Strada Camshaft Oil Ways

[Duccout]

Thanks Bill. I think that I need to try a 1.5 slide, but cold running seems to be a common problem with Mikunis - I come across it a lot when looking on the internet.


Colin

[Duccout]

Actually, this problem with cold running with Mikunis would not happen with Amals, because the choke slide could be left partially closed to enriched the mixture.

[themoudie]

Aye Colin, that's fine if you have the choke slide fitted in the AMAL MKI. Or the cable enricher fitted on the AMAL MKII, with the handlebar lever. The first restricts the air flow, whilst the latter increases the fuel flow and doesn't affect the airflow. However, I only have the manual lever enricher that is mounted on the MKII carb and I'm no going to be fiddling under the tank for that on the move!

However, after today's canter I have bigger fish to fry! I'll start another thread.

Good health, Bill

[Duccout]

Hi Bill,

I hope that you do not have engine problems now that you use Smith and Allan oil, as I have just filled up with it!

We are waiting for news of your fish frying.....

Colin

[George]

Hi Bill,

I hope that you do not have engine problems now that you use Smith and Allan oil, as I have just filled up with it!

We are waiting for news of your fish frying.....

Colin

Hi Colin / Bill another oil post. I am thinking of changing oil brand as I think the Silkolene comp 4 20 - 50 as recommended before is to expensive and over spec for our bikes. Thinking of using Morris mineral 20 - 50 or would appreciate your comments on Smith and Allan oil. I believe that regular oil change is the important answer to long engine life

[Duccout]

Hi George,

You are risking opening a can of worms! I am not an oil expert, but have done a lot of research on oil, and I also have a very good book entitled 'What Oil?', so I feel I can give you an opinion.....

A mineral oil is not as good as a fully synthetic oil - fact. A synthetic multigrade does not use chain polymers (which are like microscopic spaghetti suspended in the oil) to achieve its grade, it actually is (for example) an sae 20 that maintains the viscosity of 50 when hot. I believe that the Silkolene 20/50 Comp 4 is probably the best oil for our bikes, as Nigel Lacey has proved, but is it necessary for a road bike? That is down to personal choice.

I switched to the Smith and Allan 15/50 synthetic because it is cheaper and I am doing a lot of oil changes because my engine was very dirty inside, and I am riding my 250 gently. The Smith and Allan has high levels of ZTTP (zinc) which is necessary in old engines to prevent scuffing wear on the rockers and cams. There is another cheap oil brand on the market (name escapes me) who make a synthetic 20/50, but the zinc levels are too low. Is the Smith and Allan any good? Is it really a synthetic oil? Don't ask me!

Just my opinion.

Colin

[George]

Just looked on Nigel's website he is recommending Morris golden film 40. We can wait for Nigel's words of wisdom

[Duccout]

I think that sae 40 is a good choice, and sae 50 is a great choice, but only in hot countries, which makes those living in Texas, California and Australia lucky owners! I ran my Ducati 750 and 900 on Morris 50 for years, but grew tired of changing the oil in the Autumn and again in the Spring, although it kept the oil companies happy.

[George]

This leads me to think Morris golden film 20-50 is the way to go. £35 for 5ltrs against £52 for 4ltrs.

[Duccout]

Yes, but don't overlook the Smith and Allan at about £30 delivered for 5L of 15/50 synthetic. I bought mine from eBay.

Colin