[TheBus]

I have a KZ1100a3 Shaft Trike and currently installing new piston rings. Wondering whether to apply break-in oil on the cyclinders, although the Clymer manual doesn't mention it. Was it something not used on these old engines?
If yes, what kind is best to use?

Thanks people!!

 

[C-130 jumper]

The oil school approach was to use a straight 30 weight but since all automotive oils have the dreaded anti friction additives I went with Mobil Delvac 15w40 and on my last build and the rings seated fine. Just my experience.

 

[Kawasakian]

That trike is exactly what I want to build. I wish you would post detail pics, and any build info you have to offer. That's how a trike should look to me. I really like Valvoline oil. I use that exclusively, especially on my older bikes and car engine builds. The rings seat in great, as do the valves. I've built a few older motorcycle engines, I always used the oil I intended to run the in the bike. I won't say I rode the bikes hard, but I usualy did not really use a break in period, using the bike the way you intend to will make the ring surface for to the piston wall the way it will end up. Using a different oil is like doing 2 break ins. One for the first oil, then another for the every day oil you intend to use. The oil that matters is a good assembly lube. That will give your engine the first anti frition protection it needs on that first start up. This has been my personal experience, many have other preferences, and I cannot say they are wrong.

 

[C-130 jumper]

That trike is exactly what I want to build. I wish you would post detail pics, and any build info you have to offer. That's how a trike should look to me. I really like Valvoline oil. I use that exclusively, especially on my older bikes and car engine builds. The rings seat in great, as do the valves. I've built a few older motorcycle engines, I always used the oil I intended to run the in the bike. I won't say I rode the bikes hard, but I usualy did not really use a break in period, using the bike the way you intend to will make the ring surface for to the piston wall the way it will end up. Using a different oil is like doing 2 break ins. One for the first oil, then another for the every day oil you intend to use. The oil that matters is a good assembly lube. That will give your engine the first anti frition protection it needs on that first start up. This has been my personal experience, many have other preferences, and I cannot say they are wrong.

On my reassembly I used Dollar General Baby Petroleum Jelly. Yes I'm that cheap.