More Oil Torture - suffixes - I'm sorry

[lancew]

I apologize in advance- I know this horse is dead. I searched the old threads, and even went to the API site and couldn't find answers to these questions. When you see me, remind me that I have a beating due, and I will accept it with all the grace I can.

But the manual for my '01 R1150GS says "Brand-name HD Oil, API Classification SF, SG, or SH; CD or CE suffixes are permissible; alternatively brand-name HD oil, CCMC classification G4 or G5; suffix PD2 is permissible."

"Brand name" okay I get it

"HD" - ?

SF, SG, or SH - am I correct that later (i.e., SM) is fine? An old thread indicated that "SG" is different.

"CD or CE suffixes are permissible" - huh? No mention of suffixes in any old threads

I just did an on-the-road change, and was THIS close to buying Valvoline 20-w50 racing oil which was SM classification and also had the CD suffix. I chickened out and went for the BMW oil just to be sure.

What is a suffix? Would the Valvo have been ok?

I change the oil (and do most routine service) for 2 cars, the wife's diesel pickup, a lawn tractor, and a 60-year-old farm tractor, but I have to admit these Germans have me running confused and scared... sorry to open old wounds, thanks...:dunno

[BuddingGeezer]

BMW put out a jotice to dealers that API SJ oil was not to be used. Some SM oils in 20W50 weights have enough ZDDP to actually qualify as SH. I believe Mobil One is one of these.

You certainly did not err in using BMW oil. Rather than look for Valvoline Racing oil, Valvoline makes a four stroke motorcycle price comparable to auto oil rated SF/SH. Many chain auto part stores carry this oil. Also Castrol 4T rated SG/SH. Wal mart in my neck of the woods has quit carring the Castrol 4T, but does carry the synthetic motorcycle oils in 20W/50. I am more familiar with the dino oil.

I would not be afraid of one oil change with SM oil if that's all I could find.

Ralph Sims

[roy]

Look at the brand of oil you are considering. Most of them have multiple API ratings. Example SH/SJ/SM This means that this particular oil meets or exceeds all of the requirements for thes API classifications. At one time someone posted a technical bulletin about how all oils with a newer API designation will alway meet or exceed the older designations. NOTE: I do not where this post is at this time.

Roy

[jduke]

Buy Mobile 1 15W50. Refills are available at almost everywhere. Wal-Mart sells a 5 quart jug for about $23. That's less than $5 a quart.

[PGlaves]

Look at the brand of oil you are considering. Most of them have multiple API ratings. Example SH/SJ/SM This means that this particular oil meets or exceeds all of the requirements for thes API classifications. At one time someone posted a technical bulletin about how all oils with a newer API designation will alway meet or exceed the older designations. NOTE: I do not where this post is at this time.

Roy

Back when the original broughaha started - with the introduction of SJ rated oils - API and BMW clearly disagreed on this issue. API said SJ meets all previous standards, and BMW said don't use SJ rated oil - use SG or SH because the antiwear additive package in SJ oils has been reduced.

Some folks agreed with API.

Some of us agreed with BMW.

Things got fuzzier because the SJ rating for the thinner oils XXw30 and XXw40 required the reduced metallic additives but not necessarily so for XXw50. So it is possible for a 20w50 oil to meet SG additive levels and still be an SJ or later oil.

[rinty]

So Paul, would you run SJ in a liquid cooled manual transmission car, or look for the earlier stuff? I have used it to top up my new Subaru, and the owner's manual does recommend it for extreme duty.

Rinty

[BeemerMike]

Buy Mobile 1 15W50.

It's "Mobil 1" . . . we have to protect our trademark. :D

[mrich12000]

Amsoil:bow :bow :bow :bow

[Troutluck]

Rotella! :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow :bow

[Brownie]

:d :d :d :d :d

[BigTim]

Here we go.

[RJM2096]

I though this was about torture for oil.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh310/RJM2096/OilMarket.jpg

[kantuckid]

I don't use it in my bike, but Wally world synthetic saves you some bucks if your into non-dino oil, such as BMW specifies for their cars(mine). Recently,a Quaker State oil lube engineer told me that they package Wallys' oil on the same fill lines as their green bottles branded Quaker State and of course the price is less.

[billyb]

Hi;
I have and old 356 Porsche/ Triumph 500 twin motorcycle, on the air cooled engines of that era it is recommended that the SG or earlier oil be used.

Castrol says they were required to remove the zinc and phosphorus to help increase mileage by reducing the friction.

Zinc/phosphorus are the elements that cushion the parts (cam/lifter etc.).

Not sure if the cushioning is needed on modern close tolerance motors.

Bill

[PGlaves]

Hi;
I have and old 356 Porsche/ Triumph 500 twin motorcycle, on the air cooled engines of that era it is recommended that the SG or earlier oil be used.

Castrol says they were required to remove the zinc and phosphorus to help increase mileage by reducing the friction.

Zinc/phosphorus are the elements that cushion the parts (cam/lifter etc.).

Not sure if the cushioning is needed on modern close tolerance motors.

Bill

I'm not sure - for sure - either, but BMW thinks they know, and continue to spec SG / SH oils, so they think it matters, if that matters.