Damper oil

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MoggyMatilda
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Damper oil

Post by MoggyMatilda »

Any recommendations on which damper oil to use?

I’ve herd about using SAE 40 which I think would be too thick. I’ve also herd 30 weight motorcycle fork oil is good.

Thoughts? Experience anyone?
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Monty-4
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Re: Damper oil

Post by Monty-4 »

30 weight is good in my view but I don't like particularly stuff suspension, especially up front.

I used a specific shock oil last time - Millers Shock Oil 32.
68' 4-door Saloon, another 'Monty'.
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geoberni
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Re: Damper oil

Post by geoberni »

The manual originally called for 'Armstrong Super (Thin) Shock Absorber Fluid' or if not available, SAE 20/20W.
If you search these forums, you'll find many suggestions, anything from standard 'Jack Oil' as sold for hydraulic car jacks, through to SAE40.
it depends on what sort of soft/hard ride you want.

I'm using SAE30 in my car, although recently, I've seen this advertised online....

You'll see it is advertised as ISO68. Oil can be a complex subject, to do with additives etc, see this article for example:
https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Re ... ngine-oils
"Obviously, SAE and ISO use two different scales to measure viscosity. SAE 10W is equivalent to ISO 32, SAE 20 is equivalent to ISO 46 and 68, and SAE 30 is equivalent to ISO 100. As you can see, there is a bit of a difference between ISO 68 and SAE 30."

But this oil does claim to be the stuff needed for Armstrong Shocks/Dampers.... :-?
Shock Oil.jpg
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James k
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Re: Damper oil

Post by James k »

I use 20W50 engine oil in mine and all works well. I've tried 3 in 1 but it wasn't as good.

Edit, I'm being stupid. I thought you were talking about carb damper oil :oops:

I put SAE40 in the dampers.
MoggyMatilda
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Re: Damper oil

Post by MoggyMatilda »

James k wrote: Wed Jun 29, 2022 2:30 pm I use 20W50 engine oil in mine and all works well. I've tried 3 in 1 but it wasn't as good.

Edit, I'm being stupid. I thought you were talking about carb damper oil :oops:

I put SAE40 in the dampers.
😄 No worries! How do you find the ride with SAE40? Is it quite stiff?
MorrisJohn
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Re: Damper oil

Post by MorrisJohn »

I’ve got SAE40 in my dampers too. The ride quality is good.
A bad day with my Volksie still beats a good day at work!

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