Two Oils, Two Questions

[Jeffr726]

As I prepare for my trip through the Americas starting in May, I am stuck with 2 more noob questions. First, I have a foam air filter on my DR650 and the manual says to use 10w40 motor oil on the filter. Around here, I use Bel-Ray filter oil and most bike shops look at me like I'm crazy when I ask if it's ok to use 10w40 instead. Honestly, their opinion doesn't matter, and your's does, so when you guys are on the road, what do you use? I think the foam filter oil is obviously better, but do people actually carry around a quart of the stuff in their panniers during their travels? Second, where do you dispose of oil after oil changes. I think I read in another thread about a year ago that some people just gradually pour it out as they drive down a dirt road. Is that how it's done, or are there more eco-friendly but still practical options?
-Jeff

[Martynbiker]

I use engine oil for my filters and give em a good hard squeeze, then another to be sure.... Its mainly to trap dust not lubricate anything. U wash the filter in petrol or Kerosene then dry it in the sun... then I use about 1 or 2 spoons of Oil, no more, and roll the filter around between my hands coating the foam... a little if done right does go a long way.

The main point is don't leave too much oil on there.... you don't want to disrupt Air-flow, just trap abrasive particles that could damage your engine.

I have heard about people pouring oil on dirt roads. I don't personally like that idea, aI suppose in a way Asphalt is little different to oil except in a different state...
I prefer to leave my oil at a Garage or a Workshop where it can be disposed of. If THEY then pour it on a road, down a drain, burn it or re-use it...... its up to them.

Martyn

[Nigel Marx]

Specialist oils are usually better for their particular job, but filter oil does a very simple job. It just has to be a bit sticky. Personally, I would not be bothered carrying another oil just for the filter. I have always just used engine oil on the filters of all my bikes.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

[Jeffr726]

Thanks Nigel and Martyn for your replies. I'm glad to hear I won't have to lug around a separate can of filter oil. I look forward to the day that I can answer silly Noob questions with some personal experience to back it up.
-Jeff

[juddadredd]

You can also use diesel, that's what I use on the Touratech Filter, the proper stuffs like £15. I can always ponce some diesel from someone.

[Todd Bellew]

I also think using air filter oil is the best. Regular oil can work in a pinch but I always find after time it migrates to the bottom of the filter. Also a bottle of air filter oil lasts forever. If space is important pouring it into a smaller bottle would be a good solution.

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by Todd Bellew

I also think using air filter oil is the best. Regular oil can work in a pinch but I always find after time it migrates to the bottom of the filter.

even cheaper solition would be chainsaw oil or the spray on chain silicone stuff, that doesnt migrate through foam and still traps oil and is easily washes out with petrol or kerosine.

[Lefty52]

Jeff,

I live in the Berkshires now but spent many a happy time in Storrs, ah the early 70's, beautiful UCONN women, free love, lots of good...oh well back on topic. I don't know how far or for how long you'll be traveling, but what was suggested to me(I'm going from MA to OR in September) was to buy one or two extra filters treat them in whatever oil you like and then put them in zip-lock bags. Lighter than bringing oil and oh so packable