Which oil viscosity for Sahara?

**bijsterbosch** · #1 18 Apr 2007

Hi there,

Just wondering: will my Africa Twin '96 be pleased by filling her up with a semi-synthetic motoroil 15W40 or 15W50 of even 20W50?
Planning a trip crossing Sahara (Egypt and Sudan) it will get hot, both in climate and in hard work for the Honda to get through sandy tracks.
For western Europe with its diverse climate 15W40 is recommanded. Is it wise to switch to higher viscosity?

would like to hear from you,

regards

Guido

ag · #2 18 Apr 2007

Hi Guido,
When I was in Sahara with my AT, I've used mineral, simple oil. 10W50 is ok.

Be sure to start with a kind of oil that you can refill with local one, because your engine will eat aprox 0.5 liters in 3000km with that temperatures and in not so soft sand (this was my experience)

Also in big towns it's not so easy to find synthetic or semi-synth ones...

Safe sand!
Ag

**moro** · #3 18 Apr 2007

Don't know if it's wise or not, but with my old land rover 109 I had oil leaking from everywhere (engine, diff's, gearbox, transferbox) until I switched to higher viscosity - the one the locals use. After that everything was OK.

**oldbmw** · #4 19 Apr 2007

the less wide the range, the longer lasting the oil. Ie a 20/50 will perform longer than a 10/50. Providing it will start ok in the mornings, some desserts can be very cold at night. Of course, if you are not an early riser

The being able to top up is a very important point. I dislike mixing oils.

**bijsterbosch** · #5 19 Apr 2007

Thanks for the replies,

The majority off engine work will be done in hot conditions, so I think the 20W50 will be suitable.
Reflill we be able in Nairobi, as far I concluded after searching topics on this subject.

Thanks,

Guido