synth oil leaks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
So switch back. I ran Dino oil for 68,000+ with very regular changes, and I switched this spring. I've done two changes since, and haven't had any leak, seeping, or weeping, and it's just been great. I guess different scoots react differently. Have you had the bike since new, and did you do regular changes all through it's life? I'm thinking there's a connection in keeping good clean oil in it, whether it's synthetic or Dino. Just one opinion.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
weeping around which gaskets? did you torque the derby cover screws, etc? new o rings for the drain plugs? any of these could be the issue rather than the switch to synthetic. it takes a little longer to make sure everything is clean, but you're not in a race, it's not jiffy lube. let us know exactly where it's leaking. hope you get it figured out.
Synthetic oil has been known to weep or seep as opposed to regular oil due to it's makeup. If it is bothering you switch back to regular, but also check the torque on your bolts. The base gaskets on evo's have been known to seep, weep and leak a bit.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Yep, my 02 RKC weeped after I switched as well. I switched in the summer of 07 when the bike had 17000 miles. Its not bad enough that it causes a drip or even attract dust or dirt. But it is a little unsightly around the gaskets. I think gaskets get hard with age and use.
Beary
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
Synthetic oil has a known history of seeping when switching over from Dino oil on High mileage engines. It is something about the esters and smaller molecular make up of the oil.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
I've seen "blended" mc oils, Bel Ray I know makes one. I wonder if that would be an alternative option in these situations, high mileage etc. I have never used them, but it may be an alternative.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 133
From: Epping, NH
I've "heard" that syn. oil tends to clean out most of the accumulated gunk that tends to seal those small leaks over the years. I wonder if switching back is an option not that the gunk is gone from the leaks?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Madison, Ms
a 50w oil has the same size molecule, just the synthetic is perfectly round and regular oil has un-uniform shaped molecule. The problem comes from when using the conventional oil the molecules of the irregular shapes pile up if you will and somewhat seals the gaskets. Most all synthetic oils have a much better aditive package with better detergents and cleans that pile up there's your leak.Most Japan bikes do not have a synthetic oil leak problem because of closer tolerences.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NortheastRider
Oil Archive (no new posts)
12
Jun 21, 2011 10:09 AM
Sgt York
Oil Archive (no new posts)
2
Sep 29, 2005 09:57 AM
Philly Stephan
Oil Archive (no new posts)
5
Jun 15, 2005 12:35 PM
