I was just about to suggest M'M'O' ~ it's wonderful stuff. Unless you
have an

engine that does not burn oil, you do not have to wait 'til the next
O'C', just check

your oil level & if it needs some put in some M'M'O' ~ It helps to use
it in your gas

as well.

                                                        ORR ~ DeanB

On 20 May , 2012, at 12:45 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:

> On my '84 I used to get lifters that would not pump up.  Try Marvel
> Mystery
> Oil at your next oil change.  (I know what you youngsters are
> thinking, but
> this stuff has been around since the '20s)  Substitute a quart for a
> quart
> of oil.  Check oil with every fill up, it's a light solvent oil that
> can be
> consumed fairly quickly in our loose engines.  Top up with that
> quart of
> motor oil you didn't use.   BTW, don't be tempted to drink it or
> leave it
> around where children can get at it.  It contains methyl
> salicylate--wintergreen--and smells like candy (or a flavored
> vodka!).  It's
> also bright red with a cool art deco label to boot.  Actually, now
> that I
> think of it I've been wanting to order this tin sign for my garage:
> http://tinyurl.com/cff5f8g .
>
> Worked well for me.  I think varnish build up in the oil hole in the
> side of
> the lifter coupled with low oil pressure is the culprit.  I also
> would not
> run anything less than a 15w-something oil.  5w & 10w are physically
> too
> thin for the WBX to build adequate oil pressure IMHO.  The bearing
> clearances expand a lot when these engines get hot and this reduces
> oil
> pressure.
>
> From my past history on this and other lists since 1997, it seems that
> rebuilt WBX engines do not last as long as the factory original, no
> matter
> how carefully they are done.  For example, lifter bores cannot be
> reconditioned and have the wear of the total miles on the case.
> Granted
> they don't wear much, but this is another reason for more viscous oil.
> Things haven't been the same for old engines since zinc was removed
> from
> motor oil,
>
> Start saving for your engine conversion of choice.  You probably have
> considerable time left on this engine, but I personally wouldn't
> rebuild it
> again.  Also, I'm concerned about your comment that there was a gap
> between
> the valve and the rocker arm.  This could be excessive cam lobe or
> lifter
> wear.  You will know because you will soon have a dead cylinder if
> it is.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Stuart
> '85 Westy