Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
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Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
Hello fellow forum members.....according tothe info I've found, the 15-40 diesel oil has the same high temp film strength as 20-50 rated oils. I'veread that this type oil works well in the air and/or water cooled metric bikes that share oil with the transmissions due to it's high shear strength and was just wanting to hear from people who have used this oiland in what type Harley engine (mine's an evo)and how it worked for them, pro or con, particularly in the warmer months. Since our Big Twins don't share oil with the tranny, it would seem that this would be a good choice for our engines providing, say 2,500 mile changes?? No need for the synthetic vs dino debates...I've used Amsoil for years with no complaints...'cept for price...but think that with the specs this oil has that cutting the oil change interval in half for the same money might just be better overall ?? So, tell it like it is !
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
I have used it for years without any problems. I do only use it in the winter months though and then go back to 20w50 in the hotter months.
WhenI am on the road and must add...then I add 15w40even in the summer. I don't change it back to 20w50 immediately...I wait until the time to change...which is about every 6 months.
I don't always use rotella, I have used napa, castrol, motorcraft, wal-mart brand, and even store brands. It really isn't in there that long anyway considering it gets changed six months.
*I do usually wait until it cools off to around 50 degrees or less, before I dump in 15w40 for the oil change. I typically put around 2,500-4,000 in thewinter and 4,000-6,000 in the summer.
WhenI am on the road and must add...then I add 15w40even in the summer. I don't change it back to 20w50 immediately...I wait until the time to change...which is about every 6 months.
I don't always use rotella, I have used napa, castrol, motorcraft, wal-mart brand, and even store brands. It really isn't in there that long anyway considering it gets changed six months.
*I do usually wait until it cools off to around 50 degrees or less, before I dump in 15w40 for the oil change. I typically put around 2,500-4,000 in thewinter and 4,000-6,000 in the summer.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
Lots of people use the HDEO's in Harley's. Won't hurt it. There is some talk about high ash content of a diesel oil but if you change it at the same interval you change HD 360 dino you won't even notice a difference. However, if you start fouling spark plugs that might be the cause. If you are looking to save some $$ on oil costs have you tried Havoline 20w50? Some guys use that and change every 2500-3000 with no issues. Note I wouldnt use either of those in the primary though.
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Tourer
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RE: Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
ORIGINAL: wildpig1ms
Hey Budz....what do you ride and how many miles did you leave it in?? Thanks......
Hey Budz....what do you ride and how many miles did you leave it in?? Thanks......
'07 Ultra; left it in for 3,000 during breakin.
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Club Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Idaho Falls
RE: Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
What is the specific reason not to use either of these oils in the primary? To my knowledge, Rotella does not contain any fricition modifiers to affect the clutch (don't know about Havoline). Elaborate on your reason please. Thanks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
RE: Rotella 15-40 in Harley engines
I also do not recommend using those oils in the primary, nor the transmission. Oil in the primary is only there to keep it cool and clean. 20w50 useage in there is just too thick and there really is no benefit for having such thick oil in there. Harley says not to use their HD360 in the primary, yet you can use SYN3 in there...I find thisstrange.So, what makes SYN3 so special that it can be used in the primary and not HD360? Uhm....likewise with the transmission as well.
Many oils from 10w40 and up do not contain friction modifyers or energy conservation. Oils with those should be avoided. Likewise, most 10w30 and down do contain both and are not fit for motorcycle useage. For primary, I recommend either a 10w40 or a 15w40.
And motor oil has no business in the transmission at all. 80w90 or close to it and GL5 should be the ONLY one in the transmission. Gear oil only here.
Many oils from 10w40 and up do not contain friction modifyers or energy conservation. Oils with those should be avoided. Likewise, most 10w30 and down do contain both and are not fit for motorcycle useage. For primary, I recommend either a 10w40 or a 15w40.
And motor oil has no business in the transmission at all. 80w90 or close to it and GL5 should be the ONLY one in the transmission. Gear oil only here.