Synthetic in an old Triumph

[DC_Stewart]

I have a low mileage 1956 Triumph TRW. Has anyone ever run synthetic in these old engines?

 

[XS650]

You do have some interesting vehicles.

 

[evoboy]

I haven't personally , but in my old bikes I use best quality mineral multi grades , except for the total loss engines where I use a monograde.

My favourite mineral multigrade for classic machinery is Penrite , but I don't think thats availalble in the States.

Out of curiosity , what are the top minerals here ??

 

[aquariuscsm]

The minerals I use is usually a coin toss between Castrol GTX,Valovoline,and Pennzoil. Depends on my oil mood I guess :^)

I always used Castrol GTX 20W50 in my Honda CR500.

 

[PT1]

I wouldn't because of the sealing technology back then and compatibility.

 

[paul246]

I wouldn't risk it unless you have recently replaced the gaskets/seals. Synthetic has a way of finding the weak spots. Otherwise I'd say no problem.

 

[DB_Cooper]

I'm using Brad Penn 20w50 Motorcycle oil. Pure Dino with a big additive package. Just sent a sample to Blackstone out of my 1974 Laverda 1000.

I would think it would work well in the old Triumph. If you can't find it use Rotella.

 

[PT1]

Originally Posted By: DB_Cooper
I'm using Brad Penn 20w50 Motorcycle oil. Pure Dino with a big additive package. Just sent a sample to Blackstone out of my 1974 Laverda 1000.

I would think it would work well in the old Triumph. If you can't find it use Rotella.


Brad Penn is supposed to be very good

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
DC_Stewart - Great bikes my family used to race them along with AJS, BSA, Matchless and Nortons

I would use a monograde SAE30 or SAE40 mineral lubricant - that's what they were designed around

 

[evoboy]

I have heard that synth used in older engines will cause bore glazing due to the rings being unable to seal because of the much lower friction oil film. Also , it's important to use a viscosity close to the original recommendation so that the oil pump can maintain enough oil pressure. Older designs of oil pump were marginal at best !! It's a minor miracle that the oil pump in my Vincent Rapide can provide any circulation at all !!

 

[sunruh]

my 2.164yen says to use either SRT 15w40 or YB Pennzoil sae30|40 or Exxon Superflo sae30|40 or Valvoline VR1 sae30|40

i had an old bike that i poured synth in. after about 2 month a nice puddle formed from flowing out the countershaft seal.
stick with conventional.