Topic: Should I Change the Oil??

[Smudgemo]

I finally got the '76 550 on the road today and got in a whopping 20 miles farting around in the hills.  I don't know the history of the engine, but the compression is good and the internals looked fine (superficially) when I pulled the pan.  I replaced the '76 rocker cover with a '77 model because the shafts had ovalized the cover, and the cam shaft was also replaced.

I used assembly lube for obvious reasons and I'm wondering when is it appropriate to change the oil.  The engine has been fired up a bunch of times before actually riding today and now that it's been out, should I change the oil or get some miles out of it?  I'm cheap, but not stupid.  I just don't know if the assembly lube impacts anything negatively.

Also, can I keep the filter this time as it's almost new?

BTW, thank you to anyone that offered advice on getting this thing on the road.  Hardly a hiccup the whole time.  No leaks, drips, burps or frights.

[Stev-o]

Nice job, looks good.  Assembly lube won't harm, change oil at 3000 miles or annually.

[BomberMann650]

I thought the oil change interval was 1500 miles.  With the filter change at 3000. 

[Smudgemo]

Won't really matter much to me.  I'll most likely go by months because I doubt I'll ever put many miles on it.  I just wanted to make sure the assembly lube wasn't going to be an issue.

[ekpent]

 The main thing that may be an issue is if there was any metal shavings in the engine from a previous malfunction or you were breaking in new rings and a bore job.

[pjlogue]

Assembly lube isn't an issue but any time you replace parts inside the engine there is a wear in period and that produces metal particles.  With top end bearings the amount isn't much but for $30 for best oil and filter it is still cheap insurance.

-P.

[Stev-o]

I thought the oil change interval was 1500 miles.  With the filter change at 3000. 

220, 221, whatever it takes!   Ofreen has over 150,000 miles on his 750 without a motor rebuild, he changes every 3000.  Good enough for me!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135640.0

The real question here is what is the best oil?

[flatlander]

you're stirring the pot.
don't. do. it.

[Don R]

 It's all opinion but if you love your bike, go ahead and change it. If you'll miss the money it cost don't do it.

[TwoTired]

The only sure fire way to know if the oil needs changing is to have an oil analysis done.  Otherwise, do what Honda recommends.  (Unless you are using a specially oil such as synthetic.)

If you are breaking in new parts, change it at 500 miles.  Otherwise, the oil change interval was 1500 miles or 3 months.

I learned on my 550s, that the bike will "tell" you when the oil needs changing by how it shifts and clutch engagement "feel".  Shifting gets "draggy" with used up oil.  Finding neutral was harder, as the clutch didn't slip as well.  Seems the hotter the engine runs, the shorter the interval needed.  I could extend oil change intervals in winter, but not so in summer traffic.  Sometimes 1000 miles was too long.

[Smudgemo]

If you are breaking in new parts, change it at 500 miles.  Otherwise, the oil change interval was 1500 miles or 3 months

This sounds right to me. 

[bryanj]

Honda said from new 500 change oil and filter then oil every 1500 with filter at 3000 but think about it, for the cost of a filter why put clean oil through a dirty one

[PeWe]

If you are not sure, make an oil change with filter and be sure Feel the oil pouring out between your fingers and you'll notice if particles will come out.

I did my first change w filter after 50km in my CB750. (rebuild, everything apart, cases included and new bores/pistons.) Next  after additional 300km. Break-in w 10W-40 mineral had bad gear shift feeling and not possible to find neutral.
Now running 20W-50 mineral and plan to change again within 300km due to finding neautral must be better. I'll change to Motul semi synth 10W-50. Engine has now total 800km this season and running on 3:rd setup of oil + 2 filters