Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 190
Likes: 4
Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
Have a 2002 FLHRI Road King with 12,000 miles and have used HD dino oil since new. Has anyone experienced any leaks after the change to synthetics in engine, primary or tranny? Want to use Mobil 1 V-Twin 20/50 ,Mobile 1 75/90 gear oil and HD Formula+ for primary. Thanks!
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
ORIGINAL: Wolf
No, but I switched at the 1000 mile excess profit mark.
No, but I switched at the 1000 mile excess profit mark.
Yeah...but you use recycled Wallyworld 5w10 Chinese dino oil with sawdust and we all know the sawdust plugs all the leaks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IN
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
You shouldn't have any problems with only 12k on it regardless of the dino oil. The leaks have been known to occur on higher mileage vehicles where sludge has built up on the seals and caused drying and cracking. Many synthetics have high detergent formulas. When these are used in a higher mileage engine, the sludge can be washed away from the seals that are already degraded and expose leaks.
The synthetic oils have seal conditioning additives that actually cause slight swelling of the seals.
In the end, you won't have problems with your low mileage ride. The benefits of synthetic oil far out way the extremly low risk of leaks.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
The synthetic oils have seal conditioning additives that actually cause slight swelling of the seals.
In the end, you won't have problems with your low mileage ride. The benefits of synthetic oil far out way the extremly low risk of leaks.
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
Novice
Joined: Sep 2005
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From:
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
Not to throw fuel on the fire here, but I have tried a few different oils and to be honest, I did "FEEL a difference in some way!
I started with the standard oil that came with my 2004 Fatboy. Then at the 1000 mile service, the dealer gave me the SYN 3 for the same cost as the standard oil and installed it in all 3 spots, as a chance to try it! Did I see a differnce here, you bet! I did not like it at all! I did not like the way it shifted, too "CLUNKY"! I then went to Mobil 1 V-Twin oil except I used the 75W-90 GEAR lube in the trans!WOW, It seemed to shift SO nice! I used this method for awhile, when I came across the same Amsoil sales lines as everybody hears! So, I thought about trying it! I went with Amsoil 20W-50 Motorcycle oil and the 75W-90 "SEVERE GEAR" lube in the trans!
Well, being out to Sturgis and back the last 2 years, I have concluded (IN MY OPINION, by just the sounds made and NOT by taking them apart and seeing what is really going on with the parts) I like the Mobil 1 in the engine and primary and the Amsoil in the trans!
Some have said that ????? Name brand ols are not a Miricle oil and I agree, But as to sounds made from the motor and trans, I did feel/hear a difference!
I started with the standard oil that came with my 2004 Fatboy. Then at the 1000 mile service, the dealer gave me the SYN 3 for the same cost as the standard oil and installed it in all 3 spots, as a chance to try it! Did I see a differnce here, you bet! I did not like it at all! I did not like the way it shifted, too "CLUNKY"! I then went to Mobil 1 V-Twin oil except I used the 75W-90 GEAR lube in the trans!WOW, It seemed to shift SO nice! I used this method for awhile, when I came across the same Amsoil sales lines as everybody hears! So, I thought about trying it! I went with Amsoil 20W-50 Motorcycle oil and the 75W-90 "SEVERE GEAR" lube in the trans!
Well, being out to Sturgis and back the last 2 years, I have concluded (IN MY OPINION, by just the sounds made and NOT by taking them apart and seeing what is really going on with the parts) I like the Mobil 1 in the engine and primary and the Amsoil in the trans!
Some have said that ????? Name brand ols are not a Miricle oil and I agree, But as to sounds made from the motor and trans, I did feel/hear a difference!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
You won't get any leaks, except by chance.
If any of y'all want to know how your engine oil actually performs, change it, run it to your next change, then have a lab analyze it. Cost is about the same price as an oil change.
If any of y'all want to know how your engine oil actually performs, change it, run it to your next change, then have a lab analyze it. Cost is about the same price as an oil change.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Pekin, IN
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
Yep, I agree. The lab results will tell the tale of the tape.[sm=exactly.gif]
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]
ORIGINAL: pococj
You won't get any leaks, except by chance.
If any of y'all want to know how your engine oil actually performs, change it, run it to your next change, then have a lab analyze it. Cost is about the same price as an oil change.
You won't get any leaks, except by chance.
If any of y'all want to know how your engine oil actually performs, change it, run it to your next change, then have a lab analyze it. Cost is about the same price as an oil change.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 245
Likes: 3
From: austin, Texas
RE: Switching to Synthetic......Any Leaks?
I wouldn't use the Formula+ in the primary. I switched to this Formula+ in both the primary and gearbox (as per the instructions) and I noticed a slight clutch drag and hard shifting. Switched to Red Line MTL in the primary and Red Line Heavy Shockproof in the gearbox and now all is well again.
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