20w 40 vs 20w 50

FJTillDeath · October 26, 2011, 02:52:03 AM

This is not a war on oil, just a question I wanted to ask.

I recently topped up the FJ with some oil, in the manual it says to use 20w 40. I used 20w 50. Is it going to be a problem?

I am going to be changing the oil soon with a new oil filter so I also just wanted to know if when I replace the oil if I use 20w 50 will it be alright? I ask because I have a whole bunch of it lying around and dont want to waste it. Its Castrol GTX so nothing really special. I know its cheaping out but I wanna see if I can get away with it, if not I will trudge along for some 20w 40(which is not very easy to find).

I have realised that the oil is not actually that old, but it has lost its viscosity. Why? because when I dropped the bike, or rather kids ran into it and knocked it over I have a feeling that fuel went from the pistons into the sump and then into the oil mixing with it. This could also have happened from the number of times my bike has leaked petrol and oil.

Either way I just hope that all the noises that keep appearing from the engine disappear after the fresh oil is in.

On a side note, the Haynes manual mentions that the bike should run prior to draining the oil(heat it up and make it easier to drain) but I hheave to remove my exhuast to get to the drain plug which means it will be scorching hot. AndyB did mention adding a new drain hole but I dont have time or the parts for that yet, so any other suggestions?

Jesse

simi_ed · October 26, 2011, 08:13:32 AM

If you suspect that the oil is contaminated with fuel, change it! Don't bother adding oil-it is still contaminated (actually diluted is the better term). It should be replaced ASAP. 20W-40 or 20W-50 will not make any difference.

Arnie · October 26, 2011, 07:40:36 PM

+1 to what Simi Ed said.
The Castrol 20w-50 will be fine.
In case you don't know, the 20w is the viscosity of the oil when cold, and the 50 is the viscosity (thickness or flow rate) when at operating temperature.

You can drain the oil from the left oil cooler line while the engine is hot. This will save removing the exhaust.

Arnie

Harvy · October 26, 2011, 08:00:21 PM

Quote from: FJt!llD3@th on October 26, 2011, 02:52:03 AM
Its Castrol GTX so nothing really special. I know its cheaping out but I wanna see if I can get away with it, if not I will trudge along for some 20w 40(which is not very easy to find).

Jesse, I have been using Castrol GTX 20W50 in my FJ for many years now.

Nothing wrong with it.

Harvy

oldktmdude · October 26, 2011, 09:02:30 PM

If your engine has been running with contaminated oil for some time, it may have already have done some damage to your engine. You mention that you are hearing strange noises from your motor, thin oil can score alloy bearing surfaces very quickly, so fingers crossed, you have caught it in time. Do an oil change immediately.

FJTillDeath · October 27, 2011, 01:50:30 AM

Thanks for the help everyone, Im glad I can use my oil I have.

One last question on the matter, I havent asked any dealers yet as I was told that oil filters are specific to the bike. And as far as I know my dealer wont have such a specific part, so I will need to then order it? Is this correct, or is there a universal filter for the FJ or atleast one that will be a lot easier to use?

I should be getting a new bike in a few days so I can put the FJ away for a few weeks if I have to order from Randy

FJTillDeath · October 27, 2011, 02:17:54 AM

Just had a look at Randy's site and the web and saw a "Wix filter" to be used with the spin on adaptder.. Together its a bit pricey for me, but I have never bought an oil filter so got no idea what they go for, like I said, any tips or tricks. Looking for a cheapie that will still work

fj11.5 · October 27, 2011, 07:45:21 AM

andys adaptos work well, also makes it easier to find filters if your desperate , but for now you should be able to find anaftermarket one on ebay cheaply

FJTillDeath · October 27, 2011, 08:24:41 AM

Contacted my dealer and by some amazing chance he said he has the oil filter I need in stock for 90ZAR( say 11 $)

I was quite surprised as my dealer doesnt seem to have anything else, but it would make sense sinse they regularly service bikes, so this afternoon will get the filter and replace, any tips to note? I will read my Haynes again but I just wanted to make sure

andyb · October 27, 2011, 08:31:54 AM

Be careful putting the filter housing back on. It's really easy to pinch the wires that run through that area.

FJTillDeath · October 27, 2011, 08:36:54 AM

Quote from: andyb on October 27, 2011, 08:31:54 AM
Be careful putting the filter housing back on. It's really easy to pinch the wires that run through that area.

I clearly have not read my manual thouroughly as I dont remember reading anything about a filter housing, then again its right in the beginning when I was quickly skimming through so I'll probably pick it up when I read it over.

Thanks for the tip Andy

Scooterbob · October 27, 2011, 09:37:00 AM

Quote from: FJt!llD3@th on October 27, 2011, 08:36:54 AM
Quote from: andyb on October 27, 2011, 08:31:54 AM
Be careful putting the filter housing back on. It's really easy to pinch the wires that run through that area.

I clearly have not read my manual thouroughly as I dont remember reading anything about a filter housing, then again its right in the beginning when I was quickly skimming through so I'll probably pick it up when I read it over.

Thanks for the tip Andy

IIRC, there is an O-Ring on the filter housing too. Make sure that is in good condition and in place before putting the housing back on. I think I used a little grease to hold it in place last time. And read the manual on this first.

rktmanfj · October 27, 2011, 10:35:33 AM

Don't lose the little washer that the spring rides on... it can get lost in the drain pan pretty easily.

News:

20w 40 vs 20w 50

rktmanfj