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Oil for Arnstrong shocks

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DerekJ

DerekJ

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What oil can I use to refill my shocks. I live in central Paris and dont have access to lots of specialist auto shops. What can I use that I might be able to get from a modern auto store or garage?

cheers /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif
 
Back in the days when I worked on MGBs with those shocks, we used to go to the motorcycle shops and buy "fork oil". We would try different weights of fork oil until we got one that gave the ride we wanted.
 
Re: Oil for Armstrong shocks

On my old shocks I used "Harley-Davidson Hydraulic Fork Oil Type E". It is equivalent to a 20 wt. When I asked the rebuilder of my "new" shocks about oil, he said don't worry about it, if they leak, send them back.
D
 
Fork oil is what I have always used... even in Paris this must be a easy item to find anywhere motorcyles are sold or serviced. I think you want an oil that is non-foaming, that is why detergent motor oil is unsuitable.
 
I am using good ol' mineral oil from the drug store which is about 20 wt. and much cheaper than others. Works just fine.
 
Any 20wt oil (non detergent) works fine.
It is all the same in different bottles and at different prices.
I have been to the shock rebuilders shop, I know exactly what he uses and you can buy it at any auto store and most discount department stores.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Any 20wt oil (non detergent) works fine.
I have been to the shock rebuilders shop, I know exactly what he uses and you can buy it at any auto store and most discount department stores.

[/ QUOTE ]
Which shock rebuilder are you referring to?
D
 
Well I have to agree with those that have chosen 20 wt Motorcycle fork oil. But I not too sure about them people with the fruity name.---Keoke
 
I was refering to the BEST shock rebuilder based in Madison WI.
But I see most of the people will spend more for the exact same stuff in a "special package".
So why not go to Moss Motors, they sell 1/2 pints of 20 wt oil for what? 10 bucks? But the PACKAGE says it's "correct".

Out of here
 
Re: Oil for Armstrong shocks

Hi Frank,
Thanks for the information. Note that another major rebuilder simply says no detergent oil. I personally used mc fork oil because I had a jug of it sitting on the shelf for use in my mc. At the time, I couldn't find 20 wt. non detergent motor oil. It can't hurt anything except your pocket book. Thanks again,
D
 
I haven't been able to find straight 20 wt. oil in any of the non-specialist shops for ages (Walmart, AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc.)
 
[ QUOTE ]
I haven't been able to find straight 20 wt. oil in any of the non-specialist shops for ages (Walmart, AutoZone, Advance Auto, etc.)

[/ QUOTE ]

Just consider yourself lucky---Keoke
 
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