R51/3 what oil
Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:26 pm
Oh, oh. Now you've done it, you've gone and openned up the wintertime "oil thread".
If you haven't changed the seals in the final drive and transmission, then 30 weight engine oil is recommended. If you have changed the seals in the last 40 years, then you can use GL-4 or, perhaps, GL-5 gear lube. There is a certain amount of controversy about whether the formulation of GL-5 will attack the "yellow metal" -- brass or bronze -- parts.
For the motor, there is endless controversy about whether you should use a) straight weight low or non detergent oils (30 weight summer, 20 weight winter); or b) modern multiweight (20W50) motorcycle or SG rated auto oil; or c) any modern 20W50 oil.
Having laid out the possibilities, I will let others argue for their particular choices.
If you haven't changed the seals in the final drive and transmission, then 30 weight engine oil is recommended. If you have changed the seals in the last 40 years, then you can use GL-4 or, perhaps, GL-5 gear lube. There is a certain amount of controversy about whether the formulation of GL-5 will attack the "yellow metal" -- brass or bronze -- parts.
For the motor, there is endless controversy about whether you should use a) straight weight low or non detergent oils (30 weight summer, 20 weight winter); or b) modern multiweight (20W50) motorcycle or SG rated auto oil; or c) any modern 20W50 oil.
Having laid out the possibilities, I will let others argue for their particular choices.