15w40 oil?

W.C.Machine

Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Hi all, this is my first post here. I did some searching but came up empty. I was wondering if 15w40 would be ok in a black shadow, for engine and gear box? Thanks. Warren
 

ogrilp400

Well Known and Active Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Oil Suitability

15w/40 would be quite ok in the engine and although it would suffice in the gearbox, I would recommend EP80/90 gear oil.

Phelps.
 

BlackLightning998

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Have a search for "what oil to put in a vincent"

You'll see there was a long discussion on what oil to use some time ago - have a search for the thread I mention above.

I use 15/40 and have just suffered catastrophic cam failure - however whilst lubrication is one possible reason, we don;t yet know exactly what has happened.

Many riders use straight 40.

Some use 20/50 (especially in the States - gets hotter)

Some use synthetic (whilst others say its wrong)

Bottom line is that my advice would be to ask around, read the thread, talk to people you know (15 different people and 15 different opinions) and then make your own mind up.

At this moment, I think I am likely to stick with 15/40 mineral oil.

Best of luck,

Regards

Stuart


Hi all, this is my first post here. I did some searching but came up empty. I was wondering if 15w40 would be ok in a black shadow, for engine and gear box? Thanks. Warren
 

Somer

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VOC Member
Oil is almost like bringing up religon.It is going to start some arguments!
Best thing is use it! Check it!
I've used 20-50 for years.
 
E

Eddie Saxton

Guest
Oils

Years ago when I was riding a Har....... (sorry) I asked what I should use if I couldn't get the official HD oil. The Factory view then was that any similar grade car oil would do if it was formulated for diesel engines. HD engines are similar to Vincent engines in respect of size, configuration and rev range. With this in mind I have been using such an oil for many years and about 35000 miles without anything bad happening yet.

What you use is up to you . . . you pays yer money and takes yer pick. 15/30, 20/30, single grade, it doesn't seem to matter much unless you are racing. But if you are racing you'll know a lot more than I do about lubrication.
 

Len Matthews

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VOC Member
Quite agree, Eddie. I've been using Morris's Magnol 20/50 for years(gearbox & primary drive as well). It does exactly what it says on the tin "Suitable for older engines, etc,etc,:)
 
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Tnecniv Edipar

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Non-VOC Member
Controversial subject but there r particular characteristics of the Vincent lubrication system that need awareness. Oil circulation is very slow ,due to the type of pump and the oil does not attain a good working temperature. Therefore high viscosity oils should not be used. With modern lubricants , SAE 40 would be a good choice to give the most rapid circulation from start up and allow the pump to provide a good circulation rate when at working temp. Go for a brand that has a recent SAE classification , I think the latest is SM , but nothing older than SH.
 

Lenni

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VOC Member
Water or honey

When my father and me started the Vincent thing we drove 15W40, the good old Castrol GT3! We changed it not too early, but everything went well. A few years later I used fully synthetic oil from the very best. After thinking a while and compare the problem with my aircooled car I came to one solution: ball bearings, rubber washers, wires in the rocker bolts, all communicates. The oil lines, the need of oil was designed by Irving with the quality, viscosity they had. Today, we think about e.a. paper oilfilters, they have an extremely lower resistance, wires in the rocker bolts, the diameter in the rubber washers (timingside) all communicating oil lines are more or less fed with oil! With every change you will change the oil system.
Modern 0W50 or 60 oil needs a steady flow. In a Vincent oilline this flow will break together, if the viscosity is not able to work together with our “ejaculating” :) oilpump.
In my point of view we must find the best way between modern oil and the viscosity Vincent/Irving where using.
20W50 is now what I prefer. You can find this oil “legiert” (sorry don’t´t know the words in english ) modern, or old fashioned. You will find what you need. It helps you during warming up and is able to support the oilsystem our engines need.

Sorry about my spelling.
Lenni
 
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