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If you have used both Syn3 and Formula+ in your transmission, which performed best in your opinion? Especially if you have a later model with gear whine, did one reduce the whine more than the other? I have used other gear lubes in the past and I am very aware that there are other lubes that will out perform both Syn3 and Formula+. Since I have no experience with Syn3 and Formula+ I would like to hear from those who have.
Thanks
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You should get lots of passionate comments about transmission fluid...just like engine oils. I've tried to run synthetic motor oil in transmissions before, but never was pleased with the performance. The Formula + is a gear oil and I would prefer that, or many other fluids designed for gear boxes. There are lots of folks out there that run motor oils in the transmission and are happy with it. I just would never put motor oil in my car or truck transmission or differential, so I don't put it in my Harley transmission either. I'd say use what feels good to you, but I understand that HD no longer recommends the use of syn 3 in all three holes since 2006. If so...there must be some reason.
According to Harley's current site syn 3 is a full synthetic, and can be used in the motor, trans, and primary of an evo or twin cam motor.If you do a search at the top of this heading, there's a million posts on what oil is better and why.Just about any oil will work as you will find out. If using Harley's is good for you for whatever reason don't feel you have to use what everybody uses. Sometime there are too many choices.,
new it was reg oil, 1k put in syn3k, at 5k put in fromula+, and again at 10k.
then at 15k put in bel-ray Hypoid 85-140.
All of these were what the dealer recommended.
IMO the formula+ was lots better than Sny3, and the belray is a even better than the +, sometimes the BR feels a little stiff on the first shift form 1st -2nd, if not warmed up good (3-4mins), if warned up its ok and its better on shifting than even the formual+ the rest of the time.
Still now that the warranty is out, from now on I have made up My mind to use A full syn oil. I like Mobil 1 75-90 in the fall and spring, maybe the 75-140 in mid summer.
__________________ At my age Experience is the name we give our mistakes.
Her name is,,, GERTRUDE....
07 FLSTC/ Andrews 26H cams
SERT, SE-AC/K&N, Rush 2"
SAE 80HP/92TQ---STD 84HP/97TQ
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new it was reg oil, 1k put in syn3k, at 5k put in fromula+, and again at 10k.
then at 15k put in bel-ray Hypoid 85-140.
All of these were what the dealer recommended.
IMO the formula+ was lots better than Sny3, and the belray is a even better than the +, sometimes the BR feels a little stiff on the first shift form 1st -2nd, if not warmed up good (3-4mins), if warned up its ok and its better on shifting than even the formual+ the rest of the time.
Still now that the warranty is out, from now on I have made up My mind to use A full syn oil. I like Mobil 1 75-90 in the fall and spring, maybe the 75-140 in mid summer.
Thanks, that was what I wanted to hear. From someone who has run both and could give me a heads up on performance between the two. I think I'll run Formula+ for now.
+1 what he said....there are so many better gear oils...why bother. Even the cheapest dino 75w90 $3/qt GL5 gear oil is better.
__________________ 06 FXDLI
The character of our Nation as a people is defined by those who daily put on a uniform and at their own peril defend it. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts. For without them we would surely live in tyranny.
+1 what he said....there are so many better gear oils...why bother. Even the cheapest dino 75w90 $3/qt GL5 gear oil is better.
I completely understand all of that, as I posted I know there are many other lubes that will out perform HD's. I just simply want to know of HD's which is best because I'm going to run HD's fluids until warranty has expired.
I run the Formula+ in the primary and trans for over 17k miles with no problems. I've used HD360, Shell Rotella and Syn3 in the engine, also with no problems but the Syn3 was a little noisier in the top end.
My plan is to stick with the Formula+ and use Rotella in the winter and HD360 in the summer from now on
Syn3 vs Formula+
At my age Experience is the name we give our mistakes.
06 FXDLI 
