Oil Change. .. what oil to use ?

I have an '85 XJ700

I have a question about oil..
What should I use..
I bought castrol gtx 20W-50 but I read somewhere that I should use semi-synthetic ?
Any suggestions?

Also I noticed the Spring is under the filter in the oil filter housing but yet in a YouTube video it's on top...

Where should it go ?

 

I know that the XJ650 recommendation is to use 20w50 MOTORCYCLE oil, not Castrol GTX that is designed for automotive engines.

Something about friction additives that are required for the clutch. . .

 

The spring goes on top of the oil filter not between the filter and engine block. I seen the same video.

 

Thanks
The guy in the video also made a mistake where he says that the filler plug is 17mm but mine was 19mm.

I also bought Castrol 20W-50 Semi-synthetic oil for 4 Cycle motor at Napa for $6.28 a quart.

 

Only need to make sure you use a motorcycle specific oil or any oil which has the JASO-MA certification or meets the standard. This oil does not contain the friction modifiers used on automobile engines. Otherwise, using auto oil in a motorcycle that has a wet clutch system may cause clutch slippage. Shell Rotella is a cheap variety that meets the JASO-MA standard. At least that I know of. But be sure to look for it on the bottle.

 

Yep, sorry to say good old GTX is now just for cars (I ran it in my Norton for nearly 40 years.) Now if you want to run Castrol, it's gotta be 4T either conventional or one of their semi-synthetics.

LOTS of YouTube how-to videos are terribly wrong. The spring goes between the housing and the filter, to push the filter against the front of the motor. The flat side of the filter goes toward the motor. There is also supposed to be a large-diameter, paper-thin washer between the spring and the filter. These are often missing, thrown away long ago stuck to a filter.

 

I had a problem using a full synthetic. It caused the starter clutch to start slipping. Ran seafoam in the engine for ten minutes, drained it and changed the oil and filter. Now using Valvoline conventional 20-50 in my '82 650 Seca. No more starter clutch problems. Hope this helps.

 

I would also like to add, the wizards on this website and a little luck, saved me hours of wrenching with their knowledge and willingness to share it. I've been searching this site for awhile and finally decided to join. Been scraping the pavement on my 650 Seca for over 30 years and all I can say is what a great bike!! Thanks XJBikes.com!!! Look forward to many more miles on the Seca.

 

Hey bigfitz, question. Can I use a semi synthetic in my '82 650 Seca without revisiting the starter clutch problems that 10-40 full synthetic caused?