Leakages with synthetic oil
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
Leakages with synthetic oil
I let my Nightster break in, and then after 3500 miles I put in synthetic oil (M1 V-Twin)
Now the bike leaks oil from the cylinder head gasket and even the crank case.
A few questions:
1. Has anyone had this problem when switching over to synthetic?
2. Once the leaks have developed, would it solve the problem if I want back to regular oil?
3. Would this be covered under warranty?
Thanks a bunch for your help.
Raz
Now the bike leaks oil from the cylinder head gasket and even the crank case.
A few questions:
1. Has anyone had this problem when switching over to synthetic?
2. Once the leaks have developed, would it solve the problem if I want back to regular oil?
3. Would this be covered under warranty?
Thanks a bunch for your help.
Raz
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
has nothing to do with the oil and is a warranty item. Probably a bad gasket or they were torqued wrong and smashed etc during assembly. Take it in to the dealer and tell them to fix it.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
Still doesn't explain how this started to happen RIGHT after I put synthetic oil in. But I will take your advice and take to the dealer. Will let you know what they say.
Raz
Raz
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I have heard switching back from a synthetic oil to a regular oil can cause sludge to appear in your motor. I personally recommend once you've switched to not go back. I've heard car dealers and bike shops offer the same advice. Is it because it is more money and they want you to buy the more expensive stuff? Who knows?
I also wouldn't switch back and forth because one oil is cheaper or on sale this time around. What ever you've ran in your motor is what I'd stick with. But with that being said, switching to synthetic is always a better choice. It's a much better oil and you'll notice the difference. Cooler motor temps and a lot smoother transmission
I also wouldn't switch back and forth because one oil is cheaper or on sale this time around. What ever you've ran in your motor is what I'd stick with. But with that being said, switching to synthetic is always a better choice. It's a much better oil and you'll notice the difference. Cooler motor temps and a lot smoother transmission
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
If you do some research you will find that Synthetic oil does not directly cause leaks. In high mileage, older motors, that have been run on fossil based motor oils, you can have a condition where old gaskets have dried out and would in fact be leaking if it weren't for the sludge buildup on the gasket edges preventing them from leaking.
One of the inherent properties of synthetic oil is that it both prevents and removes sludge buildup. As a result, installing synthetic oil in a high mileage, older motor may result in the removal of sludge that was holding together/sealing an otherwise worn out gasket.
Synthetic oil is not to blame for your oil leaks in this case. Get your defective gaskets replaced by HD under warranty.
One of the inherent properties of synthetic oil is that it both prevents and removes sludge buildup. As a result, installing synthetic oil in a high mileage, older motor may result in the removal of sludge that was holding together/sealing an otherwise worn out gasket.
Synthetic oil is not to blame for your oil leaks in this case. Get your defective gaskets replaced by HD under warranty.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
Id say the oil had nothing to do with it and it was more so the break in and the milage you are at the gasket finally gave way. Nothing you did wrong if memory serves me my rocker box gasket went south and started leaking at about the same mileage as yours so probably if the gasket was bad or over torqued by that many miles and heat it was enough to compromise the sealing of the gasket.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
