Does high humidity affect motor oils?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: The Tropics
Does high humidity affect motor oils?
Firstly, I would like to say hello to everyone here.
Secondly, I have this burning desire to know if high humidity (read: humidity levels in Asia) would affect the engine oils.
The dealer in my country says that the engine, primary and tranny oil and oil filter have to be changed every 4000KM which is about 2400miles i think.
They say it is due to the relatively high humidity here and also the way we ride here. There are no long highways and the longest from one end of the country to the other side is about 30miles. We mostly do city riding.
Now, I have no idea how humidity can shorten the 'lifespan' of motor oils and with regards to city riding, New York and Manhattan are cities. Do they have a different service routine?
I ride a 96 FLHR. The twin cams get their maintenance done at the same intervals.
I actually left my engine, primary and tranny oil for about 12000KM or around 6500miles. That's 3 times of what the dealer suggests and my bike ran absolutely fine!
Secondly, I have this burning desire to know if high humidity (read: humidity levels in Asia) would affect the engine oils.
The dealer in my country says that the engine, primary and tranny oil and oil filter have to be changed every 4000KM which is about 2400miles i think.
They say it is due to the relatively high humidity here and also the way we ride here. There are no long highways and the longest from one end of the country to the other side is about 30miles. We mostly do city riding.
Now, I have no idea how humidity can shorten the 'lifespan' of motor oils and with regards to city riding, New York and Manhattan are cities. Do they have a different service routine?
I ride a 96 FLHR. The twin cams get their maintenance done at the same intervals.
I actually left my engine, primary and tranny oil for about 12000KM or around 6500miles. That's 3 times of what the dealer suggests and my bike ran absolutely fine!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Shady Grove Pa
As far as I know, you HAVE to ride the bike enough to get the oil up to its operating temperture. Once it's hot for LONG enough all the humidity will go. The toxins and acids that build up will burn out of the oil as it gets hot. I never just start my bike then turn it back off, THEN you get moisture gathering in the cylinders etc. You have to get the motor at running temp before shuting it off. This is specially important in the winter, you can actually get frost in your cylinder and it wouldn't start easily.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: Sigourney, Iowa
I don't know how many miles you ride in a year, but no matter what you should change once a year.
I guess I can understand the argument about changing more often, especially when the bike doesn't get properly warmed in a tropical climate. Changing all the fluids doesn't really cost THAT much compared to having to replace gears, etc.
I guess I can understand the argument about changing more often, especially when the bike doesn't get properly warmed in a tropical climate. Changing all the fluids doesn't really cost THAT much compared to having to replace gears, etc.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: The Tropics
The oil does get warmed up and it does so perfectly fine. The main thing is the recommended KM to change all fluids is 4000km! And the dealer blamed it on the humidity.
I did about 25,000miles in 2007. Most of the miles were out of the country.
Hmmm, good to know that humidity DOES actually affect the oil one way or another through the breather holes but according to PAFATBOY, all the moisture/impurities would get burned up once the oil has reached a certain temperature.
Guess i'll stick to my 5000mile fluid change instead of the 2000mile option!
I did about 25,000miles in 2007. Most of the miles were out of the country.
Hmmm, good to know that humidity DOES actually affect the oil one way or another through the breather holes but according to PAFATBOY, all the moisture/impurities would get burned up once the oil has reached a certain temperature.
Guess i'll stick to my 5000mile fluid change instead of the 2000mile option!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
