Winter oil

[doc308]

What is a good oil viscosity to run in the winter months. It's routinely between 32 degrees and 0 all winter long where I am. While I'd normally just put the bike up for the winter, I need to do some work on it and run it during this winter.

[Cotten]

Doc!

I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to run a multi-weight.

The lube problem in winter is water.
If you do not fully recirculate the entire oil volume to a decent heat, it will retain enough moisture for destuctive acids to form. At lower temperatures, you can have water separate and form ice.

So, if the machine only sees service for short hops, you may wish to change lube quite often. Or drain it and cook it for re-use.

Good luck!

....Cotten
PS: Young and foolish, I rode my 450 honda to work at -10F. But I kept the oil in a coffee can on the stove pilot light every night: Started first kick every time!

[doc308]

Given the temperature in this neck of the woods, would 10w30 be appropriate?

I recall ,about 35 years ago, I used to put the official Harley winter oil in my 49 pan in the winter. I don't recall the viscosity, but it was incredibly light and poured like kerosene. The bike started incredibly well on this stuff, even at super low temps.

[john HD]

some say a diesel rated 15w 40 is a good choice.

they sell rotella T by the gallon at the farm stores here.

john

[Frankenstein]

I keep 20-50 Castrol in the bikes Summer and Winter. I routinely start them a couple of times a week, mostly just to keep the Kickin' leg in shape (It sucks getting old) They're in the unheated barn/shop, temps well below freezing. I won't say first kick, but they start. Let them get good and warm then shut them down.
DD

[Panacea]

I tend to do the same thing, only I think it has more to do with the spirit than the leg...Mike

[Billpan58]

you will know when you have a moisture problem....the oil will get milkey looking,not good for the inards.

[Frankenstein]

Right about the spirit I've seen the milky stuff come out of my tranny. Guess it doesn't reach high enough temps to boil off the water.
DD