Advice on Engine Oil During Winter

Mzee

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My S10 is the first generation model. I have used only SAE20W50 engine oil. My bike stays out under the car port. I have discovered over the years that every winder when the temperature deep significantly even below zero, I have a hard time starting my bike. Would it be a good idea to change the oil to say SAE 10W50 during Winter, a lighter oil that can handle the low temperature?

Thank you.
 

EricV

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Many run 10w40 all year, including myself. I also prefer synthetic, which seems to improve the cold starts.
 

Jlq1969

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any "W"., the less grade is better oil in any condition, for start engine. 20, 30 (40) 50. 60, protects hot/ride conditions. Around the recommended (40), is Okay, (30 average cold weather), (50 average warm weather), further away from the recommended: 20 or 60, it is no longer good ... it is believed that by put a 60 you will have more range of protection, but in In fact, in hot, you risk lubrication due to excessive viscosity, which is not good for the pump and for the parts that turn lubricated (camshaft, crankshaft) because the factory clearance in pieces that rotate, is calculated for 40 viscocity. In Picture, you can see that the 60 viscocity, almost duplicated the 40, at 100 grades of temperatureBB7AFAEF-FE14-4DEB-BE40-E77C2BBE85B9.jpeg
 
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RonH

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20w50 way to thick for winter, and really no advantage to even using that grade in summer with a modern engine. Stick to 10w40. Can't go wrong with that grade in any temperature you care to ride.
 

taskmaster86

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20w50 way to thick for winter, and really no advantage to even using that grade in summer with a modern engine. Stick to 10w40. Can't go wrong with that grade in any temperature you care to ride.
If you really do ride in weather that is below 40F degrees, 5w-40 would suit you even better as it wont thicken up quite as much when it is cold.
That being said, I ride in temps between 45F and 105F and use 15w-40 with no problems.
 

Mzee

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Thank you folks, everyone of you has said something useful from which I have learnt something. I will take the midway 10W40.

However, one further question: I have never used synthetic. I see some of the newer oils are semi-synthetic and others are full synthetic, does it make much of a difference to use either?
 

Sierra1

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….does it make much of a difference to use either?
Shhhhh…..you'll break the internet. As far as viscosity....like they said, use the weight for your temperature swings. I initially assumed that you were in Johannesburg, South Africa, but I didn't think it would get to 0*F. But Johannesburg, MI would. I use the 20W-50 because I ride in the heat, but not the cold. On the flip side, my kid's car specifies 0W-20; regardless of temps.
 

Supertee123

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The best thing to do is:put your battery on a battery tender/trickle charger,preferably removing it to your house and leaving it on a charge.
Cover it up with a bike sheet.
Spray the bike(exc.brake discs) with ACF50 rust protection.
Honestly I wouldn’t get hung up on the oil,if you want to change it go ahead but it won’t be and engine killer :)
 

magic

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I use Yamalube 10W-50 semi synthetic oil year round. A Yuasa YTZ14S battery and a battery tender. This battery has a little more juice than the stock YTZ12S. If it still doesn't start it's too cold to ride.
 
B

ballisticexchris

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I highly recommended the 0W-20 Mobil One. It is very low viscosity and has friction modifiers that provide outstanding wet clutch performance. I’ve been using it for years in all my wet clutch bikes. Your clutch plates will last forever and grab really well with excellent modulation at the lever.

You can get it at almost any high end motorcycle dealership. My local dealer can’t keep enough of it on the shelf. It’s the number one best selling oil in the US.
 

taskmaster86

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However, one further question: I have never used synthetic. I see some of the newer oils are semi-synthetic and others are full synthetic, does it make much of a difference to use either?
Nope. I have used conventional, synthetic blend and Full Synthetic. I prefer the synthetic blends but it does not make a difference in anything whatsoever.
 

taskmaster86

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I highly recommended the 0W-20 Mobil One. It is very low viscosity and has friction modifiers that provide outstanding wet clutch performance. I’ve been using it for years in all my wet clutch bikes. Your clutch plates will last forever and grab really well with excellent modulation at the lever.

You can get it at almost any high end motorcycle dealership. My local dealer can’t keep enough of it on the shelf. It’s the number one best selling oil in the US.
Hilarious!!!
 

Jlq1969

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I highly recommended the 0W-20 Mobil One. It is very low viscosity and has friction modifiers that provide outstanding wet clutch performance. I’ve been using it for years in all my wet clutch bikes. Your clutch plates will last forever and grab really well with excellent modulation at the lever.

You can get it at almost any high end motorcycle dealership. My local dealer can’t keep enough of it on the shelf. It’s the number one best selling oil in the US.
It would be interesting to send a pic of the container of the Mobil 1 motorcycle 0W20, you are using. In the 2019 catalog of Mobil motorcycle I could not find it, for cars that recommend 0W20 i found.
 

Cycledude

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I highly recommended the 0W-20 Mobil One. It is very low viscosity and has friction modifiers that provide outstanding wet clutch performance. I’ve been using it for years in all my wet clutch bikes. Your clutch plates will last forever and grab really well with excellent modulation at the lever.

You can get it at almost any high end motorcycle dealership. My local dealer can’t keep enough of it on the shelf. It’s the number one best selling oil in the US.
Interesting I’ve never noticed Mobil One 0W-20 motorcycle oil ANYWHERE and you claim it’s the number one best selling oil.
Not sure why but all I’ve ever used in my Tenere is full synthetic 10-40 motorcycle oil from Walmart, not sure of the brand name but they only carry two brands and it’s a buck or two per quart less than Mobil One
 
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Jlq1969

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I use Motul 7100 10w40 synthetic, for 3 reasons 1) it is very good 2) it is not the most sold because it is more expensive, 3) it is red. So adding that it is not the most sold and above is red, those who falsify oils should not be interested in doing so:):)
7486C310-6BE6-4409-801D-E3D36A988C51.jpeg
 
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Sierra1

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It would be interesting to send a pic of the container of the Mobil 1 motorcycle 0W20, you are using. In the 2019 catalog of Mobil motorcycle I could not find it, for cars that recommend 0W20 i found.
Interesting I’ve never noticed Mobil One 0W-20 motorcycle oil ANYWHERE and you claim it’s the number one best selling oil.....
Yeah....about that....Chris has a habit of talking s**t. :eek: I've been the "victim" of his humor on more than one occasion. o_O I even almost fell for it this time too. :oops: But, I'm catching on. :D I'm still learning individual personalities here. (I wouldn't make a very good Millennial, I require face-to-face so I can read people)
 

Jlq1969

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Yeah....about that....Chris has a habit of talking s**t. :eek: I've been the "victim" of his humor on more than one occasion. o_O I even almost fell for it this time too. :oops: But, I'm catching on. :D I'm still learning individual personalities here. (I wouldn't make a very good Millennial, I require face-to-face so I can read people)
tell chris, who owes me, or the pic of 0w20 .... or a coffee:):):)
or come with Chris and we make a face to face, but with the photo of the 0w20. I just started, have time:):):)
FD894A3F-AAF7-4A57-BEF2-A4252F5E6B12.jpeg0692AA4C-46EA-4A99-9F87-063540C6FE1E.jpeg
 
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