Dangerous Talk in here
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Dangerous Talk in here
This is my first HD (95 RK) so I've read countless oil threads, debates, and arguments spending hours of research. I've decided on M1 15W50 full synthetic for the crankcase, ST3614 or ST3600 for a filter, and Super Tech 75/140 full synthetic gear oil for the transmission. Now here's the dangerous question. Between me and my dad we ran a 1983 Goldwing 170,000 miles on Hondaline GN-4 10W40 with the origional wet clutch it came from the factory with. Has anyone run this in their primary? It costs about the same as Formula Plus, but I think it might be an alternative to Chavez.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
I've tried synthetic in my EVO's and for some reason....the EVO didn't like it. It seeped more and the engine seemed to make more noise.
As for the Primary.....just about anything works in there. The clutch seems to like the ATF better than anything else I ever tried.
As long as you have gear oil in your transmission....you're good to go.
As for the Primary.....just about anything works in there. The clutch seems to like the ATF better than anything else I ever tried.
As long as you have gear oil in your transmission....you're good to go.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,486
Likes: 6
From: Union,Ms
I've tried synthetic in my EVO's and for some reason....the EVO didn't like it. It seeped more and the engine seemed to make more noise.
As for the Primary.....just about anything works in there. The clutch seems to like the ATF better than anything else I ever tried.
As long as you have gear oil in your transmission....you're good to go.
As for the Primary.....just about anything works in there. The clutch seems to like the ATF better than anything else I ever tried.
As long as you have gear oil in your transmission....you're good to go.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I'm a recent convert to Ford ATF in the primary. Very happy with it thus far. The only oil I have ever put in any hole that had actual and immediate improvements that, as the rider I could feel.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 606
Likes: 9
I'm certainly no expert and many here are way more knowledgeable than me. But when I bought my bike I asked the previous owner what he had run and found since birth (1999) only non synthetic HD fluids had been used, so I stuck with that.
I do change my fluids way more often than necessary, but that is more for the fun of it than anything else, and I have never had a fluid related problem of any kind.
I do change my fluids way more often than necessary, but that is more for the fun of it than anything else, and I have never had a fluid related problem of any kind.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 606
Likes: 9
Just wondering which Ford ATF you are using and what kind of difference you immediately noticed.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I ran only HD fluids in all holes for a couple decades. My stash of primary fluid finally ran out and the MoCo doesn't make primary fluid anymore, so I switch to Mobil 1 ATF. I also switched the transmission to Mobil SHC630 at the same time, and between the 2, my bike shifts better than it has since new.
My bike also does not like fully synthetic motor oil. Makes all kinds of funny noises. I stick with the HD "dino" blend oil. Oh, and a Honduh "wing" is water cooled, remember, and a Honduh, so it's going to behave differently than our bikes. We also never have to replace a water pump.
My bike also does not like fully synthetic motor oil. Makes all kinds of funny noises. I stick with the HD "dino" blend oil. Oh, and a Honduh "wing" is water cooled, remember, and a Honduh, so it's going to behave differently than our bikes. We also never have to replace a water pump.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
in an emergency I put some H-D 20/50 in the primary & it made the clutch slip. I tried to tighten it up to no avail. Went back to Spectrol (I think) primary fluid, all we had local & slipping went away.
just my $.02
just my $.02
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
Likes: 266
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
I've run Harley oil, ansoil, and diesels specific oils in my primary. I didn't notice any difference in feel or performance between Harleys oil and amsoil20/50 wt oil. The 15/40 wt diesel oil I believe has less drag an the clutch plates and it seems to have a better shift feel to it. By that I mean I don't get the standard bang into fist gear, and shifting is just about as quiet as it can get. I also believe you will have less wear on the chain and gears in the primary with oil, over auto trans fluid.,,