04-08-2024, 12:01 AM | #1 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: FL
Posts: 365
|
Coffee filter-recycle break in oil.
The break-in oil on these bikes is still good after discarding.
The lubricity and additives are all still very good. The only reason to swap out the oil during break-in, is the metallic flakes. I was wondering if anyone recycled their first oil? Even the OEM oil (better than the vegetable oil I once used in one of my bigger bikes), is certainly enough for the first few hundred miles, provided it's filtered well somehow (and perhaps mixed with proper engine oil to get some benefits of the additive package). I was thinking of keeping the used oil, let the metal shavings and sediment sink down, and filter the clean oil and reuse it. Not sure if a coffee filter will be most efficient, or if someone has some kind of experience with doing this? Once oil runs between a few hundred to a few thousand miles, and it starts to decolor, it's time for a change. I know most of you don't even bother, and just go for another $10-$25 jug of fresh new oil, and I understand. However, maybe others have thought of reusing break-in oil? |
|
04-08-2024, 02:42 AM | #2 |
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,043
|
Most consider it shipping oil and discard it right away on these vehicles. We may be wrong, however, and it might be fine. My point of view is I'm not willing to take a chance when its cheap (relatively) to just replace it right away because of the small amount needed to fill the crankcase.
__________________
2012 Kawasaki Versys 1984 Honda Magna V65 2016 Rhino 250 2016 Tao Tao 125D |
|
04-08-2024, 07:36 AM | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Elburn, IL
Posts: 5,973
|
Good question, but I am in agreement with david3921.
When I was building heavy equipment, I'd replace the engine oil after the first heat cycle. It wasn't worth the risk on a $10K engine.
__________________
Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts |
|
04-08-2024, 07:57 AM | #4 |
Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Houma, La.
Posts: 11,713
|
I use the old oil for bar chain oil on my chainsaw.
__________________
2024 Linhai 300 ATV 4x4 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S (Sold) 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel |
|
04-08-2024, 11:25 AM | #6 |
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Volcano, Ca
Posts: 7,112
|
I toss it before I fire the bike. Historically, stock oil in both the China Bikes and my old Japanese bikes as a kid, were garbage. Shipping oil, as stated above. All the fluids, really, especially fork oil. Like Jerry said, it makes great bar oil. Living where I do, everything goes to the recycler.
__________________
"Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350 |
|
04-08-2024, 01:09 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 339
|
It continues to not seem clear.
"Shipping oil" and "break in oil" are not the same thing. On many machines (besides motorcycles even) the manufacturers say to discard/recycle whatever oil they put in at the factory. Right after you unpack it. I've an air conditioning compressor box underfoot that says exactly that on it. Break in oil should have 500 miles of actual use on it, depending on the bike. |
|
04-09-2024, 12:44 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: FL
Posts: 365
|
Shipping oil, is oil. It just doesn't have the additive package. But mixed with engine oil that does have the additive package, it's just as good as any oil. At least, to be used as break in oil, something you'll discard after 100-200 miles.
Most of the additives missing in shipping oil, are those that will suspend water, which is only an issue if the bike sits long. Other additives are to reduce wear from certain metals, which isn't really an issue during the break-in. Yet other additives, are friction modifiers. Most oils handle the crankcase and cylinder wall temps of 275F just fine, without breaking down, even without friction modifiers. They might just be thicker in cold weather than most synthetics. I myself wouldn't use it to ride. But to give it a second chance, filtered, during the break in period, I think won't harm. Fact, I'm pretty sure it's not going to harm the engine, unless you want it to (like pouring water in the crank case, or trying to start the engine at -40F). I found out a coffee filter is too tight for an oil filter. It seeps through too slowly. A piece of cloth would probably be better, or an oil filter, but that defeats the purpose of near zero cost base. Third option is just use a magnet to fish out the suspended metallic particles. I don't think my engine has any aluminum in it. Just steel. And like I said, I drove a much bigger bike on corn oil for lubricant, for 30+ miles without any negative side effects. it did have about half a quart of 10w30 motor oil in it, so there was some form of additive package in the oil. Is it recommend? Perhaps not. But is it possible? A definite 'yes'! I probably won't do it on a brand new $10+k Honda or Kawasaki, but think it's perfectly fine for <$1500 Chinese toys. |
|
04-09-2024, 08:12 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 339
|
Different strokes for different folks I guess. I tend to keep my vehicles a long time. My main road bike I bought in 1988. Had to to tear the engine down (it swallowed a carb butterfly screw) a couple of years ago. Senior mechanic at the shop commented on how it looked brand new inside. I credit the care I take with the oil changes I give it.
