A65 which oil

[panman]

what engine oil should I use in my 1963 Star,  having just bought it I am going to do an oil change, would a good 10/40 be ok or should I stick to 20/50 as per books

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

Do you know what oil has been used in it before and how many miles has it done since last rebuild and does it have an external spin on filter?

Dave.

[panman]

Hi Dave,  bike doesn't have external filter and I have no service history.  I ran my C15 on 10/40 changing oil often with no problems JIM

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Jim,

It may be best to run with a classic oil as you do not know how clean the sludge trap is.  A modern oil contains detergent to keep contaminants in circulation to be removed by a filter.  It is possible that such an oil could mobilise sludge caught in the sludge trap with potential problems. 
Regardless it is probably a good idea to fit a filter to keep the oil clean.

Dave.

[chaz]

I prefer Castrol  XXL40, always have done in my classic rebuilds or customer rebuilds, It was re created for classic car rebuilders. Likewise I use Harley's own oils in their engines

[panman]

thanks for your input, I'm new to the forum and finding it very useful,   So do I go for a straight 40, or 20/50  or ?  or is it a personal thing?

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

To a large extent it is as there are many ideas as to the best oil.  The most important thing is regular changes and using a good quality oil.

Dave.

[panman]

Hi, yes your right regular oil changes more often than specified is always the way to go.  i'm also looking for external oil filter kit to fit.  As I said above I used a good 10/40 in my c15ss which was fitted with high compression piston  and had no problem but I might go for the 20/50  JIM

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

Paul Goff does a kit complete with the extra pipe, clips etc.

Dave.

[chaz]

if you can make your own bracket and have pipe and clips, Im selling this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165735001498 comes with mount and two filters , Ive got a couple of kits £30 each to the forum posted.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

That's a good deal as the filters can cost nearly £10 retail.

Dave.

[panman]

Hi     thanks for offer of filter kit but iv'e already ordered one, 

[PeterR]

Hi all, I have posted a few queries elsewhere under 'A65 lightning big end replacement', and have received some really helpful responses (thank you Dave and Bess), but I am also keen to use the right oil and most likely I will install an external filter as well.  Given that during the rebuild I will have cleaned out the sludge trap (it wasn't actually very dirty given that the bike had done less that 10k miles since the last rebuild) is there a preferred oil for the rebuilt engine?  Also, I can order a Commando external oil filter - would this be suitable and if so is attaching it to the lower rear engine mount the preferred location?  I did see the sketch prepared by Bess but am not actually sure of how this actually attaches to the filter?  All suggestions gratefully received.

[DAVE BRADY]

Good morning,

I believe that the Paul Goff filter kit comes with the bracket.  There is a photo on his website.

With a rebuild I would say it is a good idea to use a 'running in oil'.  Such oil is formulated to help with the bedding in process of main bush, big ends and piston rings. It is also a good idea to have the filter fitted from the start.

My procedure is to use the running oil for maybe the first 100 to 150 miles and change the oil.  Then, assuming it is a 5ltr can, mix the rest half and half with a 20/50 and run that for few hundred miles and then change the oil and use any remaining running in oil and 20/50.  After this run the 20/50 but do an early change.  The filter will still be usable but after 2000m miles do another complete oil change and replace the filter.  As you are fitting a filter an oil with detergent is good as it carries any contaminants to the filter rather that leaving them to get pumped around the engine to eventually accumulate in the sludge trap.
There is quite bit of info. re running in but generally do not labour the engine or rev it too much.  Use the gears to keep it turning easily and gradually increase the load and acceleration as the miles clock up.  Keep this process up for about 2000 miles and if done well your engine will last a lot miles.  It is also worth fitting a sump plate with a magnetic plug.  This attracts any ferrous sludge which would be taken out by the filter but takes it out of the oil before it goes through the pump.

Dave.

[Rob Neal]

Hi. As a newbie to British bikes in general and my A65 restoration in particular, the 'which oil' discussion has been really useful.  So much so I ordered the spin on filter kit from Chaz straight away!  Rob