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SYN3 and engine noise

Old Jul 14, 2018 | 04:30 PM
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Default SYN3 and engine noise

Just switched to SYN3 from Dino to see if I like it. I do feel like the bike is running cooler, which was the main reason I decided to try it. (Right calf not getting as hot) I have noticed that my bike sounds like it’s clanking and clattering since the switch. I had the same experience when I ran another synthetic in my old bike.

Also, I seam to be smelling oil too. I did not over fill, and can’t see any leaks. At first I thought it was oil burning off the bike from the mess I made with pulling the filter off, but by now, any lingering residue should be all burned up.

Just want to make sure this is normal, and that there is nothing wrong with my bike, as I have a big trip coming up.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2018 | 06:03 PM
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For whatever reason (and lets not get into it ) SYN3 and other synthetics do cause the engine to be a little noisier. It's just noise though, and never seems to hurt anything long term.

The oil you're smelling... just wondering if you changed out your trans oil to a gear oil? If you did, you'll typically get some odor. I just stick with Formula+ for that very reason.

Good luck with your trip. Wish I was going! I went last year and it was epic.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2018 | 06:52 PM
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Syn3 makes the compensator sound like a bucket of bolts at hot idle.But, no harm is done ,just noise.I use Mobil1 V-twin 20W-50 and there is less lifter noise and no compensator noise
 
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Old Jul 14, 2018 | 07:03 PM
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Just FWIW...

Funny that Harley used to recommend non-synthetic oils, that is until they got their own synthetic oil (Syn3). Then they recommended the same oil in all three holes. I forget the year.....

I decided to try their Syn3 in my '03 Heritage many years ago. My bike sounded like it had marbles in the engine and transmission....!! It lasted about 200 miles and I dumped the Syn3 and went to another synthetic (Mobil1 I believe) and it sounded a lot better... I've been using various synthetic oils in my twin cams ever since then, but NOT HD Syn3. I've never found a synthetic oil that made as much noise as the Syn3....
 
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