I treat my equipment and vehicles pretty equally. How I much paid for them or how much they might be currently worth don't figure into it. I look at how reliable I can make and keep them for the time I want them to keeping work for me with as little hassle as possible. Years and years of observing how other people often bring mechanical trouble upon themselves by not bothering to do proper maintenance or wanting to spend the money has made me not want to travel that path. I seriously don't like spending the money on the fairly expensive oil changes on my wife's car but that's part of what it takes to keep it dead reliable and so be it. |
|
04-09-2024, 10:35 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 2,733
|
I have always heated up the engine for a few minutes before dropping the "shipping oil". Zongshen doesn't provide them bare dry. They put oil in them. And Zongshen wouldn't put garbage in there
I would agree that $5 worth of a known multiplate clutch friendly oil should go into it before I ride it, but I am not worried at all about the first heat cycle. I run it for 5 or 10 minutes and get it warmed up, revving moderately to shake things loose. In my opinion, that first heat cycle is meant to suspend particles. I have the thing on the rack and the drain plug is already loose enough to drop the oil the second I shut it off. As I said it's all about eliminating any metal filings I can possibly flush. AND, draining completely so the new oil isn't dilluted. And my second oil change is about 50 to 75 miles in. Again, another $5 out of pocket. No biggy. I've been amazed at the stability and quality of the Zongshen engines in the Chinese bikes I've owned. The Storm was the oldest (sold), the original Templar X 5 speed is the new oldest. The thing springs to life instantly, runs perfectly. So did the Storm. In fact, the Storm had a remote starter. It worked instantly, every time.
__________________
No matter where you go, there you are |
|
04-10-2024, 08:42 AM | #11 | |
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: De Soto, MO
Posts: 1,976
|
Quote:
__________________
2021 Lifan Xpect--sold 2022 Lifan KPX 1972 Honda CT90--The Carrot 1969 Honda CT90--The Tomahto Cheesy is the WDK (workplace drama king). Now retired. Nope, back in the saddle. Nope, finally retired. Climate: The Movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A24fWmNA6lM How our government really works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjadCd0VRBw Question all authority.....think for yourself |
|
|
04-12-2024, 08:58 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: FL
Posts: 365
|
I just saw a phenomenal piece on YouTube about break-in oil.
Apparently, according to the specialist in the matter, what your bike needs most is zinc in the oil. The zinc will abrase the surface a little, and bond with the steel, forming a much more durable, corrosion resistant surface layer. That being said, I bought a tube of TB zinc plus break in oil, that I'll be adding to the engine oil. Its only necessary for the first 50-100 miles, after which you can run any kind of engine oil you prefer. The most crucial moment is right out of the box. Use that in the first few miles of the bike for maximum effectiveness. Here's the link to the video: |
|
04-12-2024, 09:55 PM | #13 | |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
|
Quote:
__________________
Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
|
|
04-12-2024, 11:39 PM | #14 |
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: FL
Posts: 365
|
According to the reviews, a tube of TB zinc plus, has 5000 ppm.
I don't plan on using the entire bottle, just merely using a squirt in my current break in oil. Even contemplating putting the rest inside my car, that already has 130k miles on it. |
|
04-13-2024, 01:03 AM | #15 |
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Omaha, NE
Posts: 8,110
|
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it don't need it.
__________________
Hawk Information and Resource guide: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=20331 2018 Hawk 250 - Full Mod list here. http://www.chinariders.net/showpost....62&postcount=1 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 https://chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=34124 |
|
|
|
|
|