Author Topic: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.  (Read 39004 times)

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Offline dave the welder

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #75 on: July 20, 2016, 06:27:44 PM »
thanks
don't buy it build it

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #76 on: October 20, 2016, 03:27:52 AM »
Beware...one post member... I smell a malicious website
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Offline Scott S

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #77 on: October 20, 2016, 03:33:40 AM »
Beware...one post member... I smell a malicious website

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Offline Nagoshak

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #78 on: April 04, 2018, 01:32:04 PM »
I have a cb500 four and wondered what the best oil to use, I'm in the uk

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #79 on: April 05, 2018, 09:26:28 AM »
 ThatThere are lots of oil threads and it is a common "flamebait" topic that comes up when people's strong opinions are voiced.

Look at this thread and determine if you want to use one of the recommended MOTORCYCLE oils which are discussed.  Individuals have discussed what they have observed after switching to a better oil with a good zinc package.
AVOID energy conserving and friction modifier oils as they are bad for our pushrod  sohc motors. After SF the zinc started dropping for all oils except those for motorcycles BUT not all motor cycle oils have the zinc and phosphorus and other additives that help our motors not wear quickly. So, read the thread, take notes for those you can easily get, belray and motul come to mind.  Spectro being a us oil make.  Through Amazon you can get just about anything if you wish to pay the price to get it to you...

Good luck
and ask questions about specifics and it is better...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline HondaMan

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #80 on: April 05, 2018, 06:55:54 PM »
I have a cb500 four and wondered what the best oil to use, I'm in the uk

In the UK, the Motul and Castrol XLR have a good reputation for these engines.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
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Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

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Offline Marks78

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #81 on: June 17, 2018, 03:17:16 PM »
Got to looking for Spectro and found Dennis Kirk sells a good variety of Spectro products by the liter or case. Free shipping on orders over $89.
Current Stable:
1978 CB750K
1982 XT200J
1982 XJ1100 Maxim
1985 V30 Magna
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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #82 on: June 17, 2018, 05:28:46 PM »
Does a gallon or case of oil have to ship under a hazmat label?  If so, they may have it shipped free except the up charge on the hazmat label...would be nice to think it would ship free.  Buy 90 of oil to protect against future price increases.  Let's not debate current and future value of money.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2018, 06:00:36 PM by RAF122S »
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Offline Marks78

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #83 on: June 18, 2018, 10:18:38 AM »
Just ordered a case from Dennis Kirk and there was no mention of hazmat shipping charges. They did say it could not be shipped via Air mail. Shipping was free for over $89 order. Supposed to arrive at my place this Thursday.
Current Stable:
1978 CB750K
1982 XT200J
1982 XJ1100 Maxim
1985 V30 Magna
1998 VT1100 Spirit
2006 GoldWing

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #84 on: June 18, 2018, 10:47:14 AM »
Im going to stick up for Rotella T4 and ZDDP plus. Ken at Cycle X recommended the ZDDP to be added to a gallon of Rotella. I am running this combination in my race bike this year and so far no shifting issues or clutch slipping. Comes out to about $23 for an oil change plus filter. I can change it more often now (race bike and all) and not have the wallet hurt nearly as bad.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

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Rickman CR Parts Kit Refresh: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154837.0.html
AHRMA CB750 Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158461.0.html
AHRMA Superbike Heavyweight Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173120.0.html
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Offline HondaMan

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #85 on: June 19, 2018, 06:17:16 PM »
Im going to stick up for Rotella T4 and ZDDP plus. Ken at Cycle X recommended the ZDDP to be added to a gallon of Rotella. I am running this combination in my race bike this year and so far no shifting issues or clutch slipping. Comes out to about $23 for an oil change plus filter. I can change it more often now (race bike and all) and not have the wallet hurt nearly as bad.

Yeah, no kidding:3 years ago I bought a case of the BelRay EXL at the peak of the prices, $32 per gallon alone! 
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline piefairy

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #86 on: June 23, 2018, 09:25:23 PM »
I have been reading this topic and still I am not sure how much additive to put in my oil... I am running Pennzoil high millage 10w-30. I do not have alot of miles on the bike, but I get a crunch in shifting which is what led me here. zddp+ seems to be the choice on here, but is one bottle (4oz) to much?

Thanks in advance

Just bought your book Hondaman! Thanks for all the effort!


Offline slikwilli420

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #87 on: June 24, 2018, 07:46:12 PM »
I have been reading this topic and still I am not sure how much additive to put in my oil... I am running Pennzoil high millage 10w-30. I do not have alot of miles on the bike, but I get a crunch in shifting which is what led me here. zddp+ seems to be the choice on here, but is one bottle (4oz) to much?

Thanks in advance

Just bought your book Hondaman! Thanks for all the effort!

Is that car oil? If so get rid of it. I add one small bottle of zinc to each gallon.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

Vintage Speed Parts Mashup: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133638.0
Rickman CR Parts Kit Refresh: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154837.0.html
AHRMA CB750 Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158461.0.html
AHRMA Superbike Heavyweight Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173120.0.html
'76F CB750 Patina Redemption: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,174871.0.html

Offline HondaMan

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #88 on: July 02, 2018, 06:36:01 PM »
I have been reading this topic and still I am not sure how much additive to put in my oil... I am running Pennzoil high millage 10w-30. I do not have alot of miles on the bike, but I get a crunch in shifting which is what led me here. zddp+ seems to be the choice on here, but is one bottle (4oz) to much?

