Topic: castrol gtx vs gn4

[andy750]

You do not have to agree but you also do not have to be a dik about it.

Sorry wasnt trying to be a "dik" about it as you put it...just giving him an alternative based on my experience. There is so much conjecture and misinformation based on anecdotes and "maybes" and "what ifs" I thought he would like to know something based on actual SOHC CB750 experience.

Also I have never heard of a motorcycle engine coming to a stop based on oil sludge coming loose but if I can learn from someone here that its happened then I will be more the wiser...having had my engine opened a couple of times after many miles I didnt see that as being a potential problem....however if someone knows different.....


cheers
Andy

[Inigo Montoya]

Again, if you are using different oils all the time, you are probably avoiding the sludge issue. Kinda like using synth in a way, the sludge is not able to form. It would not take much to block an oil line in these engines, people have it happen just by not making sure the oil passages are squeaky clean. Even if he does switch, he might not have an issue. but it would be one less possibility. Thats why I said keep it for this trip then change if he wants. I wouldnt really call that "bad" advice.

[andy750]

Actually I dont use different oils all the time - read my previous posts. However if I am on the road its not practical to use only one type of oil and I certainly wouldnt limit myself to that. As I said I have never had an issue in the last 35,000 miles and know plenty of other long distance bikers who have the same experience. I was just curious to know if you personally had some type of sludge-blocking issue in a motorcycle or knew of some source that had....not counting trucks or cars here - just bikes.

Cheers
Andy

[tlbranth]

Back in the 60's when I began my mechanical learning, car engines were full of nasty sludge and stuff. But after detergent oil came into being, it seemed like the sludge went away. I haven't done any serious engine work for maybe 3 or 4 years (due to dementia and trying to remember why I liked girls)  but in  my most recent engine forays, I don't think I'd seen any sludge. The oil these days is really quite good and keeps engines very clean. I don't reallyt see 'breakaway chunks of sludge' as a problem. But then, as my therapist and my wife point out, I've been wrong before.
Along this vein, I switched my 1999 Goldwing to Amsoil synthetic motorcycle oil and was planning to run it in my CB750 when restored. Well it's restored but Hondaman, amongst others, advises against it - so I'm sticking to Costco's mobil motor oil for now. Why, Hondaman, can't I switch to Amsoil motorcycle oil?

[Inigo Montoya]

I went synth in my bike without a restore or any engine work and it was fine.

I could be wrong about not switching oils but gtx is very common so I still think it would be good to stay with.

[BobbyR]

Actually I dont use different oils all the time - read my previous posts. However if I am on the road its not practical to use only one type of oil and I certainly wouldnt limit myself to that. As I said I have never had an issue in the last 35,000 miles and know plenty of other long distance bikers who have the same experience. I was just curious to know if you personally had some type of sludge-blocking issue in a motorcycle or knew of some source that had....not counting trucks or cars here - just bikes.

Cheers
Andy

If anyone knows about long rides it is you Andy.