Forum

[Barnes]

Hi all

Can you please advise me on the correct oil to use in my 1960 super meteor. It has just been rebored and I don't want to run it with the wrong oil.

It is filled with 15-40w semi synthetic at the min. Should I change this to a 20-50w mineral oil.

Thank you
Ed

[Dennis C]

Hi Barnes

Asking about oil on here is like walking through a minefield, everyone will give a different opinion. I have a 1959 Super Meteor which I run on 15w40 semi synthetic which suits the bike perfectly, however after I rebuilt it I made the mistake of going strait onto the semi synthetic and the bike was smoking and using excessive oil, I finally realized that it was the oil not allowing the piston ring bed in to the bore, I changed the oil to mineral, changed the rings and de-glazed the bore after about 500 miles the rings had bedded in nicely and I went back to the semi synthetic.

[Bullet Whisperer]

Different opinion 1 - I put a good mineral 20/50 oil in all my bikes and the Enfields get it put into their engines, gearboxes and primary cases. I have no connection with them, but use Morris's oil for my road going machines.

[Midge]

I don't think it will make much difference, but as your engine has been stripped and cleaned of any old sludge it would make sense to continue to use a semi-synthetic oil which performs better then mineral. A personal favorite is the 20/50 sold by Mr.H as I don't use my bike in very cold weather. If you do a lot of particularly cold starts then a thinner grade may be beneficial. You will get many opinions about the subject!

[Barnes]

hi all. thank you for your replies. i knew this was an awkard issue. if i switch to a mineral oil do i need to completly drain every drop of semi-synthetic out before i refill. or doesnt a small amount matter. thanks ed

[PeteF]

No Barnes, just get as much out as possible. The last bit won't matter.

[Gwilly]

Im going to agree with Dennis;) semi synth will just prolong the break in time.. Use cheap 20-50 mineral and change after a few hundred miles..

Again around a thousand and then good quality stuff after 1500 onwards.. check the drainings carefully for excess silvery bits..

Some will be normal on first change but will lessen hopefully on next change, As long as nothing has a part number stamped on it, all will be well..