Oil additives :)

[drtechnology]

Seen it mentioned a few times but wanted a recent post on this, because lots of options out there now.

Y'all ever tried any additives for oil when changing oil. I know you must keep the original oil level (so less real oil if adding additive) but do you think they even do anything for the motorcycle?

I have seen an European one called Liquid Molly, and of course the normal Prolong, Dura Lube etc etc.

Curious now there's a lot of new ones out too some specifically made for motorcycles, anyone have any good stories with them or just blah, no changes bike ran same idk why I even bothered using any additive lol.

Thanks :)

[SgtSlag]

The only oil additives I've used is SeaFoam and Lucas Oil Additive (only used once -- it alters the viscosity, making the oil thicker, I do not trust thickening the oil viscosity). I used the SeaFoam to remove carbon and varnish deposits within the crankcase. I use it once, and done, per engine. Modern oils (API SL+) are highly detergent, and they have a breakdown temperature above 300 F. The older oils, like API SF, had a thermal breakdown temperature of 250 F (breaks down into carbon deposits/sludge), and my 1979 Honda 750, air cooled engine, ran right at 250 F! The API standard for engine oil, in 1979, was SF/SG. The SeaFoam treatment turned the oil coal black, from medium caramel color, within five minutes of idling, reaching a temperature of 180 F (minimum temperature for detergent oils to suspend crud, to be captured by the filter). I changed the oil and filter, immediately. I repeated the process some 5,000 miles later, and after riding with the SeaFoam in the crankcase for 300 miles, the oil never darkened. I changed it anyway, as the SeaFoam likely thinned the viscosity.

I do not trust additives which modify the viscosity of the oil, except as noted, above. The engineers designed the engine to run on a very specific viscosity range. Deviating from that range, can lead to issues.

I ran Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40, for a couple of years, in my Voyager XII. The manual calls for 10W-40. I began to have false neutral's between all gears! I went back to Rotella's 15W-40 oils, and my false neutrals disappeared; the 15W is slightly thicker at cold temperatures, than 10W, but it is well within the specified range of 10-50 (50 being specified in the manual for hotter climates, like deserts). Seems like I'm the only person here, to experience this, so take it as presented -- only me. You may be just fine, like everyone else, running 5W-40.

On a modern engine, however, never, EVER, deviate outside of the specified viscosity range... Modern engines have extremely tight tolerances, and they will be damaged!...

Like I said, the only thing I will add to my oil, is a cleaner, like SeaFoam -- once. Marvel Mystery Oil is another additive I will trust, based on my Father's experiences as a former professional automotive technician, back in the 1960-1970 era. He swears by it, but that was on older engines...

If you have a particular product you are interested in, search YouTube for reviews on them. There are plenty of such reviews/tests of SeaFoam, Marvel Mystery Oil, and other products. Be sure to watch several reviews/tests, however. Cheers!

[drtechnology]

Thanks Yea I see many posts about seafoam and such in here I was thinking more long term, not just to clean it (did seafoam thing already before adding new oil) - but like add with ur oil and keep in entire time till next oil change, like duralube or prolong or such... Just wanted to see people's opinions and if u tried it. I used to swear by prolong in my car, worked great in keeping the engine so clean inside (at 60k and 90k service the dealership asked what I used) but idk if it is recommended or would even make a difference in an MC lol

Thanks

[Barry]

Since the majority of engine wear occurs in the first 15 minutes of operation, I've used synthetic oils and no other additives. If you keep your oil clean, then there should be no appreciable wear. Synthetics break down at higher temperatures. But the vxii doesn't have a heat problem. There's vxii's with over 200k miles, and some over 300k that spent their whole life running shell rotella, without any oil additives. Save your money.... jm2c.

[Van Voyager]

Seafoam works by making your wallet lighter (so you go faster).

[drtechnology]

Since the majority of engine wear occurs in the first 15 minutes of operation, I've used synthetic oils and no other additives. If you keep your oil clean, then there should be no appreciable wear. Synthetics break down at higher temperatures. But the vxii doesn't have a heat problem. There's vxii's with over 200k miles, and some over 300k that spent their whole life running shell rotella, without any oil additives. Save your money.... jm2c.

Oh yes, I used synthetic, I would never use anything but a synthetic oil :)

Thanks :)