Oil & Filter question

Good evening all!

I have one of chacal's most excellent spin-on filter adapter kits for my 82 650 Maxim. As soon as it gets a bit warmer out I'm going to install the kit and change the oil.

The filter that came with the kit is a Purolator PL14612. I went to the local Auto Zone to get a couple more filters and they didn't have Purolator filters nor did they have a cross reference for them. So I came home, got on the net and found what car used this filter. 2008 Nissan 350Z with a V6. Good enough. They had Fram, Bosch, and a couple more brands in stock so I got the Fram TG6607, which is supposed to be their best filter.

I wanted to buy Castrol synthetic oil but the only motorcycle oil they had was Mobil I V Twin. So I got that in 20W50 weight. The Mobil 1 oil seems to be the same API specs as the Castrol.

I am trying to buy maintenance items like lubes, oil, and filters locally. Just about every thing else I get from chacal. Good guy, good prices, good service. (shameless plug) Anyhow, I know everyone seems to have preferences on oils and filters but I'd kind of like to know what some of you think of Fram filters and Mobil 1 oil.

There seems to be a difference in the length of filters from brand to brand, I don't know what difference it would make if any. The Fram filter seemed to be one of the shorter ones which I thought would be an ok thing in case of stones kicked up by the front tire.

So, whaddaya think? Good, bad, indifferent?

Cheers,

Phil

 

Since you be converting to Spin-on ... why not use the "Shorty" and just change it every few thousand miles.

That's why you convert to Spin-On. To make it convenient to change the filter often.

I happen to like Fram. I haven't had an Oil Filter related issue using Fram since 1972.

 

Hi Rick,

I've never had any problems with Fram either, but thought I'd see what everyone else was using. Heck, when I rode bikes years ago the oil of choice locally was DA Speedsport. I don't even know if they're in business anymore.

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

Cheers,

Phil

 

You know, all sorts of stuff on the internet about not using Fram spin on oil filters because they have cardboard element ends in them instead of metal.

I personally never was able to fathom why it matters whether you hold the paper element in place with cardboard or aluminum.

My only complaint about Fram filters is that grip coating they put on the end of them. Makes it hard to get my filter wrench on.

I've been pondering oils a lot lately. I've pretty well decided to go with Castrol GTX 20W50. You can get a 5 quart jug at Wal*Mart for about 11 bucks. I can change it twice as often and still save about 50% over synthetic.

 

Hi MiCarl,

I was originally going to use regular automotive oil. I queried Castrol about which oil to use and this is the reply I received. They brought up some things I would have never thought about. The reason I didn't go with Castrol is that their motorcycle oil isn't available locally. I really don't want to drive fifty miles round trip to get oil and although you can get free shipping from them and a small break in price if you order a case (from Castrol) you're still spending almost a hundred bucks. I just don't want to tie up that much money in a case of oil at this time. Thanks for the input on the Fram filters. I appreciate it.

Cheers,

Phil


"Thank you for contacting Castrol,

Castrol does not recommend using automotive oils in motorcycles. The Reason? In 1996 the American Petroleum Institute (API) upgraded the performance standards of automotive oil from SG to SJ (currently SM). This upgrade impacted the friction modifiers and zinc and phosphorus levels, to address the fuel economy, catalytic converter and pollution issues of passenger car owners. For motorcycles, the additional friction modifiers can affect wet clutch performance, and motorcycle engines appreciate a higher level of the anti-wear ingredients of zinc and phosphorus.

We have formulated our line of Castrol Motorcycle oils to be API SG. This allows us to optimize the formula specifically for motorcycles without being constrained by the specification demands for passenger car engines, which our passenger car oil must meet. All Castrol Motorcycle oils have low volatility to reduce the effects of oil evaporation, and they can be up to 50% lower than many API SL/SJ passenger car engine oils. API SJ engine oils have a minimal shear stability requirement; therefore, some types may lose their viscosity more quickly when used in a motorcycle, due to the stresses of these bike engines.

The Castrol motorcycle line includes oil for 2 stroke, 4 stroke and V-Twin oils with a wide variety of viscosity ranges and oil types, including mineral, synthetic blend and fully synthetic formulations. This variety offers superior performance for all motorcycle rider demands and every type of riding condition.

For an air cooled motorcycle, we recommend a V-Twin formulation-

Castrol V-Twin, and Castrol ActEvo V-twin

For the liquid-cooled, either V-twin or 4 stroke would be appropriate, and your choice should be based on the viscosity requirements of the motorcycle-

Castrol ActEvo, Castrol GPS, and Castrol R4 Superbike"

 

Thanks, Phil!

