Oil

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Mar 28, 2008 | 06:08 AM

nolafishr

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Oil

Would it be OK to use 10w40 in the Engine Oil instead of 20w50? It is not as thick of an oil and Summer is coming with the Hot Weather and was wondering about this. Do you need an oil this thick in it with the Hot Weather? I understand to use 20w50 in the primary for the 01 model.
I know this has been brought up mant times but want to get it straight because Iwill begettingmy bike next week and want to change out the oils to be safe.

2001 Sportster 1200

Mar 28, 2008 | 06:13 AM

Korbenw7p3c

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From: Sunshine state.

RE: Oil

When it's below 38*, and if you ride in the cold weather seasons, you should run 10w40. You SHOULD run 20w50 in the summer as the bike is air cooled and needs the extra protection of the heaver oil in the heat.

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:03 AM

valveguide

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From: Down North

RE: Oil

Oil has 2 numbers, 10w40 say.

10 means the oil will never get thicker than 10 weight at 0 degrees.

40 means the oil will never get thinner than 40 weight at 200 degrees.

I found this definition surfing somewhere once ...

I think from the temperatures that I ride in I could run straight 50+ probably.

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:07 AM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

RE: Oil

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nolafishr

Would it be OK to use 10w40 in the Engine Oil instead of 20w50?

NO. You need heavier weight oil in the summer not lighter.

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:12 AM

xFreebirdx

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Joined: Mar 2008

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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'

RE: Oil

Seeing that you live in New Orleans, you need the heavier oil.

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:31 AM

1200c

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RE: Oil

Like several people have already said: you need thicker oil in the summer.

Mar 28, 2008 | 04:31 PM

MacAttack

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From:

RE: Oil

What cHarley said. Air-cooled engines have looser machining tolerances as well, since temperatures vary more than liquid-cooled engines, and metal expands with temperature. HDs have always run thick oil.