What 5 WT Shock Oil will work in Magnum R
01-25-09, 10:06 AM
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What 5 WT Shock Oil will work in Magnum R
First, many thanks to PlatyPius and CCrew for the information they provided to me on a previous post. I downloaded the Service Manual for the 2001 Magnum R Shock (thanks CCrew). I checked the oil level and it's low. I want to add oil to see how the shock will perform. The manual calls for "SAE 5WT Maxima Fork Oil or equivalent". So I'm guessing any 5WT shock oil will do. What about a non-detergent automotive oil, will that work?
I've inquired about obtaining a rebuild kit and was advised that Manitou does not support this fork anymore. Besides, I'm putting this on a low budget bike and want to control costs so I've decided to just add the oil and see how it performs and if it leaks see how bad the leaks are. So for now, a rebuild is not in the picture.
Any help with what oil will work is very much appreciated.
I've inquired about obtaining a rebuild kit and was advised that Manitou does not support this fork anymore. Besides, I'm putting this on a low budget bike and want to control costs so I've decided to just add the oil and see how it performs and if it leaks see how bad the leaks are. So for now, a rebuild is not in the picture.
Any help with what oil will work is very much appreciated.
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01-25-09, 12:30 PM
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01-25-09, 12:37 PM
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I use motorcycle fork oil in my Marzocchi fork, I get the oil at a motorcycle shop. It comes in a variety of weights. Bel-Ray is the brand available at this particular shop, but there are others. The original oil that came in my fork was Golden Spectro brand, another motorcycle fork oil brand. Marzocchi says any all-synthetic fork oil will work, in the appropriate weight.
I would guess the same would be true of your Manitou fork, but it's just a guess. I wouldn't use motor oil.
I would guess the same would be true of your Manitou fork, but it's just a guess. I wouldn't use motor oil.
01-25-09, 12:41 PM
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I'm not aware of any sae 5wt non-deteregent oil out there. I know that there is 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil but that is really really saying that the oil has a winter viscocity of 5wt(low) at the beginning but it works as a 20wt or 30wt oil at temp. But if it is a 5wt non-detergent oil and SAE rated, it should work fine. The non-detergent oils are as they say. They do not have cleaners in there so it won't remove any gunk. Since it is in a fork I don't expect gunk to build up if sealed.
01-25-09, 01:36 PM
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Do not use engine oil in a suspension. The viscosity ratings for engine oil and suspension fluid are not the same. 5wt engine oil and 5wt suspension fluid are not the same viscosity.
Only use fork/suspension fluid. I prefer to use cartridge fluid (cartridge fork oil) rather than fork oil (I race motorcycles). If I do use fork oil, I change it often, every 3 or 4 race weekends. The only reason I use fork oil is if I need a viscosity that is not available in cartridge fluid - cartridge fluid tends to be thin. I prefer Race Tech Ultra Slick suspension fluid, expensive but it holds up well and keeps the internals clean. Spectro also makes good suspension fluids.
https://www.racetech.com/shopping/sho...&showPage=dirt
Change at least once a year. I change my fork oil twice a year, shock oil once a year. Suspension fluid can get contaminated quickly.
Only use fork/suspension fluid. I prefer to use cartridge fluid (cartridge fork oil) rather than fork oil (I race motorcycles). If I do use fork oil, I change it often, every 3 or 4 race weekends. The only reason I use fork oil is if I need a viscosity that is not available in cartridge fluid - cartridge fluid tends to be thin. I prefer Race Tech Ultra Slick suspension fluid, expensive but it holds up well and keeps the internals clean. Spectro also makes good suspension fluids.
https://www.racetech.com/shopping/sho...&showPage=dirt
Change at least once a year. I change my fork oil twice a year, shock oil once a year. Suspension fluid can get contaminated quickly.
