3 Hole Oils
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 139
Likes: 94
From: New Hampshire
3 Hole Oils
Well so far, you guys have been a wealth of information, so again I need some help.
Just picked up a 1997 RK about a week ago and as is customary with any used bike I buy, I am going to change all the fluids so I have a starting point of reference to work with for the future.
Being as this is my first Harley, I want to make sure I have this right.
I purchased a K&N oil filter, 5 quarts of Mobil 1 Syn v-twin for the engine and primary and Mobil 1 Syn 75/90 for the transmission.
Is this correct?
I read some threads where people recommend to use the same type oil for the tranny and primary and other threads that recommend the same type oil for the engine and primary so I am a little confused.
Just picked up a 1997 RK about a week ago and as is customary with any used bike I buy, I am going to change all the fluids so I have a starting point of reference to work with for the future.
Being as this is my first Harley, I want to make sure I have this right.
I purchased a K&N oil filter, 5 quarts of Mobil 1 Syn v-twin for the engine and primary and Mobil 1 Syn 75/90 for the transmission.
Is this correct?
I read some threads where people recommend to use the same type oil for the tranny and primary and other threads that recommend the same type oil for the engine and primary so I am a little confused.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,043
From: Texas, USA
First, congrats on your new to you RK. Enjoy it and ride safe.
You may or may not have noticed there is a good deal of good cop/bad cop in many threads. For this one, I'll be the good cop. The bad cops will chime in and give you heat for starting yet another oil thread.
If you want to know what others are using for filters and fluids, peruse the "Sticky's" at the top of the oil subforum.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...ted-topics-30/
To answer your question, your choice of filter and fluids for each hole is just fine. Everyone will have their own opinion about what fluid to use where. You have to choose what you like and ignore everyone else.
You may or may not have noticed there is a good deal of good cop/bad cop in many threads. For this one, I'll be the good cop. The bad cops will chime in and give you heat for starting yet another oil thread.
If you want to know what others are using for filters and fluids, peruse the "Sticky's" at the top of the oil subforum.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/oil-a...ted-topics-30/
To answer your question, your choice of filter and fluids for each hole is just fine. Everyone will have their own opinion about what fluid to use where. You have to choose what you like and ignore everyone else.
Last edited by Bone Doc; Apr 23, 2017 at 11:15 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You're right to be confused. I used to belong to another Harley forum where they wisely banned all discussion on oils, because they were so misleading and confusing. If you read your factory service manual you will find that H-D recommend using a different oil in each of the three holes, something which has worked for me for decades. I don't buy the false 'wisdom' that so many oil threads in here promulgate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
the big thing to watch out for is you don't really want to use engine oil in the primary, esp. synthetic as you may (some do, some don't) get clutch slippage. but using full synthetic in there is a waste of money.
i happen to use shell rotella t 15w-40 in the primary. you can buy it at advance, autozone, etc. for about $14 for a gallon jug, which will last for 3 + services (i change mine every 5k as opposed to the 10k recommended by hd. also do a clutch adjustment if you don't have a hydraulic clutch). it is jaso rated for wet clutch use so you won't have an issue with clutch slippage.
i happen to use shell rotella t 15w-40 in the primary. you can buy it at advance, autozone, etc. for about $14 for a gallon jug, which will last for 3 + services (i change mine every 5k as opposed to the 10k recommended by hd. also do a clutch adjustment if you don't have a hydraulic clutch). it is jaso rated for wet clutch use so you won't have an issue with clutch slippage.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I like Mobil 1 V-Twin 20w50 Syn in all 3 holes.
K/N 171C Oil filter is the way to go, too.
K/N 171C Oil filter is the way to go, too.
Contact IB Sales to have your account opened
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 381
Likes: 36
From: WORCESTER,MA
Hey Grubsie, Where in N.H. are you? I'll see you at ACME Choppers, Meredith, N.H. during Laconia Rally! I'm an Oil Expert, & I've been asked, NOT to Discuss OIL, Here! The LoonieTunes can tell you to use Car oil, Diesel, etc., But, that's OK! I wouldn't use that Made in Thailand Oil Filter! I'd go with a H-D Evo 30 micron oil filter! Be Safe, BJ
PM, Me, Neighbor!
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In your engine you can use any quality 20/50 synthetic engine oil, Mobil 1 V-Twine is a
good one, I use Royal Purple 20/50 myself. For the primary and transmission, everyone
has an opinion, I happen to use Formula Plus. Many choices out there, and the cost may
vary, make sure the oil for the primary & the transmission are designed for that purpose.
Mobil anything is a good choice, good luck on your new to you Harley & ride safe.
John
good one, I use Royal Purple 20/50 myself. For the primary and transmission, everyone
has an opinion, I happen to use Formula Plus. Many choices out there, and the cost may
vary, make sure the oil for the primary & the transmission are designed for that purpose.
Mobil anything is a good choice, good luck on your new to you Harley & ride safe.
John
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,073
Likes: 2,382
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
I would say no. But I'm one of those weird people who think multi-use oils aren't the best. I like to use oils that are engineered for a specific purpose and not to be used in 3 different application. When you go for quantity over quality, you're gonna leave something on the table. At least that's how I feel.
Also, I don't think you'll like the 75W-90 once it gets warmed up. It's a little on the thin side when hot.
I use Mobil-1 15W-50 in the engine, Spectro primary fluid, and Spectro 6-Speed 75W-140 in the trans. But that's just my personal preference.
Also, I don't think you'll like the 75W-90 once it gets warmed up. It's a little on the thin side when hot.
I use Mobil-1 15W-50 in the engine, Spectro primary fluid, and Spectro 6-Speed 75W-140 in the trans. But that's just my personal preference.
