Thoughts on this type of oil change.
Thoughts on this type of oil change.
About to switch to full synthetic oil after 2000 miles on full rebuild of 03 B twin cam. Balancers removed by dark horse, crank rebuilt, b and B, up at 97 now. New s&s camchest and on and on and on. I found this guy getting all the oil out. I run thundermax ECM now also. Wonder about turning over with the plug wires off? Can that cause problems. Should I really consider this or should I just not be such a baby and ride, drain, fill like a normal human. I dont mind the extra work. I do think this would be better done with warm oil after 15 mins of riding. Let me know if Im stupid for even thinking I should do it. As for the synthetic oil I am using, I wont say as everyone hates not the one they use. (Redline 20-60) 😀. Its hot AF here in Utah during summer.
https://youtu.be/K0dd76MBwDg
if link does not work search full purge oil change softail on youtube delboys garage video.
open to your answers but try not to be to mean😀
https://youtu.be/K0dd76MBwDg
if link does not work search full purge oil change softail on youtube delboys garage video.
open to your answers but try not to be to mean😀
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 1,347
From:
... just not be such a baby and ride, drain, fill like a normal human ...
You said it; I didn't - but to this I agree.
In all my years and hundreds of thousands of miles of motorcycle riding I have never (NEVER!) seen or heard of an engine that failed or prematurely suffered undue wear from using the wrong oil ... ever! Ditto for cars, trucks and engines powering heavy equipment.
(*) There have been problems with aircraft engines and certain oils - but that's a different application and situation.
You said it; I didn't - but to this I agree.
In all my years and hundreds of thousands of miles of motorcycle riding I have never (NEVER!) seen or heard of an engine that failed or prematurely suffered undue wear from using the wrong oil ... ever! Ditto for cars, trucks and engines powering heavy equipment.
(*) There have been problems with aircraft engines and certain oils - but that's a different application and situation.
Last edited by Jehu; Jun 22, 2022 at 04:23 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
That's what I would do.... ride it a couple miles and thoroughly warm the engine up. Bring it home, and let it sit for a few minutes while you get your things around. Drain and change filter. I usually wait until the drips from the engine are really slow. Fill and check. I would ride as you should have been instructed for break in, if anything. But I would not worry about synthetic oils.... I use Amsoil. You should have no problems!!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 797
Likes: 1,117
From: West Texas
Is the concern about mixing synthetic with some residual dino oil? If it is, I would say it isn't anything to worry about. If you are concerned, call Redline and ask them about the compatibility of the oil you are using with what you are switching to.
People have their own ideas about doing things, and mostly I don't care, but there are some things in that video I think are just silly.
People have their own ideas about doing things, and mostly I don't care, but there are some things in that video I think are just silly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 13,768
From: Pa.
On a normal oil change I wouldn't worry about it. I change my oil frequently anyhow.
You, however, are breaking in a rebuilt motor. Why do we change oil soon after running a fresh rebuilt motor? To get all the filings (that absolutely will be there) out.
A complete purge of all your oil is what you want.....after all, you just spent a ton of cash on a rebuild, you don't want any of the break in filings in your oil...do you?
As for turning over you motor with spark plug wire disconnected.....won't hurt a thing (how could it?).
Nothing wrong with a good synthetic oil.....just keep it fresh and clean.
You, however, are breaking in a rebuilt motor. Why do we change oil soon after running a fresh rebuilt motor? To get all the filings (that absolutely will be there) out.
A complete purge of all your oil is what you want.....after all, you just spent a ton of cash on a rebuild, you don't want any of the break in filings in your oil...do you?
As for turning over you motor with spark plug wire disconnected.....won't hurt a thing (how could it?).
Nothing wrong with a good synthetic oil.....just keep it fresh and clean.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,028
From: Carlsbad, CA
I’ve seen earlier cars f up rod bearing from running too light of an oil. And cylinder walls scored from crap oil. But, the biggest issue is running low or not changing the oil.
But, about 15 years ago I bought an older Honda 250 to practice for and take my Oregon test. It was about 8 years old, and was never garaged. But, I got it cheap. I don’t think the guy ever changed the oil. It was thick black and came out like tar. 3 change outs and running it to warm up, and it came pretty clean. And after that it ran like a top, and didn’t smoke at all…except 3rd was stripped. But, who really needs all the gears. Well, it was a Honda…I wouldn’t ride a Harley 75,000 miles without changing out the oil.
But, about 15 years ago I bought an older Honda 250 to practice for and take my Oregon test. It was about 8 years old, and was never garaged. But, I got it cheap. I don’t think the guy ever changed the oil. It was thick black and came out like tar. 3 change outs and running it to warm up, and it came pretty clean. And after that it ran like a top, and didn’t smoke at all…except 3rd was stripped. But, who really needs all the gears. Well, it was a Honda…I wouldn’t ride a Harley 75,000 miles without changing out the oil.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
Take a 15 minute ride, then change the oil and filter as per the owners manual. If the MoCo though it was necessary to do a full purge, it would be documented in the service manual.
Never had a bike engine fail following the maintenance schedule... yet...
Never had a bike engine fail following the maintenance schedule... yet...
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 361
Likes: 386
From: CO
If you're concerned about residual oil after your oil change, just run it 500 miles and change it again. I dont think it's necessary, but if it makes you feel better, then it's money well spent. That should get all the old stuff pretty well flushed out. Personally, I'd just change the oil and call it good.
