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Old Dec 28, 2018 | 07:56 PM
  #11  
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I see a problem in the future. If dino oil has been used for 70K miles, I'd be afraid the syn. would wash away any varnish or deposits and then some gaskets would start weeping/leaking.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2018 | 08:19 PM
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Mobile 1 from Wally World. Get a decent filter. Driving style has much more to do with engine longevity than motor oil.
 
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Old Dec 28, 2018 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by grbrown
....indeed, probably the most over-subscribed topic around HDF. I wouldn't personally use a synth on that bike, don't use it on any of mine, a good dyno is just fine.
After 36 years working in the Fuels & Lubricants Department of GM's Research Labs, I would recommend either a full synthetic or synthetic/petroleum blend oil. I've heard lots of "old school" stories about synthetics being "too slippery" for H-D motors. Total "hog wash" (pun intended).

There's nothing wrong with a high quality petroleum based oil ("dyno" oil) with a good additive package. However oils with a Group IV base stock (full synthetic) tend to perform better when subjected to extreme temperatures. And high quality synthetics, because of production costs, generally have very good additive packages to allow them to be marketed as premium product.

As a footnote, Chevrolet's flagship vehicle, the C7 (Corvettes with high performance, high output engines) are delivered with Mobil 1 full synthetic as the factory fill oil.

Differing opinion, (and I respect your opinion & valued contributions to HDF), but I run full synthetic engine oils (not all the same brand or API rating) in all of my vehicles, (bikes, trucks & cars). Without any reservations.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 08:40 AM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by preacherbo
Get a decent filter. Driving style has much more to do with engine longevity than motor oil.
Absolutely.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 09:02 AM
  #15  
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My 02 sounds like a sewing machine on synthetic.....I use Bel-Ray dino and change it every 2500 to 3k.
Any good dino in my opinion....Bel-Ray, HD...
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 09:19 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Hammz
After 36 years working in the Fuels & Lubricants Department of GM's Research Labs, I would recommend either a full synthetic or synthetic/petroleum blend oil. I've heard lots of "old school" stories about synthetics being "too slippery" for H-D motors. Total "hog wash" (pun intended).

There's nothing wrong with a high quality petroleum based oil ("dyno" oil) with a good additive package. However oils with a Group IV base stock (full synthetic) tend to perform better when subjected to extreme temperatures. And high quality synthetics, because of production costs, generally have very good additive packages to allow them to be marketed as premium product.

As a footnote, Chevrolet's flagship vehicle, the C7 (Corvettes with high performance, high output engines) are delivered with Mobil 1 full synthetic as the factory fill oil.

Differing opinion, (and I respect your opinion & valued contributions to HDF), but I run full synthetic engine oils (not all the same brand or API rating) in all of my vehicles, (bikes, trucks & cars). Without any reservations.
Chevrolet's flagship vehicle, the C7 (Corvettes with high performance, high output engines) are delivered with Mobil 1 full synthetic as the factory fill oil ... And probably all HD's are delivered from the factory with their base oil ... As for myself I've used the "Dino" lubricants in all my scooters for the over 50 years I've been on two wheels without ever having a lubrication related failure ... I have seen, first hand, some who've encountered "seepage" problems after switching to a synthetic based oil ... Not a disastrous catastrophe but one that I'd just as soon avoid.

Are you out of the Proving Grounds in Milford? My oldest son is a PIpe/Steam fitter that frequents the grounds ( been there for the last 18 months this time )
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 04:13 PM
  #17  
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Just an FYI for those that aren't aware & or those that would like to know why full syn oil will sometimes (not always) leak in a motor/trans where std dino oil used prior didn't leak or seep.

From what i understand it's because on a molecular level the molecules in std dino oil are a bit larger & not of equal shape and size vs the molecules full syn oil is made of being a bit smaller and more evenly sized therefore making it easier for full syn oil to get past seals/gaskets

That's more of an issue when used in a motor that's got some age & or miles on it where the gaskets/seals may have shrunken & or cracked due to heat,age & exposure to oil & it's additive pkg chemicals in a harsh hot operating environment for multiple yrs & miles.

So by design full syn oil being a bit more slick then std dino along with it also having smaller more evenly sized molecules collectively together allow it to more easily leak & or seep past gaskets/seals etc where std dino didn't leak in the same motor/trans/app.

Happy Motoring.

Scott
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 04:57 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Uncle Larry
And probably all HD's are delivered from the factory with their base oil ...
harleys are delivered with hd360, with the exception of the screamin eagle bikes, they come from the factory with syn3 in them.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018 | 08:28 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Uncle Larry
Are you out of the Proving Grounds in Milford? My oldest son is a PIpe/Steam fitter that frequents the grounds ( been there for the last 18 months this time )
Not now. Took an early retirement package back in 2008. Worked in Bldg 42B.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2018 | 02:54 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Uncle Larry
Are you out of the Proving Grounds in Milford? My oldest son is a PIpe/Steam fitter that frequents the grounds ( been there for the last 18 months this time )
Originally Posted by Hammz
Not now. Took an early retirement package back in 2008. Worked in Bldg 42B.
Hey, y'all want to maybe get a hotel room? LOL
 
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