Black Oil
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Black Oil
I've had my 01' FLHTCI for five years now. When I first got the bike it had
45,000 miles on it and was using 20/50 oil. After I had purchased the bike I
changed to HD syn 3 and changed the oil every 2 mos. to try to clean up
the oil a bit. After about 4 oil changes the oil was still going black!!!
So I changed to Moble 1 V Twin 20/50. After 4 times the oil was still going
black!!! I then went back to HD Syn 3 w/ Lucas oil stabilizer for syn oil it
was still going black. I then questioned a mech at my local HD Dealer and
was told to change more frequently. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE!!!
Please if anyone has had this problem to this solution give a shout to me,
because now I'm thinking that there is more to this problem then just oil change. Other then this problem the bike runs GREAT!!! I just think that
oil should be cleaner.
45,000 miles on it and was using 20/50 oil. After I had purchased the bike I
changed to HD syn 3 and changed the oil every 2 mos. to try to clean up
the oil a bit. After about 4 oil changes the oil was still going black!!!
So I changed to Moble 1 V Twin 20/50. After 4 times the oil was still going
black!!! I then went back to HD Syn 3 w/ Lucas oil stabilizer for syn oil it
was still going black. I then questioned a mech at my local HD Dealer and
was told to change more frequently. THIS IS GETTING EXPENSIVE!!!
Please if anyone has had this problem to this solution give a shout to me,
because now I'm thinking that there is more to this problem then just oil change. Other then this problem the bike runs GREAT!!! I just think that
oil should be cleaner.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham,AL
I bet if you put fresh oil and crank the bike up and let it idle for 15-20 mins the oil will be black. At least that is the way it is with mine. Just how it works.
Might try one of these.
http://www.roguechopper.com/index.htm
David
Might try one of these.
http://www.roguechopper.com/index.htm
David
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
Oil turning black is normal, all oil. You should take a little sample and send it to get tested to see if its breaking down before you change,watch for dillution. Until you do this I would not worry about it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
Oil getting black doesn't have much, if anything, to do with it's condition or cleanliness. Oil turning black is a sign that it is doing it's job of cleaning and trapping contamination created by the combustion process. Don't worry so much and ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
Yep Your Correct. Have'nt heard anyone say what You said for a long time, That the oil is doing it's job when it turns black. How true that is.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,682
Likes: 9,163
From: Snow Hill, NC
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Oil color, even black, isn't an indicator of its condition. In fact, the oil I use is black when new. Change it every 5k with the filter and you'll be fine, but if you are worried about it send a sample to a lab like Blackstone for analysis.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Black oil isn't a problem. If your trying to clean out carbon etc. Try adding some Sea Foam to your oil about 50-100 miles before your next change. It also is good to add some to a tank of gas occasionally.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 18
From:
Interesting, I agree oil color is not an indicator of durability etc. but I have yet to see my oil go black. I change it out usually around 4K, using 20-50w mobile one. Does it change color...usually much darker but still brown. Black....in a small motor such as this would have me suspicious. Possibly blow by.... just my 02's.
Cheers
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