oils and lubricants for 1957 350 NH

[martin.brown]

Hi everyone,
It's winter here, so time to at least change the oils - I've no idea what the previous owner put in anyway. Gearbox oil (50 SAE according to the book) Fork oil (30 SAE) pretty straightforward I guess, but how about the engine? 40 SAE according to the book, but what's the experience of you guys?

Some discussion in the forum earlier, but I'd be interested to hear any your suggestions/advice.

Stick with old fashioned 40 SAE?
Use a modern multigrade?
Use a 'classic' oil?
Flush with multigrade and then....?

Any recommendations for where to purchase by mail order would also be welcomed.

Ride Safe
Martin

[nevhunter]

The most critical part of the engine for lubrication you have is the cams but the later ones are better than the dual cam set up for wear. You still need an oil that has anti scuffing additives. A lot of these are not in modern oils as they don't like Catalytic converters and are not permitted., but you need it still. I use Harley Davidson oil in my ARIEL singles now as it's for a similar application and I am assured is good quality. There may be others equally good or better but choose carefully
The early SAE 50 for gearboxes is misleading as engine oils after about 30 years ago don't meet the spec for gearboxes. Just buy something of good quality that is used in two stroke MX gearboxes, for the after 52 model box and for the grease filled boxes mix the same oil with HTB grease till it just flows. Nev

[martin.brown]

Hi Nev,
Thanks for the info; I'll take a look at the Harley oils. Cheers
Maritn