Hello Bill,
Can I get some advice please?
I run a 1993 ZZr 1100 D with about 45000 kms on the clock. I need to do an oil change and am contemplating switching to a semi synthetic oil such as Motul.
1. Do I have to flush the engine to get ride of all traces of the previous (current) mineral oil?
Whilst not absolutely necessary, we would recommend an engine clean product - won’t remove all traces of the previous oil, but as it cleans out all deposits it is a good general maintenance practice. All of our synthetic oils are completely miscible with mineral oils and thus no adverse affects should occur if the engine is not flushed or if traces of the old oil remain. Motul does offer a product called Engine Clean which can be used before the oil change.
2. Will semi synthetic oil have any adverse effects on 20 year old oil seals?
Strictly speaking synthetic oils should not affect 20 year old seals. However, the issue of leaks can arise from worn or cracked seals. Mineral oils tend to build up a high soot content and in many cases this soot lodges itself in the cracks of the seals and then the soot sort of acts as a secondary gasket. When you put a good quality synthetic oil in (or even use an engine flush) which has very good detergency properties it will clean this soot away exposing the cracked seals and thus allowing oil to seep through. This is often why people say that using synthetics “attacks” or damages the seals. This is completely untrue, the reason for the leaks is because the seals were already in need of replacement!
3. Will there be any real benefits in making the switch on such an old bike?
There are always benefits to switching to synthetics. In the engine operating process, whether new or old, metallic parts make contact with each other which is friction and wear. Th real question is how you want this natural friction and wear to occur - rapidly and unfavourably from what can be considered excessive wear when using a mineral oil, or would you prefer better engine protection with reduced friction and wear and also better clutch protection. So the answer is “Yes”, there will be real benefits.
4. Will there be any adverse effects on the clutch?
Once again strictly speaking, No. All of our oils are JASO MA2 approved - this means that they have achieved the highest rating that JASO currently tests for clutch performance - so there is no reason that the clutch should be affected adversely. However, depending on the oil that has been used in the bike previously you could encounter some initial clutch issues, while the good quality synthetic oils attempts to clean the contaminants from the older oil off the clutch. All the more reason to consider an engine clean (flush) before changing over. If there is any effect - it will be short lived - 1000km’s max while the clutch gets cleaned by the new fancy oil!
5. What grade of oil should I use if I make the switch?
See attached recommendation sheet (for Kawas in SA 10W40 is probably the right choice).
Thanks in anticipation of your response. All I have asked have given me conflicting opinions which has left me somewhat confused.
Regards
Allan
