Using Oil

[Duane Ausherman]

Duane - my wife taught me how to see behind me; it's secret for school teachers and mothers

I use Castrol 20W50 oil. Normally change at 5,000 miles.

I've pondered doing a leak-down test before. Bought a gauge - just never got around to doing it.

Need to finish the master-bath remodel before I get deeply involved in my bike, or else will lose the ability to sleep well.

The gold sticker goes to PAS for his correct answer. The rider can't see the amount of smoke resulting from that low of consumption. If you can look behind you and see smoke, you are probably burning at least a quart in 500 miles, probably less miles.

My mother wasn't a teacher, but she had eyes in the back of her head just like a teacher.

[SteveD]

I use Castrol 20W50 oil. Normally change at 5,000 miles.

When should the recommended oil change be done? 5000mile or 5000kms?

[Major Softie]

I use Castrol 20W50 oil. Normally change at 5,000 miles.

When should the recommended oil change be done? 5000mile or 5000kms?

5k miles is fine. 5k kms is even better.

Of course, it depends on how fast you put those miles on. If you only put a couple thousand a year on the bike, then changing at least once a year is better.

[ME 109]

The gold sticker goes to PAS for his correct answer.

What a rip off.

It used to be 'gold stars' PAS, and now it's just a sticker.
I don't want one anymore.

[PAS]

The gold sticker goes to PAS for his correct answer.

What a rip off.

It used to be 'gold stars' PAS, and now it's just a sticker.
I don't want one anymore.

Looks like I got an "Old Snicker"

[Duane Ausherman]

I guess that I was in a hurry, cause I meant gold star, not sticker. I would give ME two stars.

[Steve in Golden]

I guess that I was in a hurry, cause I meant gold star, not sticker. I would give ME two stars.

Or some scones?

[Manfred]

I would prefer an apple fritter, but haven't earned one.

I did find Duane's web page on top end issues, titled: BMW motorcycle piston ring compressor.

I replaced the pushrod seals a year ago and everything worked fine when I put it back together, so I might take each side apart, one at a time, and clean up the pistons, etc. But first, I need to have someone follow me at night to determine when I'm blowing smoke.

Which is easier to remedy - rings or valve guides?

[jtoml]

Some light aircraft engines (horizontally opposed fours) go through oil quickly if you fill them to the top. It blows out the breather tube. At 3/4 full, they stabilize at whatever their consumption actually is. Has anybody noticed this with airheads?

[PAS]

Most airheads are happy half way between the full and add mark.