Break-in

757jetflier · Oct 3, 2013

I've been exercising the "new" Commando, and wondering if it's time for an oil change. Tightened the head bolts 3 times so far, they're now maintaining torque. Exhaust nuts the same. 60 miles of riding so far, including a tango with the "Prince of Darkness" (10 miles from home after dark). So far so good. No major issues. Starts are much easier and more routine.
But, should I let the oil go for another 100, 150 or more miles? Or, go ahead and change it now. BTW, the oil I'm using is Valvoline 20W50 Racing.
Also, does anyone else besides me, run 100LL Avgas ?
Thanks!
Rod

concours · Oct 3, 2013

757jetflier said:
I've been exercising the "new" Commando, and wondering if it's time for an oil change. Tightened the head bolts 3 times so far, they're now maintaining torque. Exhaust nuts the same. 60 miles of riding so far, including a tango with the "Prince of Darkness" (10 miles from home after dark). So far so good. No major issues. Starts are much easier and more routine.
But, should I let the oil go for another 100, 150 or more miles? Or, go ahead and change it now. BTW, the oil I'm using is Valvoline 20W50 Racing.
Also, does anyone else besides me, run 100LL Avgas ?
Thanks!
Rod

Hi, welcome! I'm on Avgas, local GA grass field has it. Oil change can't be done too often, change it if you feel better, but realistically, probably go a couple hundred miles. Valvoline VR-1 is an accepted good oil for these engines.
My favorite way to flip off the Prince of Darkness.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRIUMPH-NORTON- ... 1107144708

Hobot · Oct 3, 2013

There should never be a time of most crap to be rid of in oil than the first 50 miles or so of initial break in so get rid of it now and run the next oil 1000 miles or more as break in is done if ya ain't smoking and its not making bad noises. Check sump magnet for sense of collection to go by later. Cut open oil filter exam is also educational at this stage. Tranny oil also should be changed after a new break in too.

wakeup · Oct 3, 2013

I agree with previous posters. Look on oil changes as cheap insurance, keep up with the good/best quality oil as well!!
cheers
wakeup

Hobot · Oct 4, 2013

jetfighrer knows he needs to change oil often as he can but yoose guys have left him in the dark on - [wait for it...]

which oil is best for our Norton Commandos today.

757jetflier · Oct 4, 2013

I know that line. The only oil I could find that wasn't synth or labeled "Autozone" was the VR 20W50. I always run Dinosaur in my Air/Oil cooled hardware for the heat dissipation properties versus synth. Liquid cooled gets the laboratory grade. Asking the question, wondering about the amount of crapola now versus in another hundred or so. Gauging opinion mostly. We should have an arm wrestling contest to see which is the best brand oil, winner gets to buy 5 gallons a year for the rest of us!
Rod

DogT · Oct 4, 2013

Other oil recommended is Mobile V-Twin. About 4x as much as the VR-1 but the important thing is the ZDDP.

I use BP110LL from the local airport because of my F/G tank. Doesn't seem to clog anything up mainly because it evaporates so fast, but it does leave a blue coating on things.

Dave
69S

rx7171 · Oct 4, 2013

757jetflier said:
I've been exercising the "new" Commando, and wondering if it's time for an oil change. Tightened the head bolts 3 times so far, they're now maintaining torque. Exhaust nuts the same. 60 miles of riding so far, including a tango with the "Prince of Darkness" (10 miles from home after dark). So far so good. No major issues. Starts are much easier and more routine.
But, should I let the oil go for another 100, 150 or more miles? Or, go ahead and change it now. BTW, the oil I'm using is Valvoline 20W50 Racing.
Also, does anyone else besides me, run 100LL Avgas ?
Thanks!
Rod

Looks like the valvoline is right on when it comes to zinc/phosphorous content needed by these engines.
http://www.valvoline.com/products/consu ... tor-oil/6/

DogT · Oct 4, 2013

Looks like you have to request the "not street legal' VR1 racing oil. http://www.valvoline.com//products/cons ... otor-oil/9

I've been trying to find the zddp levels for the Mobile 1 V twin vs the VR1 'not street legal' but have not been that successful. Maybe someone has.

Dave

rx7171 · Oct 4, 2013

DogT said:
Looks like you have to request the "not street legal' VR1 racing oil. http://www.valvoline.com//products/cons ... otor-oil/9

I've been trying to find the zddp levels for the Mobile 1 V twin vs the VR1 'not street legal' but have not been that successful. Maybe someone has.

Dave

Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil contains .13 percent of zinc and .12 percent of phosphorus compared to the Valvoline "Not Street Legal" Racing Oil which contains .14 percent of zinc and .13 percent of phosphorus.

Mobile 1 V-Twin Phosphorous 1600 PPM ( .16 % ) Zinz 1750 PPM ( .175% )

So V-Twin has more than both VR1 and Not Street Legal

DogT · Oct 4, 2013

Thanks, I still can't find the link to the Mobile 1 V-Twin data sheet for the zddp, where did you find it? It's about the same price as the VR1 at $10/qt. BTW, so that's a no brainer.

I think Jim C. recommends the V-Twin. It's syn too where the VR1, as I read, is is not, so it should hold up to temps better/longer.

Dave

rx7171 · Oct 4, 2013

DogT said:
Thanks, I still can't find the link to the Mobile 1 V-Twin data sheet for the zddp, where did you find it? It's about the same price as the VR1 at $10/qt. BTW, so that's a no brainer.

I think Jim C. recommends the V-Twin. It's syn too where the VR1, as I read, is is not, so it should hold up to temps better/longer.

Dave

Here it is dave.
You have to convert the PPM to percentage by dividing PPM by 100,000,000
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Mot ... _Guide.pdf

DogT · Oct 5, 2013

Thanks, that clears it up for me.

frankdamp · Oct 5, 2013

I know it sounds dumb, but if your'e searching for Mobil engine oil and using "Mobile" as your search term, that may be why you're not finding it.

Break-in

Similar threads