Posted by LC on June 16, 2002 at 23:42:11:
Hey guys/gals,
I know there are at least a dozen oil related posts, but I haven't found any addressing these issues specifically:
The owners manual states that the oil must be rated API SE, SF, or SG. Most of the oils I've been looking at, including the highly regarded "mobile 1" synthetic, are rated SJ. Is this an issue? Can I use oil rated SJ or SL?....furthermore, (for any of you more mechanically inclined folks), what the heck is this API rating system?
Also...I have the ubiquitous head gasket oil leak. From reading previous posts I know how to fix it. My question is...do I need to fix it? I would just assume let it leak. As long as I keep it topped off will there be any delitarious effects? Will it get proggressivly worse to the point that oil is spraying everywhere, or does it generally leak at a steady rate? I'm hoping that when I put some higher viscosity oil in it the leak may slow some.
Incidently...I took my first relatively long (70 mile)ride today through a rural stretch of the country side in NE Georgia...it was absolutely beautiful, and the Savage performed perfectly: I was actually suprised at how comfortable the seat was. I was anticipating some serious vibration, but it ran smooth as silk at 55 in 5th. One caveat...I'm fairly "low to the ground"(5'5"), so mabye the discomfort is only an issue for you "tall folks" 5'7" and over...HaHa.
Thanks....be safe.
LC