what engine oil is best for my panhead

[steve_marples]

i have a 1948 Panhead, does anyone have thoughts on what engine oil i should use, i also want to change the plugs, what are best and who stocks them

[zipps]

Straight 50 would have thought.As for plugs the right ones will be best.if you see what I mean.It is all about heat range.No doubt someone will come up with a more helpfull reply.

[Roger]

50 grade oil, absolutely nothing else. Plugs are Champion J11YC or equivalents. Heide at THS (01977-517566) is the acknowledged source

[che]

Get yourself a barrel of Morris 50 Grade, cheapest way to feed a panhead. I'm the world expert on oil and panheads, you should see my garage floor.

[tricky]

as already stated, the Morris straight 50 is the most easily obtained oil. Many bike shops will stock it, but any other straight 50 is fine. Many do use the HD 20/50, however this can lead to gaskets weeping, and although most people can stop them leaking, the oil grade does have an influence.

As for plugs : the best plug is NGK: Part No. Standard R5670, Plug Gap .030 however, these are only available from USA, and I only have one spare set. Otherwise, Autolite (1948 - 1974): standard 4275, Premium MP4275 gap: 0.25, Champion: J-12Y or J-12YC, or HD (Nr3) 32303-47A.....NGK (UK) also do a Champion J-12 equivalent, and if you ring me one evening, I'll get the nr for you.

Happy kicking !

[steve_marples]

cheers for that mate

[panster]

I've been using H-D 20/50 oil and H-D 3-4 plugs in my '58 motor.
I haven't looked in it for 40,000 miles so can't tell you if it is all shot or not !
20/50 definitely easier to start in cold weather.

[Kiwi]

agree with panster

20/50 better for colder temperatures

use an oil cooler with a thermostat if you are paranoid about the occasional warm day in the british climate

[kevscrivener]

Originally Posted by panster

I've been using H-D 20/50 oil and H-D 3-4 plugs in my '58 motor.
I haven't looked in it for 40,000 miles so can't tell you if it is all shot or not !
20/50 definitely easier to start in cold weather.

Agreed Jamie, but if you've not built the mill yourself, I'd avoid using any oil with detergent additives, as most 20/50's contain. I've known people to do this and end up regretting it, as old motors contain sludge build-ups which are released by the new oil and go on to block oilways. I suspect that this is what happened to my old 66 Ironhead; it seized the big end on the M5 and cost me a full rebuild!

If you know who last rebuilt the engine, ask them what they put in it first.

[The Yukon Sizzler]

Been using Kendall 50 in my pan, seems ok