Thanks in advance

Just bought your book Hondaman! Thanks for all the effort!

That oil is FAR too light for any of these SOHC4 engines. If it is the 750, use 20w50 unless it's wintertime. You can sneak by for short-haul in-town riding on the smaller Fours with 15w40 or 20w40 diesel oils, but even 10w40 is too light for summer use in any of these bikes.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline Gurp

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #89 on: July 03, 2018, 09:22:46 AM »
Im going to stick up for Rotella T4 and ZDDP plus. Ken at Cycle X recommended the ZDDP to be added to a gallon of Rotella. I am running this combination in my race bike this year and so far no shifting issues or clutch slipping. Comes out to about $23 for an oil change plus filter. I can change it more often now (race bike and all) and not have the wallet hurt nearly as bad.

Yeah, no kidding:3 years ago I bought a case of the BelRay EXL at the peak of the prices, $32 per gallon alone!


Hondaman what is your opinion on Rotella T6 for a 550/500 4?
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #90 on: July 24, 2018, 06:53:32 PM »
Im going to stick up for Rotella T4 and ZDDP plus. Ken at Cycle X recommended the ZDDP to be added to a gallon of Rotella. I am running this combination in my race bike this year and so far no shifting issues or clutch slipping. Comes out to about $23 for an oil change plus filter. I can change it more often now (race bike and all) and not have the wallet hurt nearly as bad.

Yeah, no kidding:3 years ago I bought a case of the BelRay EXL at the peak of the prices, $32 per gallon alone!


Hondaman what is your opinion on Rotella T6 for a 550/500 4?

I don't know what the T6 type is?
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #91 on: July 26, 2018, 11:55:28 AM »
T6 is the full synthetic version to T4. Run the T4 as its a bit cheaper, still a great oil. I know guys like expensive motorcycle oils but I really dont think its necessary. I change my oil (especially with a still very new engine) after every race weekend. The Rotella has the required specs for our engines, and boosted with more zinc makes for a great recipe.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

Vintage Speed Parts Mashup: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133638.0
Rickman CR Parts Kit Refresh: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154837.0.html
AHRMA CB750 Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158461.0.html
AHRMA Superbike Heavyweight Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173120.0.html
'76F CB750 Patina Redemption: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,174871.0.html

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #92 on: July 27, 2018, 06:21:01 PM »
T6 is the full synthetic version to T4. Run the T4 as its a bit cheaper, still a great oil. I know guys like expensive motorcycle oils but I really dont think its necessary. I change my oil (especially with a still very new engine) after every race weekend. The Rotella has the required specs for our engines, and boosted with more zinc makes for a great recipe.

Certainly the "more zinc" part is a good thing for ours: I haven't yet been able to keep the synthetics inside my 750 yet(!) because it seeps out thru the paper gaskets after a while. It washes off pretty easily, though.

Our member Ofreen has been using the Golden Spectro synthetic for a long time: he only has a small weep somewhere that comes and goes. When I used the synthetics in mine, it made puddles under it, though, mostly from the left side as it was parked, and the cam coverall around. It sure was smooth-shifting, though!
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #93 on: July 28, 2018, 11:09:54 AM »
Mark,

Have you tried Kenny's gaskets from CycleX? Coated metal. I just picked up a bunch as I needed a valve cover replacement. 
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline ofreen

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #94 on: July 29, 2018, 05:45:00 PM »

Our member Ofreen has been using the Golden Spectro synthetic for a long time: he only has a small weep somewhere that comes and goes.

Just a small correction.  Golden Spectro is no doubt fine oil, but I have been using the Spectro Heavy Duty 20w50 all these years.
Greg
'75 CB750F

"I would rather have questions I cannot answer than answers I cannot question." - Dr. Wei-Hock Soon

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #95 on: July 29, 2018, 06:20:59 PM »
Somehow Greg has good results with the VTwin oriented Spectro. That is contrary to conventional wisdom that the VTwin motor oil additives aren't ideal for the 4 stroke motors.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #96 on: July 29, 2018, 07:29:17 PM »
Somehow Greg has good results with the VTwin oriented Spectro. That is contrary to conventional wisdom that the VTwin motor oil additives aren't ideal for the 4 stroke motors.
vtwins are 4 strokes dude
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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #98 on: July 29, 2018, 08:18:46 PM »
Just a small correction.  Golden Spectro is no doubt fine oil, but I have been using the Spectro Heavy Duty 20w50 for over 160,000 miles without any issues or major engine work.
Fixed that for you, Greg. ;)
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Offline HondaMan

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Re: The story of Zinc, and why SOHC4 engines need it in oil.
« Reply #99 on: July 30, 2018, 06:15:02 PM »
Mark,

Have you tried Kenny's gaskets from CycleX? Coated metal. I just picked up a bunch as I needed a valve cover replacement.
Nope, haven't seen those in real life yet. If it's a head gasket, watch the thickness? Or, a base gasket, same thing...
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com