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Jan 9, 2019 | 10:21 AM

#11

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,897

From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOMMYV

What oil can I use in all 3 holes on a 2011 FLHTK.
I am in South Africa and HD oil is way to expensive and we don't have Amsoil and other US brands. So I am basically asking what viscosity would be best. Thanks

In over 40 years of owning Harleys I've never used the same oil in all three holes! On the other hand you will come across members who recommend some strange products which I personally would never use, so you are going to have to weave your way through umpteen 'snake oils' to get the answer you want.

When I was in South Africa a couple of years ago I saw plenty of Harleys. There must be a club or other Harley following out there you can get local advice from? Hang out at your local Harley dealer? As for oils, I live in the UK and peering across the internet can see several SA oil suppliers who should be able to supply suitable oils. I don't believe that you can't get local suitable oils. You need proper oil specs, not just viscosities. Here we can get some of the popular oil brands we see mentioned around HDF, so also check your local oil retailer websites.

Jan 9, 2019 | 11:25 AM

#12

Ddieselsmoke

Tourer

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 443

Likes: 75

From: Xenia OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybaylor

hmm, Rotella seems to work in Japanese bikes....and the transmission/clutch/engine/stator share the same oil..
maybe three holes is not a concern ?

shell Rotella is safe for clutches, you wouldn't have a problem in the clutch pack.The only thing that would concern me would be the lower viscosity using it in the engine and transmission . It gets really hot in South Africa.

Jan 9, 2019 | 01:39 PM

#13

usher96

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 106

Likes: 39

From: Vineland Ontario Canada

I honestly believe these Harley engines do not care what brand one uses as long as it is of good quality and proper viscosity. If it were me I would bite the bullet and use Harley Formula Plus in the transmission and primary and call it a day.
Mike

Jan 9, 2019 | 02:05 PM

#14

PPearl

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 378

Likes: 100

From: PA

shoot, it's too expensive here, too!

Jan 9, 2019 | 03:20 PM

#15

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,301

Likes: 6,325

From: Honah Lee

What is the price there for two quarts of formula + . For proper shifts and good clutch action while still lubricating that inner primary bearing, nothing is better in my test.
(I've tried ATF and differential fluids)

Jan 9, 2019 | 06:26 PM

#16

heybaylor

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 2,594

Likes: 178

From: east texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ddieselsmoke

don't know how hot it gets there, but Texas is a pretty hot summer, havnt had a oil failure yet. five bikes run on it
My truck "diesel" gets pretty hot pulling my trailer
make your own decision
best to you

Last edited by heybaylor; Jan 9, 2019 at 06:27 PM.

Jan 9, 2019 | 07:59 PM

#17

1LargeDog

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 687

Likes: 186

From: Jacksonville Fl

Mobil 1 20-50 in all three.

Jan 9, 2019 | 08:50 PM

#18

Ddieselsmoke

Tourer

Joined: May 2017

Posts: 443

Likes: 75

From: Xenia OH

Quote:

Originally Posted by heybaylor

I'm not knocking shell Rotella, I am a fan of it and used it in many engines. I'm just saying an engine designed to use 20w50 may not like 15w40 in extreme heat, but if you've been running it for quite a long time in Tx, then that's a good time test.
Gets hot in Tx too. I'm Originally from Athens Tx myself.