Need an opinion on oil life....

[sunruh]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
I think some people tend to worry about situations that never occur.,,


or seem to need a warranty (ie amsoil) for an oil related failure that will never occur.

ie oil pumps fail. filters fail. oil...not so much...ever

 

[bluestream]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
I think some people tend to worry about situations that never occur.,,


At least on this web site...

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
I think some people tend to worry about situations that never occur.,,


At least on this web site...

For sure!

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: BigCahuna
For what the oil sells for, I'd be upset if it couldn't last past 4,000 miles. Here's another secret, oil doesn't know how old it is.,,,


Today being a day out of the deep freeze for a few hours we checked on and started some engines. When the Ford 429 turned out to be a quart low I went to top off with Rotella 5W-40 but only had a few oz that was opened so I grabbed a 20 year old 1/3 of a gallon of Rotella 15w40 we found when we cleaned out an old garage just before Christmas. It was dark and thick but the engine sounded OK when we went to a short drive.

If the OP's machine been parked for a few months I would consider taking it for a 30+ minute ride on a nice dry day to remove any moisture from the crankcase.

 

[GaleHawkins]

Originally Posted By: pwr2tow
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
You could always change the oil and keep the filter on there for another interval.


Back in the dinosaur days when I went to lubrication seminars for cenex the concensus was your better off changing the filter and topping off with fresh oil. The filter catches the particulates and the top off fresh oil adds back in some additives.

Right, wrong, indifferent that's what I've been taught an makes perfect sence to me.


After doing that it some engines I agree with you.

Our 429 in the Ford F700 had not been changed in years when we got it and we went with Rotella T6 5W-40 and it 200 miles it was BLACK. After a couple filter only changes it is still cleaner looking today than the same oil looked in 2010 after the first 200 miles. It may have 1000 miles on that oil change but it as been used around the place hauling dirt so it has some hours on it.

Some filters are good for many hours/miles but it seems to me 5000 miles is a good point to change the filter even if the oil test states it is still good to run.

The better the filter the shorter life it has it seems to me.

 

[drolds]

You should get away with a two year OCI with oil analysis at the one year mark. Keep your mileage to about 15,000. 20,000 miles is realistic with the Amsoil 10W-40 bike oil provided ethanol is not in your gas and you do a used oil analysis at about the halfway point.

 

[rrounds]

I would do yearly oil and filter if I did 4k miles a year, Go with Rotella 15-40 conventional oil and change it before you put it away for the winter. I ride all year so I just go by miles, I put Rotella 15-40 in all my bikes. From an R6 to a 1500 C90.

ROD

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: drolds
You should get away with a two year OCI with oil analysis at the one year mark. Keep your mileage to about 15,000. 20,000 miles is realistic with the Amsoil 10W-40 bike oil provided ethanol is not in your gas and you do a used oil analysis at about the halfway point.


In a shared sump bike. Have you lost your mind.
In my shared sump bikes I've not had a single oil last 5000 miles without shearing so badly the top end sounded like the valves were falling out.
You've gotta post used oil analysis to prove these comments on mileage because no one in their right mind will believe it. No one with a bike anyways.

Op. Amsoil is a top quality oil. However 5000 miles is the longest I'd run any oil in a shared sump application.

I've got an S&S 106 kit on my bike,cams,headwork and a dyno tune. It's got 107hp/115tq. I'm using conventional rotella 15w40 in my engine and primary. If cash is tight I suggest switching over to that oil until you can afford Amsoil again.

 

[cycleman]

Most manufacturers recommend a minimum of a yearly oil change, regardless of low mileage on the oil. The reason for the manufactures recommendation is not that the oil won't have any life left in it, but to get rid of any contaminants or moisture/fuel that has collected in the oil. If cash is tight you could go to the 15-40 as others have suggested.