Author Topic: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?  (Read 3268 times)

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Offline Sniper X

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What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« on: August 24, 2012, 01:16:24 PM »
Can't find it in the info I have for the bike for some very weird reason!
1973 CB350 Four, 1969 CL350 Scrambler (2) 1985 BMW R80RT.

Offline nccb

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #1 on: August 24, 2012, 01:28:45 PM »
my 750 is 3.5l and the oil depended on the ambient temp.  I have been running 15w40 because of the heat this summer (NC) and I think most guys are running that or 20w50.  My book recommends 10w40, which I was running until this summer. Just steer clear of the friction modifiers and when in doubt just buy the motorcycle grade.

Offline HondanutRider

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #2 on: August 24, 2012, 01:34:02 PM »
I believe it is written/embossed on the dipstick - at least it is on my 1974 model of the CB350F.  It calls for 10W40 which is also specified in my owner's manual as the grade of choice for most riding temperatures.  However, it appears that some locations where hotter temperatures might be more normal, recommend the next heavier weight 20W50 I believe.  Some advocates on this forum recommend this latter weight of oil, but not wanting to start an "oil thread" dispute, I just go by what my manual and the dipstick says.

Offline Bodi

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2012, 02:10:56 PM »
3.5 litres, 3.7 US quarts
10W40 (all weather)
20w50 (above 59F/15C)

From Honda service manual.

Offline Dos

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2018, 10:59:57 AM »
I too am having a hard time determining between 10w40 and 20w50.
I want the most protection so I figure 20w50 right?
But people say that it is bad to have that when "starting up"

Couldn't we all just kick the motordown acouple times before firing it up to circulate it better?
Don't all little 350f's get super hot anyway..especially in the summer time? so wouldn't everyone that lives in atleast 45 degree weather use 20w50?

Offline TwoTired

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2018, 11:44:26 AM »
I think you've already made up your mind to use 20w50.  So, just go do it.  That's the answer you're looking for right?  An approval from some internet entity.  Honda couldn't possibly have known what is best for their motors, could they?

I don't know why you need approval.  Or, is this just a troll thread?

You don't get much if any oil pressure by "kicking it", the oil is thick, stubborn to move in bearing races, and scrapes away easily off cylinder walls.

All air cooled motors get hot when stationary.  Honda sized the cooling fins to keep the oil and engine at proper operating temp while in motion.

I experimented with 20w50 on my 550's.  It didn't need it.  And was probably bad for it while doing only short trips.  I now use 10w40 ear round.  They still work!

But, if you ask enough people, you will eventually find someone that thinks 20w50 is better, even if they have no data other than whimsy.  Where whimsy is so much better than what Honda knew about their engines.

Do what you want.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Dos

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2018, 12:05:41 PM »
Right but In the summer time it is frequent to have 59 degree wearher

Offline Dos

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Re: What weight and what capacity of oil, 73 350F?
« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2018, 12:07:14 PM »
In the manual it says if it’s over 59degrees which it is, to use 20w50