2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

quick oil question

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Old Apr 7, 2009 | 11:30 PM
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From: Utica, NY
quick oil question

I read in the Hayne's manual that 10w40 or 10w50 were best for temperatures of basically 0 and up, while 10w-30 is best for 0 to 80. And 20w40 and 20w50 only if you are running it in fairly high temperatures.

On the FAQ it says 10w30 from 0 to 80 and 20w50 for fairly high temperatures, which goes in line with the manual, except it doesn't mention 10w-40.

Since It is getting far into spring and probably won't be below 30 anymore I wanted to go for a little thicker oil but 10w40 was the thickest I could find and it said it was good in the manual so I put that in, is it ok to use 10w40? I mean I figured it was but just checking to make sure there was a specific reason why it wasn't mentioned in the FAQ. Thanks a lot for anyone who has any insight.
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Old Apr 8, 2009 | 07:22 PM
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From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Originally Posted by ACE0000
I read in the Hayne's manual that 10w40 or 10w50 were best for temperatures of basically 0 and up, while 10w-30 is best for 0 to 80. And 20w40 and 20w50 only if you are running it in fairly high temperatures.

On the FAQ it says 10w30 from 0 to 80 and 20w50 for fairly high temperatures, which goes in line with the manual, except it doesn't mention 10w-40.

Since It is getting far into spring and probably won't be below 30 anymore I wanted to go for a little thicker oil but 10w40 was the thickest I could find and it said it was good in the manual so I put that in, is it ok to use 10w40? I mean I figured it was but just checking to make sure there was a specific reason why it wasn't mentioned in the FAQ. Thanks a lot for anyone who has any insight.
10w40 is just fine, and is what I would use in your region once Winter is over. A few decades ago the multigrade oils with a large spread like that tended to break down quickly, but they don't do that anymore. The 20w50 would have been OK too, as it is good down to about 20F.
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator
10w40 is just fine, and is what I would use in your region once Winter is over. A few decades ago the multigrade oils with a large spread like that tended to break down quickly, but they don't do that anymore. The 20w50 would have been OK too, as it is good down to about 20F.
Cool, that's what I had hoped, I was also wondering if thicker oil could possibly give a little better gas mileage. I was just thinking this because I wound up getting about 1 mpg or so higher than I have ever gotten since I owned it on my first tank of gas since I changed the oil. I was thinking maybe the thicker oil makes a better seal and the better compression wastes less gas or something but just a theory. And great Avatar btw.
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 06:14 PM
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I run 20w50 except in the winter where I switch to 10w30. No problems with oil pressure or leaks. I don't think changing your oil weight is gonna give you any better mpg.
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by solareon
I run 20w50 except in the winter where I switch to 10w30. No problems with oil pressure or leaks. I don't think changing your oil weight is gonna give you any better mpg.
It was probably just a fluke then I was j/w because I happened to get more mpg on the first tank.
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 09:47 PM
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From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Originally Posted by ACE0000
I was also wondering if thicker oil could possibly give a little better gas mileage.
In general, thinner oil gives better gas mileage, while thicker oil gives better protection. However, there are other factors, such as the specific friction-reducing additives used by the manufacturer. Simply changing out your old, gunked-up oil for new oil will yield better gas mileage.

Originally Posted by ACE0000
And great Avatar btw.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aces_High_(song)
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 10:09 PM
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Evil, your link was missing a closed bracket at the end...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aces_High_(song))
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Evil Aviator
In general, thinner oil gives better gas mileage, while thicker oil gives better protection. However, there are other factors, such as the specific friction-reducing additives used by the manufacturer. Simply changing out your old, gunked-up oil for new oil will yield better gas mileage.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aces_High_(song)
Yeah I know that's the normal case with thinner oil getting better gas mileage, just wondering if maybe rotaries are different since I've only had one for about 2 months now lol.

That is a great song also I actually have the shirt with the same picture on it I got it at Madison Square Garden on their last tour I can't wait for their next album and tour.
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Old Apr 9, 2009 | 11:26 PM
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Originally Posted by pfsantos
Evil, your link was missing a closed bracket at the end...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aces_High_(song))
Well that is interesting. The html code on the wiki page shows only one bracket. Is that an issue with html, wiki, or Vb?

Thanks for pointing it out and fixing it.
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Old Apr 10, 2009 | 12:03 AM
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From: Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Originally Posted by ACE0000
Yeah I know that's the normal case with thinner oil getting better gas mileage, just wondering if maybe rotaries are different since I've only had one for about 2 months now lol.
Fuels and lubricants have about the same effect on rotary engines as they do on piston engines.

Originally Posted by ACE0000
That is a great song also I actually have the shirt with the same picture on it I got it at Madison Square Garden on their last tour I can't wait for their next album and tour.
Yeah, that's one of my favorite songs, plus it suits me well as an icon. I still have my World Slavery Tour long-sleeve and tie-die concert shirts, which are still in pretty good shape despite being older than a lot of the members of this forum.
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