Follower scar oil tests (2018)

[Fast Eddie]

Just wanting to bring this oil thread back onto, well, oil...

I can’t find MPT oil in the U.K. anywhere, let alone 20/60 motorcycle oil. Anyone know of a source this side of the pond?

 

[comnoz]

I am waiting on a bottle of Redline 20-60 motorcycle oil. Maybe it will do as well -I don't know.
That and more arbor races. My supply went fast...

 

[APRRSV]

New results listed in post Number 3

Incredible range!

Hi Jim,
I think your tests are a wonderful service for the Norton community. That is why I donated oil and $ to your effort.
Please forgive my naivety about oil specs and how they relate to engine protection in general, but one question I have is how broadly the results of the follower scar test can be carried over to the many other friction/wear points of the Norton engine.
For instance, is it possible that I could use the "best" oil as determined by the follower scar test and soon find that my rings, cam bushings, valve guides, or main bearings etc. destruct in a relatively short time?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[comnoz]

Hi Jim,
I think your tests are a wonderful service for the Norton community. That is why I donated oil and $ to your effort.
Please forgive my naivety about oil specs and how they relate to engine protection in general, but one question I have is how broadly the results of the follower scar test can be carried over to the many other friction/wear points of the Norton engine.
For instance, is it possible that I could use the "best" oil as determined by the follower scar test and soon find that my rings, cam bushings, valve guides, or main bearings etc. destruct in a relatively short time?

Thanks,
Ed

I do not think that is a possibility, as long as the oil holds it's load as the miles accumulate.
The only two oils here that have proven that ability to me has been Mobile 1 v-twin and Royal Purple XPR.
But I would really expect any of the better oils to do as well [or better] -and I plan to find out for sure given time.

PS, I do appreciate the donations. They have allowed me to take this testing to a new level. Jim

 

[o0norton0o]

For a while I tried Schaeffer 50w parrafin based oil.

Here's the link Jim, I wonder if you are familiar with it, and have an opinion on it already?
Broken link removed

 

[comnoz]

Six more results added at post #9

I smell bean oil.

 

[comnoz]

For a while I tried Schaeffer 50w parrafin based oil.

Here's the link Jim, I wonder if you are familiar with it, and have an opinion on it already?

Broken link removed

I had never heard of it till now. I see they have a parrafin based and a synthetic. I will see if I can round some up.

 

[xbacksideslider]

I had heard that too, now I know that...

There are a lot of older aircraft engines that still use flat tappets. Of course they run low rpm and low valve spring pressures. They do report a lot of cam problems also.

Affordable piston engine aircraft technology is stuck in the 1930s because of the FAA. Regulations are a barrier to innovation and to would be competitors' entry. Air cooled, leaded gas, flat tappets, push rods, magnetos . . . .

 

[Junglebiker]

I didn't see Castrol Edge Sport 25W50 anywhere? Maybe it's not available in the USA? Admittedly I've only ever gotten it from Australia.

The stuff I am thinking of used to be called Edge Sport 20W50, and before that it was called Formula R and before that it was called GP50.

 

[comnoz]

I didn't see Castrol Edge Sport 25W50 anywhere?

I haven't either. I don't see it available in this area.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Hi Jim,

Nice to see R40 performing so well! As a low mileage / high stress kinda user, it’s got me thinking about using it in my 920 motor.

Jim, the MPT oil seems remarkably good, almost unbelievably so in fact. Have you considered the possibility of some kind of amomily? Would a re test be worth considering?

What’s prompted me to ask is that it looks SO good. And to make matters worse, it is not available in Europe anywhere (I checked with MPT) !

Of course, all of the above thoughts are pending awaiting the testing of Redline...!

 

[Peter R]

Very interesting indeed, although many of the oils tested here are unknown/unavailable here in Europe.
I always used BelRay EXP 20W50, (not sure if this is a known brandname in the States) and was pleasantly surprised how good the cam lobes and tappets looked when I took the cylinder off after approx 90.000km. I have to add that oil was always changed on a regular basis (4000km) and the filter was replaced with every oil change.

 

[marinatlas]

Right now, according to present results, and waiting for more oils to be tested , the more easy to get in Europe (-or say France ) is Motul 300v 20w60, tho I had bought Redline 20w50 but only in std grade cause the motorcycle one is not available through the French dealer..........but here on the forum we are only a couple of frogs, and some are UK born..!!

 

[Fast Eddie]

Royal Purple is available quite easily in Europe.

If Redline fails the test, that might become my new ‘standard’ oil.

Although I’m still contemplating R for the 920...

 

[guest76]

I love the smell of Castrol R, but doesn’t it go a bit too thick in our British winters?
If that’s the case, I’d be concerned that it wouldn’t get to the top end fast enough on a cold start, and it would be thin enough to splash the cam.
Although, that being the case, it would certainly slow down wet sumping.

Nigel, you’ll have to keep a little heater under the bike!

 

[trident sam]

I haven't either. I don't see it available in this area.

Jim, Have you done tests on Royal Purple HPS 20/50 . In the UK it's about half the cost of the XPR which is very expensive ?
sam

 

[oldbeezer]

Although I’m still contemplating R

I suggest you do some research first, if I'm not mistaken it does not mix with other types of oils.
I think it would be best to let a mate use the R40 and ride behind him. That way you get to smell it.

 

[Fast Eddie]

Yes I'm aware of the shortcomings of R...

Its a new build motor I'm considering using it in though, so no 'mixing' issues (although I'm pretty sure the mixing issue is over hyped, as I've done it before with no apparent ill effect).

Yes its horribly thick in cold climates, but the 920 will be a summer ride.

Yes it breaks down over high mileage, but the 920 wont be a touring bike.

Its only a thought, overall I'd prefer to stick with Redline or Royal Purple, but will continue to watch Jims findings with interest.

 

[ILLF8ED]

The oil that Alan tested was not the v-twin oil.
It was car oil and is not even close to the v-twin as far as performance in an air cooled engine.

Hi Jim

I know Redline has a V Twin formula....air cooled as does Harley oil. What other oil vendors sell this? I used Redline V Twin.
You are right about Alan’s oils were for cars. I think that was all that was available in 1993.

 

[oldbeezer]

although I'm pretty sure the mixing issue is over hyped, as I've done it before with no apparent ill effect

WHAT! what are you saying? I read somewhere on the internet......... Glad to hear you've had no problems mixing it. It is difficult to determine if what one has heard or read is someone's idea or fact. This thread definitely falls in the fact column. (Thanks Jim)
But I still think bean oil is best enjoyed riding behind someone who is using it so you can smell it.