Hi - Just bought a 2014 street glide FLHX and I was reading the manual regarding oil changes for the Engine, Tranny, and Primary. I'm a DIY guy and maintain my own vehicles! So I'm wondering, the manual states...
I've seen some posts recommending various things, but I also know that all engines will burn a small amount of oil. I have a Ram diesel truck and if I used regular API spec oil for gasoline engines (whether synthetic or conventional), I would risk damage to electronics to O2 sensors, DEF system, and maybe other emission related electronics.

So, how many of you out there with 2014 or newer Harleys with the 103 are following the minimum recommended specs from the manual? Or not?

I'm also worried about the Primary wet clutch and thinking I really should follow the Diesel spec or the HD-360 spec as the manual suggests.

Looking forward to hearing what you are doing! Thanks!

I don't think this has the API-SN spec but this link is most of the other API spec info... http://www.apicj-4.org/2009_engine_oil_guide.pdf. The diesel specs call out protection of emission equipment suchs as cats, etc. Although I won't be running a cat after the V&H dressers duals get put on next week. LOL

Kevin

 

To add to my post --- The other interesting thing I saw at Walmart today was that the Mobil-1 v-twin 20w50 synthetic oil did not meet any of the Diesel specifications (CH-4, CI-4 or CJ-4). It only listed API specs for gasoline engines.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-2...-1-qt/16767830

Kevin

 

Mobil one 20-50 v-twin. don't know why anyone would run anything different. motorcycle oil is what it needs.

 

Hi - So, you don't really care about the API-CH, CI, or CJ-4 spec requirements called out by the Harley Manual for 2014 and newer? Mobil-1 v-twin does not list API diesel specs.

It does seem kind of silly to me that diesel specs are listed in the manual. The CI-4 and CJ-4 specs are for low sulfur diesel fuels and for protection of emissions equipment.

But an air-cooled Harley would probably require Heavier Duty engine oil versus a water cooled car.

I'll probably stick with the manual requirements to determine what oil I will use, but I'm still curious to hear thoughts on this subject.

 

my thoughts?

I use redline 20w-60 in my bike (with the 110), and mobil1 15w-50 in the wife's (with the 103). before I got the cvo, I used mobil1 in my bike also. the 110 is one hot running sumbitch though....

for the primary, I use shell rotella t 15w-40. it is jaso rated so it is good for wet clutch use. runs around $14 for a gallon.

this has worked for me for at least a decade. have never had an oil related failure. shoot, I've been lucky and never really had a failure period. did have to have an ipb replaced under warranty once.

 

I am no expert on this subject but from what I've read is the reason Harley specifies diesel oil is because they recommend the same oil in all 3 holes. Gasoline engine oil has friction modifiers that will cause the clutch to slip. Oils designed for specific purposes should not cause any problem as long as you're using the oil for it's intended use.

 

I use Rotella T-6 10/40 diesel oil in every bike from the Street to the 120's for about three years now and around 100K miles combined. Why? it's cheap at $5/qt and spec'd for wet clutches. All the Shell tech reps that I have talked to over the years use it in their HD's.

For the trans I stay with Bel Ray.

Don't do what I do as I am the dummy that only uses 87 octane E10 gas.

 

Thanks! The wet clutch is certainly my biggest concern and I read the same thing so I'm definitely thinking I need to follow the diesel specs for the primary at a minimum.

 

Found this interesting thread as I researched tonight...

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub...pics/3676280/1

I'm going to run Mystic 15w50 for the Engine and Trans since it's rated appropriately and has the upper 50 viscosity. Ordered it online tonight.

And thinking I'm going to run Rotella T 15w40 (or maybe Rotella T5 or T6) for the primary since it is JASO-MA rated and has the appropriate diesel rating.

I know I won't put 5000 miles a year on my ride but I'll be changing all three every year just like I would do for my cars and trucks.

Please continue to share your thoughts as I'm still reading and interested. :-)

 

I'm still wondering how running an automotive spec oil in a diesel engine will damage electronics.