Can you change Engine oil grade?

1zanjani (Syed Ahmad Hassan Zanjani) 2022-01-22 17:07:26 +0500 #1

Hello,

I have a Honda CG125 2011. This bike was passed on to me after my Grandfather passed away. The odometer now reads 42,500 km and I got it at 16,000 km. For the past 20,000 kilometres, I have been using Havoline 20w-50 and during summers it has been alright. But since the start of winters, it refuses to start up in the morning when it's cold. Also during the day, if it stays off for an hour or two, it's difficult to warm it up. Last winter I was using 10w-40 from Havoline and it gave me no problems. It would start after one or maximum two kicks in the morning and did not have the tendency to get cold quickly during the day if it stayed switched off for a while. My question is can I now switch back to 10w-40? Or the engine has adapted to 20w-50 and switching back to 10w-40 might cause harm to the engine. Any kind of suggestions or help is appreciated

ifadey (Fawad) 2022-01-22 17:41:28 +0500 #2

Yes, you can safely switch grades but don't change the oil brand.

1zanjani (Syed Ahmad Hassan Zanjani) 2022-01-22 19:29:57 +0500 #3

Bro, till 0-22k km, 10w-40 (Havoline) has been used. Then I switched to 20w-50 (Havoline) and the very recent oil I changed ( at 42k km), I went for the Zic M3 (20w-50). From what I have noticed, the bike is more responsive on the top end and does not feel like there is a lack of power at the 7-10k rpm range.
From what I have read, oil brands can be easily changed (keeping in mind the technology), but the viscosity should not be messed with. I just wanted to clarify, because both 10w-40 and 20w-50 are recommended engine oil grades from Honda.

capsat (ومن شر حاسد إذا حسد) 2022-01-22 20:01:33 +0500 #4

@vickytulla can help,

r1 2022-01-23 23:13:49 +0500 #5

You can change the oil grading according to the climate of your region it wont going to affect engine's life and overall performance. I have 2007 CG125 with 100k+ on odo was using AHL 20w-40 till Oct-21 and then replaced it with 10w-30 and bike performance is still same.
If you're facing problem in cold start then make sure bike is not running on lean mixture and spark plug is working perfect.

1zanjani (Syed Ahmad Hassan Zanjani) 2022-01-24 10:52:45 +0500 #6

Thanks for the info. The spark plug is alright. But about the lean mixture, whenever I rev up to 7-9k and leave the throttle, the exhaust pops something like a sports bike until the revs are lower than 5k. I have been enjoying it but is something concerning or every cg does this? Does this indicate anything about the mixture?
Also, when the bike is warmed up and I rev it to 8-9k and leave the throttle, there are loud pops. Is this a normal thing or is there something wrong with my bike?
My bike gives me excellent fuel consumption (42-46 kmpl) and there is no missing anywhere in the rev range.

r1 2022-01-24 14:04:04 +0500 #7

There are many reasons of back fires at high revs i.e leaking valve(s), moist on CDI connectors, loose electric coil connection under the tank, running on lean mixture, magnet timing etc.
Please post a picture of spark plug tip, so I can guide further.

1zanjani (Syed Ahmad Hassan Zanjani) 2022-01-24 15:06:59 +0500 #8

Okay, I will post in a while.

vickytulla (vickytulla) 2022-01-24 22:42:08 +0500 #9

@r1 has addressed it quite in detail that should solve ur issue.

1zanjani (Syed Ahmad Hassan Zanjani) 2022-03-03 19:02:36 +0500 #10

Should I use Zic M9 (Fully synthetic) in my bike? I have used Zic M3 (20w-50) for the past 2000 kms (changed twice) and i have experienced that the bike vibrates much more on the top end 7k+ rpm.

capsat (ومن شر حاسد إذا حسد) 2022-03-05 19:51:54 +0500 #11

switch to 10w-40 for smooth ride and better fuel economy.

hamikhan (hamikhan) 2022-03-31 11:05:34 +0500 #12

Yes you can

VCheng (VCheng) 2022-04-01 16:57:59 +0500 #13

Yes.

VCheng (VCheng) 2022-04-01 16:59:17 +0500 #14

There is no problem in changing oil brands as long as all other specifications are met.