Modern Vespa

Hello Vespa Heads . . Getting ready to fire up my small frame engine rebuild.
Got a NEW DR-130 kit on the engine and I'm wondering what is the best oil for break in. Also . . I'm NEW to Vespa MIX world . . mixing of gas and oil in the tank. Do I need to change my mix % for a break in engine ?! ... or is it still the same ?!

Thanks in advance . . as Always.

Boo

mix 2% break in or not for that kit

I use the Lucas semi-synthetic, I find it at O'Reilly. Some will tell you to break in on dinosaur oil but it's not made any difference for me. If you do, pick a quality one, Valvoline makes one that burns pretty clean, I usually find that one at NAPA. The Lucas semi-synth really keeps the piston, head, and exhaust clean of oil though.

I am using a 50-1 mix for my t5, po that built the motor said to run it in for about 300 miles, semi synthetic.

I started with pure Dino for my GS160, then a Motul 50/50 before going full Motul synthetic. Not sure if it made a difference, but as mentioned above, some recommend using Dino on a rebuild as being best.

If I use Dino .. what weight !? I'v had lots of experience with Air Cooled VW & Corvair engines. I know that oil and break in advice could fill the halls of congress with that info. Just looking to do it right first time out.

THX !

Boo

I'll second sdjohn's comment. When Gickspeed built my V90 motor with the 100Sport topend he recommended using Lucas semi at 2%. It has worked perfectly so far. Have about 1500 mi on it. Starts easily and runs well.
I just order it from Amazon.

Thanks !! I appreciate the help & the link. How many miles after break in did you do an oil change !?

Did you then switch to something else (Synthetic !?) with VW after top end rebuild you change oil at 300 - 500 miles ... complete drain and some people suggest going Synthetic after that oil change.

THX

Boo

do you mean how many miles after break in before you changed type of oil in the premix ? eg from mineral to s/synthetic ?

For standard scooters it is 2% or let autolube do just that.
Anything that strays from standard I use 3% fully synthetic premix.
JASO-FC or JASO-FD should be good unless you're OCD. (Other standards are used)
Some 2T oils are marketted as suitable for "premix", "autolube" or both....I don't know if there is any difference because I do not have any standard scooters.
So look at the info on the oil whilst in store and get the highest standard rating per buck that you are willing to go down to.
UK today I paid £1.23 per liter of 98 octane and my 2T costs £22 per litre. I could make savings but prefer peace of mind.

In the uk Smith and Allen Powertech Super 2t is £10.04 for 5lt and is rated
JASO FC
ISO-L-EGD
API TC

Ok - I feel like maybe I'm asking the wrong question(s).

I'm talking about oil in the crankcase . . for break-in of new engine rebuild.

I feel like maybe the questions were misunderstood ?!

If I'm wrong please let me know ... my question(s) is:

1. What grade/weight of oil do I use in the crankcase for a NEW engine break-in.
2. DO I use Dino or Synth . . (Dino seems to be the choice).
3. With a NEW ENGINE break-in . . do I change the oil/gas mixture to a different % (in the tank) for a new piston and rings (ex. more oil then gas) ?
4. How long (miles) before I change the oil in the crankcase in a new engine break-in. (ex. 300 miles - 500 miles) ?

I apologize in advance if my question(s) were not clear.

Thanks!

Boo

Again I will say in advance . . This my first Vespa rebuild (many air-cooled car engines) and I'm a little confused on the oil mix in the tank (gas tank) and the oil in the crankcase.

Crankcase oil 10w-30 ?! (Dino) or Synth ?

Mix in the tank 2% oil ? with ethanol free gas ?! Is this what you guys are talking about as far as the responses?

Again . . Sorry for the lack of knowledge here . . finally getting ready to fire up this puppy . . and I don't want to screw it up with the wrong oil in the crankcase and or the wrong oil and gas mixture in the gas tank.

THX

Boo

There is no oil in crankcase, the lubrication for the motor comes from the premix in the tank.. the only oil to check/change is the gearbox..

Sorry - Yes gear box (my bad) what weight oil should I use in gear box !? 10w-30 ?!

Boo

gearbox gets non-detergent 30W oil, you may see it sold as air compressor oil

here's a good thread I started on in when I thought I couldn't find any more. there are equivalent gear oils that you can use but you have to watch the additive packages, see thread for details.
ND30 banned in Cali

motul transoil is a good GL-4 that I've used also. it's really not necessary for a humble DR though - I run the ND30 in my DR130.

Ah, well that's different. No need to do anything special, even on a rebuild. Just standard 30W is fine. Change the gearbox oil after 600 miles.

Thanks all for the great info on this rebuild and Oil.

I really appreciate the knowledge base on this site and it's members.

Very HELPFUL !!

Boo