Thicker (motorbike) oil in front dampers?

[stephenpolhill]

Hi there. I've just read in Classic Car Weekly about the moggy modifications you can make and it mentioned replacing the oil in the front suspension dampers with thicker motorbike oil. Has anyone done this and what difference does it make? Good idea?
Thanks
Steve

[Chris Edgar]

Hi Steve,

The idea of using thicker oil in the front dampers was suggested to me on my last post, as a viable alternative to fitting telescopic ones. Suggested SAE 30 or 40 oil. Seems like a good idea, especially with the state of the roads!

Looking at the Wksp manual, it is mentioned there too (section L4)...however, for detail on the process of draining & re-filling it says that a separate information sheet should be read first
So I wonder what is involved.....do they need to be taken off for the job, ...could there be problems with air locks if you don't?
Since mine aren't leaking, how do I get the old fluid out.
So many questions!

Chris

[Chris Edgar]

Or, does it tell you in Classic Car Weekly?

[bmcecosse]

Crikey - CCW been stealing my advice......... You drain off by removing the valves in the base of each damper - and bouncing the car. Refill - more bouncing to flush out the old - repeat a couple of times - refit the valves. It is possible to 'adjust' the valves - but frankly - the more viscous oil will give you all you need. Refill and bounce to remove air (you will notice right away how much more difficult it is to bounce the car!) - then keep checking/topping up over the next couple of weeks as air works it's way to the top. Always leave a small air space at the top of the damper. Fronts easily done on the car (and check the mounting bolts are tight) - rears can also be done on car, although one has to be swung to the vertical with one bolt removed to fill it - but it's probably easier to do the rears on the bench.

[Chris Edgar]

bmcecosse,

brilliant!!
Many thanks for that. Next job get some oil & do it.

regards,

Chris

[stephenpolhill]

Where abouts are these valves. Do I have to remove the nuts that face into the engine bay on the base of the dampers?

[chrisryder]

yep!

[bmcecosse]

Make SURE you don't lose the spring etc that comes out with the valve assembly. And have a container ready to catch the stinking thin old oil that's in the damper. Flush it through with new oil a couple of times before refitting the valve assy.