Have always owned Hondas from 1967 up to now. Always used Shell Super Multigrade 20w50 with no problems whatsoever. (Dad worked in a Shell garage!). At present am running 1976 400/4, purchased in 1989, taken off road in 1991 for cam chain etc., rebuilt in 2005. You can't rush these things!!!!! Runs well, have been using Shell Helix 10w40 since then, but about 18 months ago I noticed that they now say that this oil is suitable for petrol and diesel engines. At about the same time when I checked the oil level, it wasn't using any oil, but there is a strong fuel like smell on the dipstick, and also from the base of sponge at the base of the air filter. Rode out with my son following me, he said there was no smoke whatsoever, and the oil level stays constant. At the moment the bike is sitting on the ramp, tank removed, no leak from tap, no leaks from carb overflow pipes, air filter removed, quite clean, sponge removed, stinks like hell, all breather tubes removed, all clear, breather chamber below filter box removed, all clear. Wiped round inside black plastic air chamber, all clean. Does this mean I've got to take those poxy carbs off again? Have bought some ordinary 20w50 mineral multigrade ready to change the oil and filter, bike has only done 1020 mile since last oil change. What am I missing, (apart from a few marbles!!)
P.S. Has anybody ever let the engine breather pipe just vent to the open air, (Smog Specification)?