Let us know how that spin-on kit works for you.

 

Will do Len! I was going to do it today but it didn't warm up enough for me to be in the garage. I need to get that on and the oil changed, and a new tire on the front and then I'm ready to ride for a bit before doing all the rest. I found a neat little steel box to store the ColorTune and CarbTune in. Can't wait to get the valve lash checked and play with my new tools!

Sure will post when I get the filter conversion kit on. I've memorized the instructions, got the brake cleaner and Loctite and I'm all ready to go.

Cheers,

Phil

 

Where can I purchase said spin on kit? I can't find it anywhere on the net...

 

Here you go!

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t=195.html



os1) Reproduction Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Kit....okay, the original Yamaha cartridge oil filter system is "adequate", but for real oil filtering capabilities and ease of filter replacement---not to mention a certain cool-factor!---you really want to upgrade the factory system to an automotive-type spin-on "can" filter. Doing so not only gets you better oil filtration, easier (much easier) oil changes, but also eliminates the oil cleaner cover, the easy-to-strip by-pass bolt, and all the other associated o-rings and seals needed when performing an oil change using a stock system.

This system consists of five pieces:

a) a precision-machined aluminum can filter Adapter Plate.
b) a threaded mounting Stud and corresponding mounting Nut.
c) a plate-to-block O-ring Seal.
d) your choice of a Purolator, K&N, or Amsoil spin-on mini-can oil filter.
e) Installation instructions.

This kit contains everything you'll need to replace your original set-up on any XJ550/650/700/750/900 motor. NOTE: will work on both all original non-oil-cooler equipped models, as well as on all factory oil-cooler-equipped models (XJ650 Turbo and XJ900RK), without the use of any additional parts. The Adapter Plate in this spin-on filter kit replaces the entire outer filter cover (and all its mounting and internal pieces) on all models, and is only about 1" longer in overall length than the stock filter system---so clearance against the frame rails and exhaust headpipes is not an issue.


HCP1284PL aftermarket Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Kit, with a Purolator Pure-One mini-can filter. Each:
$ 52.95

HCP1284KN aftermarket Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Kit, with a K&N mini-can filter. Each:
$ 59.95

HCP1284AM aftermarket Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Kit, with an Amsoil mini-can filter. Each:
$ 66.95


Periodic replacement parts (the only ones you'll ever need) for any of the above kits:

HCP277 replacement Purolator One spin-on mini-can Oil Filter. This blue-can Purolator filter is an excellent choice that balances low-cost with good filtration ability. Each:
$ 4.95

HCP278 replacement K&N spin-on mini-can Oil Filter. This K&N filter features a high-flow rate with excellent filtration ability. Additionally, this filter has a welded-on hex-nut on the top to aid in installation and, especially, removal. Each:
$ 12.95

HCP2798 replacement Amsoil spin-on mini-can Oil Filter. Amsoil ultra-high-performance filters are recognized as the "gold standard" in oil filtration, showing both an extremely high-flow rate with exceptional filtration ability. Each:
$ 19.95

HCP2283 spin-on oil filter adapter plate-to-block O-Ring Seal, for the HCP1284PL, HCP1284KN, or HCP1284AM adapter plate kits. Each:
$ 3.50

 

I've been happy with Mobil 1 oil and filters. I used the V-twin 20w-50 in my old V Star 1100 and use Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10w-40 in my R6 and XJ550.

Currently, I'm using a Yamaha OEM filter in the XJ, but will switch to a Mobil 1 filter when I convert to a spin-on filter at my next oil change.

I won't use Fram filters and this link gives a good explanation as to why:

http://www.tobycreek.org/oil_filters/index.shtml

 

After some insight from the forum I use Rotella T 15w40.
And a fram filter in the oem housing.

No complaints here, except what to do with all the money I'm saving.

 

The beef with the Fram filters has to do with using cardboard end caps in the spin on filters. The Fram cartridges for our bikes have aluminum ends. I'm still waiting for someone to explain to me why it's bad to use cardboard to cap the end of a paper filter.

I think you made an excellent choice on the oil. I was trying to decide between the Rotella T and the Castrol GTX 20w50 (about same price). I decided to go ahead and put the 20w50 in because I don't ride a lot of miles so I'll have it in there for hot weather. The result is really stiff shifting until the bike gets good and hot. It's bad enough I might dump it and put the Rotella T in.