20w50 or straight 50w
"From my 2009 owners manual:
50w strait- 60 degrees F or above.
60w strait - 80 degrees F or above."
Just read my manual for ***** and giggles and saw this too. And you'd think the MoCo would be first to advise against mixing oils? I get the oil pump/cold weather start issue but I am also reducing the straight 50w cold weather viscosity index by having 2.5 qts of 15w-50 oil(synthetic at that) mixed in....
50w strait- 60 degrees F or above.
60w strait - 80 degrees F or above."
Just read my manual for ***** and giggles and saw this too. And you'd think the MoCo would be first to advise against mixing oils? I get the oil pump/cold weather start issue but I am also reducing the straight 50w cold weather viscosity index by having 2.5 qts of 15w-50 oil(synthetic at that) mixed in....
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Whenever an oil related question arises, I always go here for an answer: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/ There's a wealth of info here if you're willing to put forth a little effort to find it.
Last edited by Gearhead3; Jul 9, 2011 at 06:56 PM.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
The only thing you do with heavier oil is put more stress on your oil pump and components in your motor. If you use a good quality Synthetic, I believe 10W40 would do well in these v-twin engines. I use 15W50 myself.
Been working great so far! JMO
Been working great so far! JMO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...Jesus Christ on Toast!...just go by the owners manual...if you go by the posts on this topic you and your brother will wind up in the basement with 19 different oils mixing and matching...then you'll have to call the cops cause all the molecules will start fighting each other...just use 20-50 and you can sleep well at night...
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
"From my 2009 owners manual:
50w strait- 60 degrees F or above.
60w strait - 80 degrees F or above."
Just read my manual for ***** and giggles and saw this too. And you'd think the MoCo would be first to advise against mixing oils? I get the oil pump/cold weather start issue but I am also reducing the straight 50w cold weather viscosity index by having 2.5 qts of 15w-50 oil(synthetic at that) mixed in....
50w strait- 60 degrees F or above.
60w strait - 80 degrees F or above."
Just read my manual for ***** and giggles and saw this too. And you'd think the MoCo would be first to advise against mixing oils? I get the oil pump/cold weather start issue but I am also reducing the straight 50w cold weather viscosity index by having 2.5 qts of 15w-50 oil(synthetic at that) mixed in....
Seriouly ? I had no idea the MoCo had gone back to solid weight oil again . Bet it was related to dropping the oil bag lower than the pump so it will pick up better when cold . I know Evos don't like it blows base gaskets quick .
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,162
Likes: 1
From: Just South of Detroit, MI
Over 107,000 original miles on my 2001 Ultra. I've always run H-D 20W-50. In July and August when temps are up in Michigan I go 25% Lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer, 75% oil. I've had no issues with oil leaks or any oil related failures. I change my oil every 3,000 miles.
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Joe Kucinski
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
I have a 90 Evo Springer Softail and I ran straight 50w for the last 21 years with no problems. Bought a 97 Evo Roadking about five weeks ago and went by El Cajone Harley and talked to the head mechanic about ticking from the top end. He said run straight 50W. I just changed it again on my second oil change with Valvoline 50w. Definetly quieter. Also took the windshield off and didn't even here the ticking. So I put Valvoline 50w in the crankcase and some redline shockproof in the trans and Valvoline 20 50 all climate in the primary. Leaving San Diego Wed and riding it up to Boise/Meridian Idaho. Guess I subscribe to the original post and let it warm up good in the morning before I hit it.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I have a 90 Evo Springer Softail and I ran straight 50w for the last 21 years with no problems. Bought a 97 Evo Roadking about five weeks ago and went by El Cajone Harley and talked to the head mechanic about ticking from the top end. He said run straight 50W. I just changed it again on my second oil change with Valvoline 50w. Definetly quieter. Also took the windshield off and didn't even here the ticking. So I put Valvoline 50w in the crankcase and some redline shockproof in the trans and Valvoline 20 50 all climate in the primary. Leaving San Diego Wed and riding it up to Boise/Meridian Idaho. Guess I subscribe to the original post and let it warm up good in the morning before I hit it.