Castrol Syntec 5W-50, '01 BMW R1100S, 3000 miles

[molechaser]

This bike seems to be pretty easy on oil, so I decided to run some vintage '98 Castrol Syntec from a sealed jug that I had collecting dust in the garage. This was SJ rated oil. To make things a bit more challenging, I did not change the oil filter after the last change, so there is at least some of the Delo 400 from the last change in the mix.

No change in riding habits. I get out on weekends only for rides of 100-200 miles at a time over rural backroads.

Results are most recent to oldest.

code:

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Odom. 24000 21000 18000

Interval 3000 3000 3000

Oil Castrol Chevron Mobil 1

Grade 5W-50 15W-40 15W-50

Makeup 0.25 qt 0.5 qt 1 qt

.

Al 2 2 3

Cr 0 0 0

Fe 8 10 8

Cu 4 4 4

Pb 1 2 1

Sn 1 1 1

Mo 60 12 51

B 4 22 145

Si 8 8 6

Na 2 4 6

Ca 2012 3567 2931

Mg 321 10 23

P 782 1226 984

Zn 884 1412 1192

.

SUS @210°F 84.7 71.9 87.3

Flashpoint 405 390 420

Fuel
Water 0 0 0

Insolubles 0.1 0.2 0.2

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Statistically speaking there is no difference in the results with these three oils. I refilled with Mobil 1 15W-50 and plan to run the oil at least 6000 miles for the next interval.

I am tempted to run a 3000 mile interval on a typical dino 20W-50 to see if it makes any difference.

 

[427Z06]

I have some of that vintage '98-'99?? Castrol Syntec 5w50 in one of my cars right now. Tempted to do an UOA. I'll have to see how rich I feel at the time I change it out, which should be pretty soon.

 

[KW]

It will be iteresting to see if you'll need a full quart of make-up oil with M1. Looks like the Syntec worked well for you too.

 

[molechaser]

Yeah, the oil consumption was a lot better with the Castrol. If it jumps back up with the Mobil 1 then I will be switching to Castrol.

Oilhead BMWs have a sight glass to check the oil, but the reading is not consistent unless you leave the bike on the sidestand for a bit after shut down to make sure the oil cooler drains to the sump. I've been keeping the oil in the lower half of the sight glass and this seems to reduce oil consumption.

 

[Schmoe]

Good analysis, but it's pretty plain to see that the M1 is kicking everybody's elses collective arshes. Good to see that B and Zn are still in good doses with M1. You could go a lot longer with M1 than 3K.

 

[pscholte]

quote:

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Originally posted by Terry:
I like BMW's !!

Terry

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Terry,

If you will buy me one, I promise to use your services!

Just think, SLX in a new Bimmer, what an exciting addition to your database...I will even use your services on the Audi too!

 

[Terry]

You always make promises like that to me ! Now can I have your bottle of GC ????

 

[Terry]

Molechaser, you acheived better ring seal with the SJ Syntec and I suspect better MPG if recorded. Even with a used oil filter. Syntec solvency is better than the other two tests unless you are treating the fuel.

Did you add any fuel treatments to any of the tests seen above?

Note that the Syntec sheared just barely to SAE 40w while protecting better than the other runs.

Consider our serivces in the future. Extra $10 is well worth it.

I like BMW's !!

Terry

 

[molechaser]

Terry,

No fuel treatments of any kind. I run the bike on premium. Usually Chevron or Exxon, but whatever is handy when I need to fill up.

Fuel mileage did seem slightly better while I was running on the Castrol with the low fuel light coming on at about 160 miles versus a more typical 150-155 miles. I generally get about 40-45 mpg.

Now that I have switched back to Mobil 1 it will be interesting to see what happens to the gas mileage. Too soon to tell at this point.