Oil Change
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 597
Likes: 35
From: On the lake, Ohio
Mad Mikey: Do you know what the "existing stuff" engine oil is? dyno, semi synthetic blend or fully synthetic? Is it possible to ask former owner or builder what oil they used after the upgrades and how long they've been used? That's where I would start. If this information is unattainable I'd use a semi synthetic blend such as Bel-Ray or Spectro. I've never heard of an engine failure traced back to the oil used, yet.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: arkansas
I'm a newbie here with a '06 Electraglide ultra. Also an FAA aircraft/engine wrench. No offense to all the replies on this subject, but why isn't anyone addressing the API designations that I see in my owners manual? Harley says to use diesel recommended oils with API designations such as CF4. I know that MANY of the synthetics as well as the mineral oils are NOT CF4 designated. So, long story short: Do we ignore all this BS or put whatever oil we want into these engines?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I'm a newbie here with a '06 Electraglide ultra. Also an FAA aircraft/engine wrench. No offense to all the replies on this subject, but why isn't anyone addressing the API designations that I see in my owners manual? Harley says to use diesel recommended oils with API designations such as CF4. I know that MANY of the synthetics as well as the mineral oils are NOT CF4 designated. So, long story short: Do we ignore all this BS or put whatever oil we want into these engines?
This is why all the old timers here complain about the constant oil threads. Asking what brand of motor oil to use is like asking what kind of beer to drink. They may taste a little different, but they will all get you drunk. Use the search here on oil and you will have reading material for days.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,683
Likes: 3,977
From: Near Yosemite
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: North Florida
Mad Mikey: Do you know what the "existing stuff" engine oil is? dyno, semi synthetic blend or fully synthetic? Is it possible to ask former owner or builder what oil they used after the upgrades and how long they've been used? That's where I would start. If this information is unattainable I'd use a semi synthetic blend such as Bel-Ray or Spectro. I've never heard of an engine failure traced back to the oil used, yet.
Last edited by Mad Mikey; Dec 31, 2018 at 08:48 AM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 444
Likes: 77
From: Xenia OH
Yes, my thoughts exactly but if he doesn't know what oil was used previously and wants to use synthetic where dino was used leaks may surface. If it was mine with alot of miles, I'd probably try a good dino and change it every 2500miles.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: North Florida
Yea. I understand the frustration. And I was leary about posting this. However, after reviewing alot of the old "Oil" posts, I really didn't get my questions answered. And even though it is a recurring question, it's still better to ask if you can't find the answers you are looking for. Alot of people posted good info and I thank you all for that. It answered some of my questions and gave me something to think about. I've been a mechanic for a long time and I know the differences between oils. But as this is my first Harley I feel it's better to get advice from those who have the experience. The more information you have, the more informed your decision. That's how I feel about it anyway.