Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Feeling pretty stupid...Oil Related...

Folks, a have a few really stupid questions that stem from a situation that can only be summed up with "read the label stupid". Let me explain.

Went to the dealer the other day and purchased Mobil 1 4T 15w-50 oil, a filter and crush ring for my 05 America. Changed the oil today and prepared to put the bike away for the winter. However, immediately after changing the oil, but before I started the bike to check for any leaking, I noticed that the dealer gave me the wrong oil. They provided Mobil 4T, which is a semi-synthetic 4w-40 oil, but still motorcycle oil. Here's my dumb/newbie question, since I didn't start the bike yet, I think I should just be able to drain the oil, replace the filter and fill the bike with Mobil 1 4T. I'm I correct? However, since it is Sunday, I'm going to have to wait until Tuesday. Do I have to worry about this oil in the bike (i.e. clutch plates sitting in it, etc...) as long as I don't start it? Once I get the correct oil in, should I do a short change interval going into the next oil change (I typically only do 3,500 miles between changes). Also, when I was draining the oil from this season, I noticed that it had a "red" color to it. Now I normally change the bike's oil myself, but the last one was performed by the dealer during the 12,000 mile service. The oil only had approx. 3,500 miles on it. I'm hoping that the dealer (a great dealer in my opinion)just uses a different oil than Mobil 1, but I'm not sure. Any advice?

Feeling really stupid right now...

Don't worry. The oil you put in will be fine in the bike. It certainly won't do any harm. You can run these puppies on fully synthetic, semi or fully mineral oil.

In fact the 4-40 is probably better if you get near freezing over the winter.

The redness of the previous oil would indicate that it hasn't done much mileage (or it would be black) and that your dealer probably used a different brand. Most dealers will use a cheaper oil than you or I would choose and the brand largely depends on the best price. It's best not to mix oil types/brands but a change of oil type when you do a complete change won't do any harm.

I would leave the oil in the bike and put some miles on it next season. You can go back to a better quality in 3000 or so miles.

I wouldn't worry about it either and particularly seeings you change your oil frequently.

Btw, no question is a stupid question here.

In fact I've always believed if I have a question about something there's probably someone else out there thinking similarly.

Quote:

---

Btw, no question is a stupid question here.

---

Whew! That gets me off the hook!!!

Sorry, the free pass only applies to stupid questions - not stupid statements!

I'm not sure they offer the Mobil 1 4T 15-50 weight under the Triumph badge anymore. If yes, it's hard to find around here.

````````````````````

Off topic time - as much as I may not like what giant box stores do to a small town, Walmart's prices on oil are often hard to beat - 5 quarts Mobil 1 for automotive use is often on sale for $20. Cold weather is on the way here, and Mobil 1 is my Winter friend. I paid $22 yesterday for 5 quarts. Still a great price. The other day I scored 1 gallon of Rotella T "synthetic" for the old price of $19.

Thanks everyone! I guess I didn't screw up that bad, other then the typo of the "mistake" oil's weight. It should have read 10w-40, not 4w-40. Its amazing how stupid you can feel after a move like this. Thanks for putting my mind to rest.

Where you live, 10W-40 should do fine for the fall and winter. Hot weather is when you need the thicker stuff.

Now as for your dealer, it seems he (she) may indeed be stupid for bagging the different product. Ya.

10W40 Mobil 4-T is A-OK for year round use. That's all I ever use, even in 118 degree summer temps. Never had a problem; close to 40,000 miles.
Tried some 20W50 one summer, my mileage dropped by about 5 mpg. Went back to 10W40 and stayed with it.

Folks:

Thank you for clearing up my anxiety and giving me a great oil education. I always thought the bike had to run full synthetic 15w-50. I now know that isn't the case. I'll probably continue to run with Mobil 1, but I know it doesn't hurt not to.

To end this thread on a really great positive note, I just wanted to give everyone a look into the "behind the scenes". I went back to the dealership today and they 100% satisfied my concern. Without hesitation, they offered to either refund the difference in price stating that the bike would be fine running the 10w-40 or they would gladly replace the oil for the fully synthetic Mobile 1. They even offered to have me speak with the on-duty mechanic to assure that all of my now "foundation-less" concerns would be addressed if I decided to keep the semi-synthetic 10w-40 oil in the bike. It turns out, I decided to take the Mobile 1, as I'm kinda a creature of habit. On doing this, there was never a hesitation from them. In fact, they suggested that I keep the 10w-40 in for the winter and the next 2 - 3,000 miles and they switch back to the Mobile 1, instead of replacing the oil immediately. Bottom line, these guys went the distance to keep a customer satisfied, and more important to me, to provide an education about my concerns. I know I've spoken high about these guys in the past, but Manayunk Triumph (just outside of Philly) is a great place to do business with. Its so easy to find threads with the term "stealership" and examples of dealers not knowing the products they sell (or worse...). This dealership is a privately owned, Triumph only dealership that honestly cares about their customers. Iit was more important to "put to rest" my concerns then to just make a quick sale. This is why I drive 45 mins to them when there's another Triumph dealer closer.

It just seems business people like these guys are kinda rare these days...

Anyone can make a mistake. Manayunk is a good shop, IMO. No worries about the oil, it will be fine.

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the update and the positive review on that "dealership". Glad to see they recognized their mistake and did the right thing. The 10-40 won't hurt. I'd even run it next summer for a while but I'm like you. Mobile 1 cycle specific oil or Amsoil cycle specific. 20W50 is what I end up with.

Glad to see there are some good dealers out there besides the one I drive over an hr to.

B02S4,

Couldn't agree more

Manayunk is a terrific shop! Buzz, Steve and the rest of crew are 1st class to say the least! When I shopping for my America back in 05, I started out at a local Triumph dealership. Also was looking around close to work (i.e. in Delaware), when one of the guys down there asked if I tried Manayunk yet. I took a chance on his recommendation and decided to go up and see the shop. Happy as could be with these guys. From day one, they make you feel like a valued customer and then once they get to know you, you become family.

Been "eyeing up" the grey Sprint ST that they have on the floor. Wife doesn't seem to care if I trade the America in on it, however, I do. I want to keep both. So in that light, the plan is get through the winter first to make sure the old job is stable, then hopefully I can get serious about it. D@mn Financial Industry.