Goldwing Oil: Thicker vs. Thinner

When it comes to maintaining your classic 1982 Honda Goldwing, one of the most crucial aspects is selecting the correct engine oil. The choice of oil viscosity can have a significant impact on your motorcycle's performance, longevity, and even its internal components. This article delves into what happens when you deviate from the manufacturer's recommended oil grade, specifically focusing on the consequences of using thicker oil, but also touching upon the risks associated with thinner oil.

Understanding Oil Viscosity

Oil viscosity refers to an oil's resistance to flow. It's typically measured using the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) grading system. For instance, an oil rated as 10W-40 has two viscosity ratings: '10W' indicates its viscosity at cold temperatures (W for Winter), and '40' indicates its viscosity at operating temperatures. A higher number signifies a thicker oil, while a lower number indicates a thinner oil.

The Impact of Thicker Oil on an '82 Goldwing

Using oil that is significantly thicker than what your 1982 Goldwing's engine is designed for can lead to a cascade of negative effects. The primary concern is increased oil pressure.

High Oil Pressure and Its Consequences

When you introduce a thicker oil, it becomes more resistant to moving through the narrow passages and components of your engine. This increased resistance translates directly into higher oil pressure. While adequate oil pressure is vital for lubrication, excessively high pressure can be detrimental:

• Insufficient Oil Flow: Despite the higher pressure, the sheer thickness of the oil can impede its ability to reach all the critical lubrication points within the engine. The oil pump might struggle to push the viscous fluid through the oil galleries, leading to starved areas.
• Impaired Lubrication: Insufficient oil flow means that vital engine parts, such as the crankshaft, camshaft, connecting rods, and pistons, may not receive the necessary lubrication. This can result in increased friction, heat, and premature wear.
• Damage to Seals and Gaskets: High oil pressure can put undue stress on engine seals and gaskets. Over time, this can cause them to deteriorate, crack, or even blow out, leading to oil leaks.
• Increased Strain on the Oil Pump: The oil pump has to work harder to circulate a thicker oil, which can lead to increased wear on the pump itself and potentially reduce its lifespan.
• Reduced Engine Performance: The increased internal friction caused by thicker oil can lead to a noticeable decrease in engine power and fuel efficiency. The engine will have to work harder to overcome this resistance.

Personal Experience and Common Issues

As noted by 'montgomery63', attempting an oil filter change on an '82 Goldwing can be a straightforward maintenance task. However, the choice of oil used during this process is paramount. If a thicker oil was used previously, or if a new, thicker oil is introduced, the symptoms described above might begin to manifest. These could include:

• A noticeable decrease in acceleration.
• Increased engine temperature.
• Potential oil warning lights or pressure gauge readings that are higher than usual.
• Signs of oil leaks around seals.

What About Thinner Oil?

While the focus is on thicker oil, it's important to acknowledge that using oil that is too thin can also be problematic, as 'montgomery63' briefly mentioned. Thinner oil offers less resistance, which means it flows more easily. However, if it's too thin, it may:

• Provide Inadequate Lubrication: A film of oil between moving parts is essential to prevent metal-on-metal contact. Thinner oil might not form a strong enough protective film, especially under high temperatures and pressures, leading to increased wear.
• Burn Off More Quickly: Thinner oils can have a lower flash point, meaning they vaporise or burn off more readily at high engine temperatures, leading to a decrease in oil level and potentially poor lubrication.
• Increased Oil Consumption: Thinner oil can more easily bypass piston rings, leading to increased oil consumption and potentially fouling spark plugs.

Recommended Oil for the 1982 Honda Goldwing

The specific oil recommendation for your 1982 Honda Goldwing can usually be found in your owner's manual. However, for many motorcycles of this era, a multi-grade oil like 10W-40 or 20W-50 was common, depending on the ambient temperature. It is crucial to adhere to these specifications. Using a higher viscosity oil (e.g., 20W-50 when 10W-40 is recommended for your climate) is generally where the issues with thicker oil arise.

Here's a general guideline, but always consult your manual:

Note: These are general recommendations and may vary. Always check your specific owner's manual for the most accurate information.

Signs Your Goldwing Might Have the Wrong Oil

If you suspect you've been using oil of the incorrect viscosity, keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Engine Noise: Ticking or knocking sounds can indicate insufficient lubrication.
• Overheating: The engine running hotter than usual.
• Poor Performance: Sluggish acceleration or a general lack of power.
• Oil Leaks: As mentioned, high pressure can force oil past seals.
• High Oil Pressure Readings: If your Goldwing has an oil pressure gauge, unusually high readings are a clear indicator.

What to Do If You've Used Thicker Oil

If you've realised you've used oil that is too thick for your '82 Goldwing, the best course of action is to drain the oil as soon as possible and replace it with the correct grade as specified in your owner's manual. It's also a good idea to change the oil filter at the same time, as the thicker oil may have caused it to become clogged or less efficient.

Changing the Oil and Filter

Changing the oil and filter on your Goldwing is a fundamental maintenance task that:

• Ensures Proper Lubrication: Using the right oil grade guarantees that all moving parts are adequately lubricated, reducing friction and wear.
• Maintains Optimal Performance: The correct oil allows the engine to operate smoothly and efficiently.
• Prevents Internal Damage: By avoiding excessive pressure and ensuring proper flow, you protect your engine from costly damage.

When changing your oil:

1. Warm up the engine slightly to help the oil drain more freely.
2. Locate the drain plug and place a suitable drain pan underneath.
3. Remove the drain plug and allow the old oil to drain completely.
4. Remove the old oil filter (as 'montgomery63' experienced).
5. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with a bit of fresh oil and screw it into place hand-tight, plus a further three-quarters of a turn.
6. Replace the drain plug with a new washer if recommended.
7. Fill the engine with the correct type and amount of new oil.
8. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, checking for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
9. Check the oil level and top up if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a thicker oil in my Goldwing if I ride in very hot weather?

A: While hotter weather can increase the effective viscosity of oil, it's best to stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for your climate. If a higher viscosity is recommended for hot weather, it will be specified in your manual. Generally, a 20W-50 might be suitable for very hot conditions if that's what the manual suggests for those temperatures.

Q: Will thicker oil damage my engine immediately?

A: Immediate catastrophic failure is unlikely, but prolonged use of oil that is too thick will certainly lead to accelerated wear and potential damage over time. It's a gradual process of increased stress and reduced lubrication.

Q: How often should I change the oil and filter on my '82 Goldwing?

A: Refer to your owner's manual for the exact intervals, but typically for classic motorcycles like the Goldwing, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, is a good practice.

Q: What happens if I use a non-motorcycle specific oil?

A: Motorcycle-specific oils often contain additives for the wet clutch and gearbox that car oils do not. Using the wrong type of oil can cause clutch slippage and gearbox wear.

Conclusion

Maintaining your 1982 Honda Goldwing with the correct engine oil is fundamental to its health and performance. Using oil that is too thick can lead to significant issues, including high oil pressure, insufficient lubrication, and potential component damage. Always refer to your owner's manual for the precise oil viscosity recommendations for your specific motorcycle and riding conditions. By ensuring you're using the right oil, you're safeguarding your classic Goldwing for many more miles of enjoyable riding.

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