Author Topic: Gear oil in the motor!!! (Read 9843 times)

TJ_Ben · « **on:** December 28, 2011, 11:44:14 AM »

Hi all.

Last evening, I decided to change the oil & filter on my bike before what was supposed to be a day trip today.
I was working in the driveway and it started getting kinda dark, so after changing the oil and filter, decided to leave the final drive change for early this morning.
Anyway, long story short: This morning I discovered I accidentally topped off the last .7lt of the engine's capacity with Hypoid Gear Oil 80-90w, instead of motor oil. Must've gotten my quarts mixed up in the dark somehow.
What should I do? Am I totally screwed? Should I just re-change the oil/filter and be on my way? Have I done any permanent damage? Because I did take a spin or two around the block after the oil change.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Jeremy Mitchell · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2011, 11:47:41 AM »

To be on the safe side you should go ahead and change the oil and filter. JMHO

gnuse · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:09:18 PM »

This may be a truly, new oil discussion topic.

You don't mention the brands and details of the oils you used. Also how many miles?

Your engine oil might smell different for a while

, but I can't imagine that will cause harm.

Very unlikely you did any damage especially with that mixture.

This would be the right time to correct the error with a change to the correct oil.

jjsC6 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:20:57 PM »

If it were me I would change the oil, and either change the filter or at least pull the filter and drain it and reinstall it. Not only is the oil a lot thicker, but it's pretty safe to say that it's properties are a lot different than motor oil. I would not worry about a short ride on it, but I damn sure would be concerned if it were in there for any length of time, and I would be very careful to let if fully warm up (which takes a lot longer than people think) and I would avoid high RPM's.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #4 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:51:35 PM »

I think you should have a nice Scotch after you change the oil and filter and resolve never to do maintenance in the dark again.

So Cal Joe · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2011, 12:58:24 PM »

Change the oil & filter, cheap insurance that you won't hurt anythng

roger dodger · « **Reply #6 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:02:41 PM »

15% 80w-90 oil means you now are close to the 20w-50 that many bikes run all summer.

Run it and don't worry about oil this much. OR change it if it's going to worry you too much.

DonB · « **Reply #7 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:30:05 PM »

I can not believe that small amount will cause any trouble
if it were me I would go ahead and change it for piece of mind. and I would let there light next time

Gearhead82 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 28, 2011, 01:40:17 PM »

Gear oil viscosities are not the same as motor oil viscosities, so actually 80W-90 is a pretty similar viscosity to a 10W-40 motor oil from what I've read. However some gear oils contain additives that are corrosive to brass and copper. I would change the oil and filter. I highly doubt you've done any damage to your engine. Maybe a little to your ego though. . .

philipintexas · « **Reply #9 on:** December 28, 2011, 02:05:54 PM »

I'd also keep an eye on the clutch behavior, it is probably more likely to be effected than the engine.

Scaffolder · « **Reply #10 on:** December 28, 2011, 03:25:47 PM »

That last .7ltr or oz. needs to be translated to glugs. Brian is very good at that.
I'd change it for sure.

gnuse · « **Reply #11 on:** December 28, 2011, 03:28:21 PM »

Quote from: jjsC6 on December 28, 2011, 12:20:57 PM

If it were me I would change the oil, and either change the filter or at least pull the filter and drain it and reinstall it. Not only is the oil a lot thicker, but it's pretty safe to say that it's properties are a lot different than motor oil. I would not worry about a short ride on it, but I damn sure would be concerned if it were in there for any length of time, and I would be very careful to let if fully warm up (which takes a lot longer than people think) and I would avoid high RPM's.

I'm not sure why you say this oil he used is "a lot thicker". 80w90 gear oil is about the same viscosity as 20w50 motor oil. There are plenty of resources that will show the differences in the way gear oil and motor oil viscosity are labeled. Here are a couple: http://www.experimentalhelo.com/eh_oilVisChart_fullT.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_oil

sherob · « **Reply #12 on:** December 28, 2011, 04:39:32 PM »

I'd be more worried what was in Hypoid oil (moly) than anything else... change it.

TJ_Ben · « **Reply #13 on:** December 28, 2011, 07:49:37 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on December 28, 2011, 12:51:35 PM

I think you should have a nice Scotch after you change the oil and filter and resolve never to do maintenance in the dark again.

Will do!

stevewfl · « **Reply #14 on:** December 28, 2011, 08:15:48 PM »

Quote from: roger dodger on December 28, 2011, 01:02:41 PM

15% 80w-90 oil means you now are close to the 20w-50 that many bikes run all summer.

Run it and don't worry about oil this much. OR change it if it's going to worry you too much.

^^^^^that.

And if your KiPass battery is charged nothing can happen anyway

TJ_Ben · « **Reply #15 on:** December 28, 2011, 10:12:42 PM »

It was Hypoid Gear Oil; that's my main concern. Already got some new oil and filter. Will change it tomorrow.
Wish me luck.
FB

jjsC6 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2011, 07:36:45 AM »

Quote from: gnuse on December 28, 2011, 03:28:21 PM

I'm not sure why you say this oil he used is "a lot thicker". 80w90 gear oil is about the same viscosity as 20w50 motor oil. There are plenty of resources that will show the differences in the way gear oil and motor oil viscosity are labeled. Here are a couple: http://www.experimentalhelo.com/eh_oilVisChart_fullT.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_oil

I stand corrected on that and appreciate the education. I never knew that. I've used both many times and the gear oil seems thicker to me, but I must admit I've never really paid that much attention I guess.

I'll stick with the second part of my answer though in that the actual properties could be very different, and I freely admit I don't know the facts on that, I just don't see the point in taking a chance.

Thanks again for the information. I hate learning by my mistakes, but it's better than not learning at all.

Pokey · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2011, 09:18:02 AM »

No more changing oil in the dark for you!

TJ_Ben · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2011, 04:17:18 PM »

Changed oil and filter this morning; back to normal 10w-40 Lucas oil for the engine, and used the (remaining) 80w-90 Hypoid Gear Oil for the final drive. Had never changed it before, was a little surprised at what a small amount is required. Actually had to spin the rear wheel to make sure all was lubricated.
Bike seems to be running just fine. A little extra-smooth in fact. But maybe that's just a subconscious thing.

Thanks for all your advice and support.

FB

Stay cool. Ride safe.

Pokey · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2011, 04:57:30 PM »

Quote from: TJ_Ben on December 29, 2011, 04:17:18 PM

Changed oil and filter this morning; back to normal 10w-40 Lucas oil for the engine, and used the (remaining) 80w-90 Hypoid Gear Oil for the final drive. Had never changed it before, was a little surprised at what a small amount is required. Actually had to spin the rear wheel to make sure all was lubricated.
Bike seems to be running just fine. A little extra-smooth in fact. But maybe that's just a subconscious thing.

Thanks for all your advice and support.

FB

Stay cool. Ride safe.

You didnt spin wheel while adding did you?

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Author Topic: Gear oil in the motor!!! (Read 9843 times)