Engine Oil vs Trans lube
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Metro Detroit
Engine Oil vs Trans lube
I have a 2005 flht. Previous owner told me he ran all synthetic fluids. I am swapping clutch cable so went to local hd for a new gasket and gave him the info at hand. He came back with 1qt of synthetic engine oil. Is it an okay practice to use engine oil instead of the transmission fluid discussed in the manuel? I know my old ironhead sportie its one and the same. Just want to make sure its okay in this bike as well. Sorry if this is a dumb question.
Last edited by schwartzint1; Sep 10, 2015 at 03:38 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
when the twincam was first released, syn3 was spec'd for motor oil, primary lube ( clutch) and transmission.
( oops! this is incorrect- see post below! )
some feel that the syn3 didn't protect as well in the gearbox ..or provide as good clutch action.
the aftermarket and Harley sell tranny and primary specific lubes.
I use the HD Primary+ and it works for me.
I tried redline in my evo tranny- no difference but the red dye could help if you were tracking a leak ( kinda like why auto transmission fluid is red)
Mike
( oops! this is incorrect- see post below! )
some feel that the syn3 didn't protect as well in the gearbox ..or provide as good clutch action.
the aftermarket and Harley sell tranny and primary specific lubes.
I use the HD Primary+ and it works for me.
I tried redline in my evo tranny- no difference but the red dye could help if you were tracking a leak ( kinda like why auto transmission fluid is red)
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 10, 2015 at 06:42 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Believe me or not.
I use Mobile 1 15w50 in the engine .. Redline Shockproof in the transmission
and Redline Primary oil in the Primary.
My 2005 Road King has 127K on it and it's never seen the inside of the dealer shop. I did do cam tensioners at 70K.
I will need to do a top end eventually as I'm getting some oil going through the front cylinder valve seal but it basically still runs good.
I use Mobile 1 15w50 in the engine .. Redline Shockproof in the transmission
and Redline Primary oil in the Primary.
My 2005 Road King has 127K on it and it's never seen the inside of the dealer shop. I did do cam tensioners at 70K.
I will need to do a top end eventually as I'm getting some oil going through the front cylinder valve seal but it basically still runs good.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Everywhere
Engine Oil vs Trans lube
Originally Posted by mkguitar
when the twincam was first released, syn3 was spec'd for motor oil, primary lube ( clutch) and transmission.
some feel that the syn3 didn't protect as well in the gearbox ..or provide as good clutch action.
the aftermarket and Harley sell tranny and primary specific lubes.
I use the HD Primary+ and it works for me.
I tried redline in my evo tranny- no difference but the red dye could help if you were tracking a leak ( kinda like why auto transmission fluid is red)
Mike
some feel that the syn3 didn't protect as well in the gearbox ..or provide as good clutch action.
the aftermarket and Harley sell tranny and primary specific lubes.
I use the HD Primary+ and it works for me.
I tried redline in my evo tranny- no difference but the red dye could help if you were tracking a leak ( kinda like why auto transmission fluid is red)
Mike
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
Here is a good read on the subject. Motor oil will work but I don't know why you would use it when there are better products out there. I wouldn't hesitate in a pinch.
http://bakerdrivetrain.com/wordpress...Drivetrain.pdf
http://bakerdrivetrain.com/wordpress...Drivetrain.pdf
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Some folks use ATF in their primary, the red color and it's cheap.
Last edited by Twincruiser; Sep 10, 2015 at 09:07 PM. Reason: sp
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Michigan
Even though H-D (and the dealerships) uses and recommends SYN3 for the engine, primary and transmission, I prefer to use Redline Shockproof in my transmission.
I also tried Redline 20w-60w synthetic motor oil in my '13 CVO 110 engine this summer, and perhaps it's just my imagination, but I think my engine was a little quieter (not as much ticking) than usual.
I also tried Redline 20w-60w synthetic motor oil in my '13 CVO 110 engine this summer, and perhaps it's just my imagination, but I think my engine was a little quieter (not as much ticking) than usual.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w50 Syn in all three holes.
Sweet, simple, and readily available.
Read for yourself...
https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/m...motorcycle-oil
Sweet, simple, and readily available.
Read for yourself...
https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/m...motorcycle-oil