Been reading about ZDDP in modern engine oils ( and being reduced in old oils) or rather lack of it.. Tis being removed as the Catalytic converters don't like it and the change to roller cam followers. ...if you have flat cam followers. . Anyone use an additive or an oil that contains it? Its enough to put me off reading.
Well for a start it's a bit of an internet myth - show me some cams and followers you can prove were damaged by lack of ZDDP and not some other reason. 2nd, the oil companies cover their arse and are using other additives to take the job of ZDDP. For me, I'm using Valvoline XLD Classic in 20-50 - SG rated, that's pre all the bullshit....should have good ZDDP according to them. I'll be doing an oil change soon and get a UOA done, then I'll know for sure. My last oil was Castrol Edge sport 25-50 - made for high power pushrod flat tappet engines (V8's). I had a UOA done, and nothing fancy in the additive package, no extra zinc or moly.
When Franklin Cams did the wobbly bits for Winston they stressed I had to use a high Zinc or Zddp oil or the cams would be buggered in very short order. One day I will get the chance to put this to the test if the bloody parts ever arrive from the US. Beemers will run on axle grease so it won't worry you guys, I'll take cover now. In coming .
Which oil should I use in the front forks of the R80RT?
I'm not sure, I got some 10W from the bike shop. I think BMW recommend less than this. Also they used to take just over 250 ml meaning you had to buy over 500 mls.......
BMW's recommendation is for Shell Aerofluid, which is a light hydraulic oil with a viscosity just under 5w as far as I've been able to determine. My last encounter with this stuff was in my 90S, and after only three years, it had gone very black and wasn't lubricating very well any more. I've replaced it with Motul synthetic 5w, and although pricey, it's very good IMHO. Some guys prefer 7.5w in airhead front ends, others use anything up to 15w, some use ATF, and generally the opinions are all over the map. As the yanks would say, YMMV . . .
Thanks John & Nick. I have tracked down some Motul at Cycletreads and although it is expensive the extra $10 is not such a penalty if it works properly. Rhys
I've always used ATF, pretty damn cheap where I work....I have used fancy packaging fork oil, and have never been able to talk myself into any improvement.
That is good to know Motu ... thanks
Whenever I change ''fork'' oil it's always dirty, ATF almost never is. That can mean almost anything, but I like draining oil that looks good.
Thats because fork oil is busy cleaning, damping, and protecting the forks.....the ATF is going " WTF are we doing in here!!" I use ATF in the Norton Primary makes leak finding easier....Black is engine, red is primary, green is tranny, none is cause for concern....
