stock fork oil weight
#1
stock fork oil weight
Hi, I just bought a 93' cbr600f2 and the fork seals need to be replaced. I was told by a moto mechanic to use a heavier grade oil than stock... Is this a good idea? He said a heavier oil will not leak as much as a lighter weight oil. And what is the stock fork-oil weight? Thanks
Last edited by Ryanfz; 05-13-2009 at 12:58 PM. Reason: reword
#2
That's the worst reason I've ever heard. It's leaking because the seals are worn out. You need to replace them. Then it won't leak any more. Heavier fluid has nothing to do with this. Look at it like this, if you were to cut an artery, you wouldn't just slap a band-aid on it and hope the bleeding slows a little. You want the bleeding to stop. It's that simple.
As for weight, use what the manual specifies. I believe it's SS8 for damper rod forks, but my memory is a little fuzzy on this. It's been a while since I did F2 fork seals. And don't use just any old 10wt fork oil. 10wt is not always 10wt by the label. Get the SS8.
I'd also stop listening to that mechanic if I were you.
As for weight, use what the manual specifies. I believe it's SS8 for damper rod forks, but my memory is a little fuzzy on this. It's been a while since I did F2 fork seals. And don't use just any old 10wt fork oil. 10wt is not always 10wt by the label. Get the SS8.
I'd also stop listening to that mechanic if I were you.
#3
I have been thinking I should put in a heavier fork oil myself... it is supposed to make the forks a bit more firm. Since I am about 185lbs I could use stiffer forks than the stock F2's.
But, as mentioned above, the heavier fork oil will NOT fix the leaking seals... those should be replaced.
But, as mentioned above, the heavier fork oil will NOT fix the leaking seals... those should be replaced.
#4
It is recommended to use a 15w fork oil on the F2 because the stock 10w is mush,
I believe the mechanic recommended using the heavier oil to SLOW the leak until the seals are replaced... This would be a valid suggestion if you could not replace them right away, it will avoid oozing oil onto your tire/brake.
I believe the mechanic recommended using the heavier oil to SLOW the leak until the seals are replaced... This would be a valid suggestion if you could not replace them right away, it will avoid oozing oil onto your tire/brake.
#5
#6
yes, change your fork oil. Especially if it's original. It's actually a good idea to change your fork oil every couple years. It gets dirty just like engine oil. The grit can get into the fork valves causing them to stick, then they don't work. Racers will change their fork oil several times a year.
Also putting heavier fork oil is really isn't the best thing to do. A much better thing to do is get springs & emulators for damper rod forks. Or get spring & revalve if they are cartridge forks.
Also putting heavier fork oil is really isn't the best thing to do. A much better thing to do is get springs & emulators for damper rod forks. Or get spring & revalve if they are cartridge forks.
#7
It is recommended to use a 15w fork oil on the F2 because the stock 10w is mush,
I believe the mechanic recommended using the heavier oil to SLOW the leak until the seals are replaced... This would be a valid suggestion if you could not replace them right away, it will avoid oozing oil onto your tire/brake.
I believe the mechanic recommended using the heavier oil to SLOW the leak until the seals are replaced... This would be a valid suggestion if you could not replace them right away, it will avoid oozing oil onto your tire/brake.
#8
#9
I'd just use the factory oil, but what I don't see mentioned here is checking the condition of the chromed rods, they might be damaged or etched by bug juice, which can take the new seals out in short order. The recommendation I got was to re seal them and if they leak again shortly thereafter the chrome rods need changing due to microscopic abrasions. And yes change fork oil at the specified intervals, mine was filthey!! Keep the chrome clean.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dont under estimate 1 liter
1000 Modifications
11
04-05-2011 04:05 PM