I wonder if with the Japanese trucks its the other way around. The engines don't last as long but less issues with peripheral things as noted in your unabbreviated post.

 

Not thicker - Larger ID all the way from the pump scavage side to cooler and back to tank.
On the avg, aftermarket coolers drop the temp 10 deg..
BUT-
Most people mount them out of the linear airflow ij behind the fender. equals not very efficient.
mount them in "clean air"
I have one mounted to crash bar as far as being cool, ugly or whatever.
It is not even noticeable.

 

If you want to tour on your Harley and run dino oil, run Harley dino oil and get it changed at a Harley dealer when you're out on the road. Problem solved.

 

It's ok to change brands of oil, even base stocks (which is what you're asking.) Actually, it's not a bad idea as oils have different additive packages that are strong in some aspects, but may be weak in others. By using numerous oils, you subject your engine to numerous additive packages. This may give you the best overall engine protection as those different packages may contain different detergents and dispersants. Or, not. Depends on the quality of oil you're using too. As far as "compatibility" is concerned, ALL the oils made by major oil companies are mandated to be compatible with one another. (NATO rule.)

Boutique oils don't have to follow this rule, as they're just too small to pay for the exhaustive testing required.

Last thing~ When anyone changes oil brands, it's good idea to frequently check your oil level as it's not impossible to use oil at an increased rate until the oil use stabilizes.

 

Aftermarket coolers drop the temp 10 degrees if mounted behind the fender? If so, how many degrees if mounted in front of "clean air"?

For some reason, I had 20 degrees in mind regarding how much the coolers lower oil temps.

 

I never heard of these oils. I wouldn't be surprised if people buy them and label them superior by way of the placebo effect.

 

IDK
and no proof.
Thanx for calling me on it !
I have read that so many times my brain says it is a fact.
But for sure out in clean air, an oil cooler will perform better.

 

I will not argue the fact that synthetic is better......
But damn my 88 sounds worse than sewing machine with mobil 1 20w 50. I tried some schaeffers 20w50 and it was even worse.
I run bel-ray 20w50 dino and it is noticeably quieter But I change my oil every 2500 to 3k..

 

I see no harm as long you are changing the oil as per for Dino or synthetic.

 

I would have to say No, yes and perhaps. Synthetic is not superior in every way - at least not in aircraft engines that, like some motorcycles, sit unused for longer periods of time than is good for them. Tests there have shown dino oils to cling longer to parts (like camshafts) than synthetic oils if left unused.

Yes, you are correct as to no risk in switching. In expensive aircraft engines I run synthetic (20-50) in the winter and dino (typically straight 50 or W100 as it's called) in the summer - been doing that for years.

Seals in older engines developed leaks and other issues after switching to synthetic oils.

+1 on Rotella-T.