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Suitable Engine Oil for Storage
scootz - 10/1/13 at 07:45 AM

I keep forgetting to put oil in a bike engine that I'm storing (doh!).

As it's just for storage purposes and will be drained before using the damn thing, does anyone know of a cheap brand that will do the needful???

Cheers!

Mr Whippy - 10/1/13 at 08:28 AM

I personally would just change the oil and put the normal one in and maybe a squirt spark plug hole. I'd be too concerned that the clutch would be affected by some additive in storage oil. I have found bike engines are best started every few months as the clutches seem to stick on if not operated, even just pulling the handle is a good idea once a month or so seems to help loads. I stored a friends CBR in a dry trailer for 6 months, clutch had seized, brakes had seized and the starter bendix had seized what a job we had getting it running again! With my virago I start it up about once every couple of months and run it about the drive for half an hour, the battery is then taken out and stored in the house and that help it hold its charge better

[Edited on 10/1/13 by Mr Whippy]

wilkingj - 10/1/13 at 09:10 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
I personally would just change the oil and put the normal one in and maybe a squirt spark plug hole. I'd be too concerned that the clutch would be affected by some additive in storage oil. I have found bike engines are best started every few months as the clutches seem to stick on if not operated, even just pulling the handle is a good idea once a month or so seems to help loads. I stored a friends CBR in a dry trailer for 6 months, clutch had seized, brakes had seized and the starter bendix had seized what a job we had getting it running again! With my virago I start it up about once every couple of months and run it about the drive for half an hour, the battery is then taken out and stored in the house and that help it hold its charge better

[Edited on 10/1/13 by Mr Whippy]


+1
I wouldt mix oils either.
Proper stuff and leave it in.
New oil doesnt have any water or contaminants in it (like Old Oil).

I leave my optimate on my bike, or the battery goes flat from the alarm / security system. It also keeps the security alive and working.
Worth keeping battery on if you have it insured, or they say no alarm... no or less payout if it gets stolen.


Just my 2d's worth.

scootz - 10/1/13 at 09:41 AM

Sorry for not making myself clear... the engine is out of the bike and has no oil in it. I'm just looking for a cost effective source / brand of oil that will do the needful until I get round to using the thing.

Or should I just flush the engine through and put in some 'good stuff' now? Assuming all ports are blocked-up during storage, will the oil keep?

Mr Whippy - 10/1/13 at 12:22 PM

yeah just put some one oil in, your getting rid then of the harmfull acids etc that build up in old oil. I gathered it was not in a bike however still operate the clutch arm to prevent it sticking otherwise you'll have to open up the cover later.

coyoteboy - 10/1/13 at 01:06 PM

We kept a honda 600 engine in dry storage for 6 months without oil at all, no detrimental effects, but it was stored indoors. Unless you turn the thing over regularly on the starter most of the important bits won't keep their coating anyway, so it's a bit of a pointless sump protector. Half the clutch might be better off?

[Edited on 10/1/13 by coyoteboy]

loggyboy - 10/1/13 at 01:19 PM

Surely anything you leave in it will drain to the sump anyway, so doesnt really matter as unless you can run the engine, all the parts are only going to have the coating that is left naturally after last running the engine, which will always reduce over time.

matt_gsxr - 10/1/13 at 01:44 PM

Leave it empty, then it will be easier to ship

scootz - 10/1/13 at 01:45 PM

Cheeky fecker!

Mr Whippy - 10/1/13 at 04:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Leave it empty, then it will be easier to ship


nick205 - 10/1/13 at 05:00 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
quote:
Originally posted by matt_gsxr
Leave it empty, then it will be easier to ship







Store it in the house as well to keep it nice and dry...airing cupboard would do nicely

Paul Turner - 11/1/13 at 08:54 AM

Morris do an engine storage oil http://www.morrislubricants.co.uk/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=150 but it should be put in before storage and circulated round the engine, never used it myself.

I have stored several engines in the past and I have followed a simple routine after which the engines have been fine. Before removing the engine I change the oil and run the engine briefly (only used a basic oil), this ensures there is clean oil in the mains and big ends and pump. Old oil contains acids that will corrode the bearings. Every 12 months I turn the engine over on the flywheel but before doing this I make sure the cam and followers have some oil on them. Every couple of years I put a bit of oil down the plug holes. I have never stored an engine with a sump full of oil, don't think the Mrs would have been happy when we had one in the airing cupboard and one in the downstairs loo.

When I bought the crate Zetec it was filled with some thick green gunge which Raceline told me was storage oil and to remove it before starting.

coyoteboy - 11/1/13 at 01:00 PM

quote:

when we had one in the airing cupboard and one in the downstairs loo.


Jesus, that's enough to get me shot in the first place