Miles between oil changes
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Stage III
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Miles between oil changes
I am currently in Michigan and will be headed back to AZ on Tue. My 2006 Softail is at the 5,000 mile mark since the last oil change. Can I push it another 2,000 miles untilI get back to Phoenix? I am using Mobil 1 V-Twin in the engine, Redline MTL in the primary, and Redline Shockproof Heavy in the trans.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
RE: Miles between oil changes
If most of your riding was on thehighway cruisingand it hasn't been in there a year, then it "should" be fine. On the other hand, if it concerns you and money is an issue at this time, then I'd just changethe crankwith a good 20w50 such as Havoline and then change again when it's time for the full service....
Have a good trip!
Have a good trip!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Alleghany Co., NC and SW Florida
RE: Miles between oil changes
You didn't say IF it is still under warranty. IF it is, you need to have proof of an oil change at the required interval to protect the coverage. That said, I have NEVER been asked to prove my maintenance with receipts but have never had a major engine problem either over about thirty five thousand miles, two bikes and three years.
Like someone said, if the oil is not really old, highway miles doesn't do much to hurt it. Its the cold starts and short runs with condensation that hurts it.
Like someone said, if the oil is not really old, highway miles doesn't do much to hurt it. Its the cold starts and short runs with condensation that hurts it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Miles between oil changes
I don't even go 5,000 without an oil change. I change every 2,500, and I wouldn't dream of going over the 5,000 miles that is HD's requirement. These are air cooled engines that run hot and cause oil breakdown more so that cars.
It costs about 45.00 and takes 30 minutes to change the oil, primary and transmission. Why would this even be an issue???
Bill
It costs about 45.00 and takes 30 minutes to change the oil, primary and transmission. Why would this even be an issue???
Bill
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
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RE: Miles between oil changes
I'd change it.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 765
Likes: 0
From: Alleghany Co., NC and SW Florida
RE: Miles between oil changes
billnourse, while I agree that frequent oil changes are cheap insurance, IF he has good quality syn. in the bike and hasn't had a really hot incident like a traffic jam where it went on "limp", the oil is probably fine and capable of many more miles without harm. Its the filter that can be the limiting factor on modern synthetics.
EZ
EZ
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Miles between oil changes
5,000 miles is max on an air cooled engine no matter what oil is being used. Most car manufacturers specify 5,000 to 7,500 for liquid cooled engines. I just can't understand why anyone would want to push something like an oil change to the limit and beyond.
Bill
Bill