When did Syn 3 go full synthetic?
#1
12-13-2018, 03:03 PM
When did Syn 3 go full synthetic?
I could of sworn last time I looked Syn 3 was a semi-synthetic 20W-50 oil. Now it's full synthetic. How long ago did this happen since I must be out of the loop because I've never used it in my bikes?
Just googled my answer. About 2010..... man am I out of the loop big time!
Just googled my answer. About 2010..... man am I out of the loop big time!
Last edited by wagsrk08; 12-13-2018 at 03:40 PM.
#2
12-13-2018, 04:03 PM
The terms "semi-synthetic" or "full synthetic" have almost no regulation in the US and can be the same formula/combination under a new name. These oils are generally made from mineral-sourced Group III bases.
Check out the info here about the different Groups:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...-part-1-a.html
Group IV and V are truly "synthetic" and required to use that term in some countries. In the US, you can look for terms like PAO or Ester to figure out which oils fall in these groups, more info discussed here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...l#post17885483
Check out the info here about the different Groups:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...-part-1-a.html
Group III
Group III oils are synthetic oils. But, they are not the type of synthetics that are built up from scratch, if you will. They are actually good ol' crude oils from the ground that have been refined by a process known as hydroisomerization. Mouthful of alphabet soup, ain't it? Basically it means a combination of processes that remove more unwanted impurities from the crude oil.
Notice I said that group III oils are synthetic. It took a gaggle of lawyers and a buncha suits to decide that. The hydroisomerization process actually changes certain molecules around enough to create new molecules. These molecules are pretty uniform in size and shape, just like in "real" synthetic oil. These new molecules are more resistant to oxidation, so they'll hold up better and last longer than before.
Group III oils are synthetic oils. But, they are not the type of synthetics that are built up from scratch, if you will. They are actually good ol' crude oils from the ground that have been refined by a process known as hydroisomerization. Mouthful of alphabet soup, ain't it? Basically it means a combination of processes that remove more unwanted impurities from the crude oil.
Notice I said that group III oils are synthetic. It took a gaggle of lawyers and a buncha suits to decide that. The hydroisomerization process actually changes certain molecules around enough to create new molecules. These molecules are pretty uniform in size and shape, just like in "real" synthetic oil. These new molecules are more resistant to oxidation, so they'll hold up better and last longer than before.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...l#post17885483
Last edited by Motul; 12-13-2018 at 04:13 PM.
The following users liked this post:
wagsrk08 (12-13-2018)
#3
12-13-2018, 06:38 PM
HD SYN 3 isn't now and never has been a full synthetic. It''s base stock is hydrocracked oil from the ground. It's a Citgo product.
The following users liked this post:
wagsrk08 (12-14-2018)
#4
12-13-2018, 07:57 PM
Advanced
Anytime I have any questions about lubricants one of the sources I read is "Bob the Oil Guy's" site.
SYN 3 on Bob is the Oil Guy
SYN 3 on Bob is the Oil Guy
#5
12-14-2018, 04:40 AM
I really hate to ask oil related questions since I've never even used this product before. But I always remember it being labeled a blend (semi-synthetic) on the container in the past. Now it's not. That's all I was interested in knowing. Thanks though......
#6
12-14-2018, 08:41 AM
ANYTIME you are in doubt about an HD branded product, remember these three things:
1. HD doesn't make anything but motorcycles and many important parts of those motorcycles are made by someone else, starting with the crankshaft.
2. Somebody, somewhere, makes the same item or one of better quality for less money.
3. There are NO good deals in a HD dealer.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; 12-14-2018 at 08:46 AM.
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