I'm putting in a junkyard motor and I'm wondering if I can use car oil just to get things running?
The junkyard washed the engine with whatever they wash engines with and know I'll be changing the oil right away before I even think of riding. I just don't want to have to buy Honda oil twice if I don't have to.

I know the Honda oil has friction modifiers, but that's just for the clutch, right? Will using car oil leave any harmful residues? Like I said, I just want to get the bike running, check that everything works and for leaks then drain the oil and replace the filter.

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

I wouldnt worry about it at all. I've used "car" synthetic oil in all my bikes with NO ill effects. Probably logged 50k between my CBR's and never had a problem. That includes track days, touring, commuting, sport riding, etc.

 

Great! Thanks for the info!
Another thing, the Honda dealership was trying to sell me Honda coolant - the service guy said that automotive coolant would eventually eat away at the seals/gaskets? I thought it was B.S., so I passed, but I figured I'd ask about it to see if I need "special motorcycle coolant"?

 

That is in fact partially true. If you are ever going to buy motorcycle specific anything........anti freeze is it.There are different additives in the car stuff. This I would not skimp on.

 

there are no friction modifiers in motorcycle oil...well at least very little. use whatever auto oil that is not ENERGY CONSERVING...10-40 is not energy conserving.