Mixed Oils

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Mar 21, 2012 | 10:37 AM

CHOPPIN' CHARLIE

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 862

Likes: 3

From: East Tennessee

Mixed Oils

Ok, it was not me, but a DA friend did it and I voluntered to see what the Forum thinks. He was changing oil, or trying to, on a 96" Heritage 6 speed transmission. 5k and all fluids have been changed 3 times. Wanted to try Redline Gear 80w w/Shockproof. Drained tranny ok, new "O" ring, torqued to specs and proceeded to add the gear oil to the OIL TANK and when oil started to come out the OIL TANK, he knew something was wrong. Almost 3/4 quart had been added. See, said he was a DA. Imediatly drained the OIL Tank and refilled with Mobil 1. The oil tank was drained into a clear plastic container and the GEAR OIL separated to the bottom from the motor oil fast. The oil tank now is full of fresh oil. The motor has not been started. He now thinks of adding some Harvel Mystery Oil to the good oil and drain tank again, never starting the motor. Purchased another quart of Gear Oil and added to proper location. Refill oil tank and ride 2 or 3 miles, change oil and filter and hope for the best. Any thing constructive I can pass on to my friend? Thanks for much needed advise.

OK, I give up since y'all can tell it was me all along. After sleeping at the Holiday Inn last night, I called Redline and a friendly guy in California said it was ok just to drain the oil bag 1 time and what residue remaining would be ok. Other than 1 draining, the rest would be a waste of oil and recommended no further action required. He said their Transmission Oil was what he/I should be using instead of gear oil nohow. Is thicker and contains other additives than gear oil. I told him I got the gear oil info from the H-D Forum & he had no reply. He was very helpful with information. Thanks for your replies and help.

Last edited by CHOPPIN' CHARLIE; Mar 21, 2012 at 05:53 PM.

Mar 21, 2012 | 10:47 AM

chevele72

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,529

Likes: 8

From: Central Fl.

I would've let it sit with the drain plug out, but sounds like you've got it covered.

Mar 21, 2012 | 10:49 AM

myglide

Tourer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 313

Likes: 3

From: UT

I would drain some more out of the oil bag and see if there is more Redline in it. I would call Redline and see if there would be any problem with the Redline and engine heat, flow etc.

Mar 21, 2012 | 01:01 PM

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,208

Likes: 374

From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

Tell him the bike is ruined. Have him call me and I'll come haul it away.

Mar 21, 2012 | 01:09 PM

Shredding rubber

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 3,449

Likes: 8

From: Right about the middle

K. Drain everything out. Go buy some el cheapo 20w-50 and a can of seafoam. Put half the can of seafoam in and the cheap oil. Run it for 100 miles. Drain. Do it again. Drain,new filter,and fuggettaboutit

Mar 21, 2012 | 02:11 PM

DDuess

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 727

Likes: 1

From: Silverdale, WA

I wouldn't do anything more then what was done. Add fresh oil and ride it. I wouldn't put any "cleaners" or additives in it. Chalk up the experience and forget it. Old Harleys used 60 wt and 70 wt oil in hot weather, some still use heavy straight wt in summer. A couple oz. of 80 in 3.5 qts of 20-50 wont change much.