

If you want to use a 'brand' then the other oil I've used was Mobil 'Super M' from halfords.

 

[MattW]

It's quite hard to find a decent spec mineral 20-50 these days - most cars specify lighter oils and we want a car oil.

I use Rock Oil semi-synth 20-50. Oil consumption varies from bugger all to 1/3 litre / 1000 depending on usage. Last I heard Steptoe uses Rock Oil but it was a while ago.

 

[motobiker]

If you're going to use Rock oil.. then go for MINERAL which is available in 20w50

£24.98 including post for a 4L can.


http://www.whitedogbikes.com/item--...Motorcycle-Oil--rock-oil-gamma-20w50-oil.html

 

[MattW]

Each to their own - I prefer the much higher spec and shear tolerance of the semi. Full mineral or semi synth makes no difference at all to the oil consumption on my bike.

I also get it for £14 / 4litres from a guy on here with a trade account at Rock Oil (collection only from the North West unfortunately).

 

[motobiker]

Each to their own - I prefer the much higher spec and shear tolerance of the semi. Full mineral or semi synth makes no difference at all to the oil consumption on my bike.

My biggest concern about using any synth based oil is the additives. BMW specifically say in the manual that they do not approve of any 'upper cylinder lubricant' or similar additives. can you guarantee the oil your using is free of this rubbish?

so for me.. keep it simple. (simple also means cheap - a nice side-effect)

Maybe i pay too much attention to what BMW say rather than the advice i read on this forum. (apart from the little gems from Steptoe) Perhaps that explains why my bikes. (both of them) have been faultless... one breakdown in 13 years. (duff HES)

who knows.

Meanwhile.. i'll continue to use and recommend to any that care. MINERAL.

 

[MattW]

If you 'paid attention' to what BMW currently say, you'd be using part or fully synth And by the way, how the hell do you know what's in the pound shop crap you put in your bike? At least the stuff I use comes from a manufacturer with a good pedigree

 

[JoeC]

Just over 26,000 on my 1150 and still burning oil - half litre to 1000 miles so no worry.
Use mineral but will try semi when I have got rid of my bulk mineral 20/50.

I have no service history to me buying the 02 bike 3 years ago with 6,500 miles on clock so not sure how it was treated before hand. Took the gamble and i am more than happy with the bike except the weight. Stationary dropped it twice now and have really hurt my arms trying to pick it up. Having physio at present and might even sell it to get a smaller GS.

 

[motobiker]

If you 'paid attention' to what BMW currently say, you'd be using part or fully synth And by the way, how the hell do you know what's in the pound shop crap you put in your bike? At least the stuff I use comes from a manufacturer with a good pedigree

Why on earth should I give two hoots what BMW are saying now? Have they said that the 1100 specifically should be run on synth? or semi? Have they had anything to say about the 1100 for the past 10 years? (or 14 since the last update)


no.. I didn't think so.


I will continue to use what I've always used.. and will continue to recommend it based on my own experience over the long term.

If I ever drain the sump and find the engine in bits.. nicely ground. you can be sure i'll be on here. waving my hands in the air saying 'I was wrong'. But... so far nothing.. and thats over the 6years Ive had this particular bike. and the 7 years; its predecessor. I've used 'Wilko' oil all that time... I tried Mobil super M. and noticed no difference. The levels didn't move. I didn't expect them to.

In both bikes oil consumption stopped completely at 18,000 miles. and regardless how its ridden.. it doesn't move from one change to the next. I put that down to using Mineral throughout.

as for 'pound shop crap'

you should read what I said.. its £8.50 for 5L. and thats rather expensive for non branded. (Asdas own is half the price) I've never read anywhere of a car blowing up due to using this oil. In fact quite the contrary... its highly recommended on a lot of forums where the owners car is their pride and joy. And they want a plain Mineral oil with nothing fancy added.

The Mineral I use exceeds the spec that BMW laid out for these bikes. its 'SJ' - perfect.

It takes a bit of a change of mindset for many to recognise that these bikes don't require 'bike' oils... I guess it takes just as much to realise that these bikes need anything fancy at all.. Less in the case of these bikes really does equal more.

the only oil I do not compromise on is the gearbox/FD.

and I use halfords own brand for that.. to great effect.