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Converting to Synthetic Oil

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Old May 15, 2012 | 04:31 PM
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Default Converting to Synthetic Oil
I have a 1994 Heritage Softail and was thinking of converting to synthetic oil for extended mileage. However, and old school HD dealer mechanic said he would not recommend that. Does anyone have an opinion both pro and con?
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 04:36 PM
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Wont harm anything, just drain out the old and replace with the new. Synthetic works fine in older motors.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by motrcop914
I have a 1994 Heritage Softail and was thinking of converting to synthetic oil for extended mileage. However, and old school HD dealer mechanic said he would not recommend that. Does anyone have an opinion both pro and con?
I agree with the mechanic you spoke with, dont do it. Now if you rebuild it then do it from the get go.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 04:54 PM
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what is the issue that makes it not a good idea?
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 05:02 PM
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I run Amsoil in everything I own. It may not matter, but it gives me a warm feeling inside. It can't hurt.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 05:09 PM
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Originally Posted by motrcop914
what is the issue that makes it not a good idea?
None, you can just drop synthetic right in.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 05:14 PM
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I've never had any problems switching from conventional to synthetic in anything I have ever owned, regardless of mileage. I do not know how this would be any different.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 05:20 PM
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Older bikes should use single weight, non-synthetic oil. The logic behind this is that the molecule shape of synthetic oils allow a very thin film of oil that works very well in a modern, close tolerance engine. Older engines have wider tolerances, so they need the larger molecules of a non-synthetic oil. The flatter molecules of the synthetics will leak past piston rings and result in excess oil consumption and potentially glazed cylinder bores. Articles even cautioned against using multi-grade oils for similar reasons.

I have no scientific knowledge of oils myself other than chat between older mechanics about older scoots. In fact, I doubt if anyone here can really call themselves the oil guru. Rebuilds are looked at different. Listen to the others replies in here, chat with a few more, and come up with your own conclusions.

Edit: gonna have to start usin spell chck...laffs
 
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; May 15, 2012 at 09:26 PM.
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Old May 15, 2012 | 09:19 PM
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You can switch to synthetic with no worries.
 
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Old May 15, 2012 | 09:22 PM
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How many miles on the bike
 
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