Changing oil Type
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 1
From: Goode, Va
Changing oil Type
I have a 03 FLHTI, and have using HD Synthetic oil in all three holes from the get go. I have seen in this forum Amsoil seems to be the favorite oil to use, my question is, is it alright to start using a different oil. I know some of you think this is a dumb question, but I have been told not to do this. Never had a problem with the HD oil, and I have a stock engine.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Won't hurt a thing. The only thing to consider is supply. If you don't have a reliable source for your oil, that's a big consideration. I use Mobile1 V-twin, because I can get it at 2 stores a mile away from me.
Waiting for the oil debate to start.....................AGAIN.
Waiting for the oil debate to start.....................AGAIN.
Last edited by shooter5074; Feb 21, 2012 at 03:36 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Won't hurt a thing. The only thing to consider is supply. If you don't have a reliable source for your oil, that's a big consideration. I use Mobile1 V-twin, because I can get it at 2 stores a mile away from me.
Waiting for the oil debate to start.....................AGAIN.
Waiting for the oil debate to start.....................AGAIN.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
I have a 03 FLHTI, and have using HD Synthetic oil in all three holes from the get go. I have seen in this forum Amsoil seems to be the favorite oil to use, my question is, is it alright to start using a different oil. I know some of you think this is a dumb question, but I have been told not to do this. Never had a problem with the HD oil, and I have a stock engine.
Oh Goody!
No oil threads in a while now we have two!
It's alright to switch oils, just not to mix them. Reason being you don't know if they are compatible. They could react badly, they could bond together and form a gel, either way not good, so drain it completely and make the switch.
Amsoil is a great choice but I wouldn't use it in the primary, the simple reason is; your clutch needs friction to work and Amsoil is very slippery and not the best choice in there.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 855
Likes: 6
From: Riverside, Ca.
I have a 03 FLHTI, and have using HD Synthetic oil in all three holes from the get go. I have seen in this forum Amsoil seems to be the favorite oil to use, my question is, is it alright to start using a different oil. I know some of you think this is a dumb question, but I have been told not to do this. Never had a problem with the HD oil, and I have a stock engine.
Trending Topics
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Yeah, like they say, if it ain't broke don't fix it because you might fix it until it's broke.
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
Oh Goody!
No oil threads in a while now we have two!
It's alright to switch oils, just not to mix them. Reason being you don't know if they are compatible. They could react badly, they could bond together and form a gel, either way not good, so drain it completely and make the switch.
Amsoil is a great choice but I wouldn't use it in the primary, the simple reason is; your clutch needs friction to work and Amsoil is very slippery and not the best choice in there.
No oil threads in a while now we have two!
It's alright to switch oils, just not to mix them. Reason being you don't know if they are compatible. They could react badly, they could bond together and form a gel, either way not good, so drain it completely and make the switch.
Amsoil is a great choice but I wouldn't use it in the primary, the simple reason is; your clutch needs friction to work and Amsoil is very slippery and not the best choice in there.
Now some synthetics contain molybdenum disulfide. It's a friction modifier and yes it makes oil more slippery however many conventional also contain it.
Now. I would agree you don't need a synthetic,expensive oil in the primary. Some guys use just plain old tranny fluid in it with no ill effects.Rotella 15w-40 carries the JASO spec and it's cost effective.
When are people gonna get it. Just because oil is synthetic doesn't make it more slippery.
Bearing skate ring a bell. A made up condition to push Harleys brand of oil.
And the gear oil idea in the tranny is a good idea. Baker makes a tranny of the same type as Harley does and they do not recommend motor oil in theirs. And all they do is transmissions. I am going to assume they know what they are talking about.
