What oil to use?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 635
Likes: 29
From: Bakersfield, CA
>> Can I ask why you would change? Both oils are rated at 20 viscosity for winter usage.
It isn't about winter usage, or startups... it's about extra protection where you need it most, at the hot end of the spectrum. At full operating temp (~100C) Red Line 20w-60 has a viscosity rating of 23 vs. 18.6 for their 20w-50. That's essentialy a thicker oil film and more protection.
It isn't about winter usage, or startups... it's about extra protection where you need it most, at the hot end of the spectrum. At full operating temp (~100C) Red Line 20w-60 has a viscosity rating of 23 vs. 18.6 for their 20w-50. That's essentialy a thicker oil film and more protection.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
>> Can I ask why you would change? Both oils are rated at 20 viscosity for winter usage.
It isn't about winter usage, or startups... it's about extra protection where you need it most, at the hot end of the spectrum. At full operating temp (~100C) Red Line 20w-60 has a viscosity rating of 23 vs. 18.6 for their 20w-50. That's essentialy a thicker oil film and more protection.
It isn't about winter usage, or startups... it's about extra protection where you need it most, at the hot end of the spectrum. At full operating temp (~100C) Red Line 20w-60 has a viscosity rating of 23 vs. 18.6 for their 20w-50. That's essentialy a thicker oil film and more protection.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
So. I've begun testing engine oils. For break in on my 106 I used plain old pennzoil 20w-50. Just changed it out for the revered mobil 1 v-twin oil and I can honestly say my valvetrain sounds like a can of marbles bouncing around in there.
I have 300 kms on the oil and am seriously considering changing it out. Mobil 1.....hype and millions of advertising dollars. Junk. Pennzoil was much more quiet which tells me a thicker cushion of oil on the top end.
.
I have 300 kms on the oil and am seriously considering changing it out. Mobil 1.....hype and millions of advertising dollars. Junk. Pennzoil was much more quiet which tells me a thicker cushion of oil on the top end.
.
The characteristic of synthetic oil is that it’s slipperier than non-syn oil which is more efficient because it creates less friction between the moving engine parts. Less friction results in less heat and better gas mileage. The viscosities (cushion) of the two types of oils are the same, there is just less resistance between moving parts and is why the engine is noisier.
Still, there is nothing wrong with running plain old Pennzoil, your engine should run just as well and just as long as mine with a synthetic. I run synthetic because of the Oklahoma heat. But it really comes down to how much money one is willing to pay for feeling comfortable with their choice of oil.
Beary
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
any good quality oil. I ran HD dino until 5K & then went with Redline syn 20/50 engine,Redline ShoockProof in trans, & Redline Primary oil. I would suggest a gear lube instead of engine oil.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
You might want to take a look at this testing that was done.
Here is a link
https://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/G2156.pdf
Here is a link
https://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/G2156.pdf
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
You might want to take a look at this testing that was done.
Here is a link
https://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/G2156.pdf
Here is a link
https://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/G2156.pdf
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Well of course
Yes they published it, oil is a big controversy with all. I have tried a lot of different oils over the years. Myself I have had good results with the amsoil as also with mobil 1.
I would not say snake oil, actually first syn oil out there when everyone else knocked it, then they all jumped on the band wagon. Not a promoter but definatly a user of it.
But lots of choices out there.
Dont bash the guy just for posting some info. If you look at the info it was all done by a 3rd party. Several guys I know checked into it and said it was a legit test.
Anyway have a good one and ride safe.
I would not say snake oil, actually first syn oil out there when everyone else knocked it, then they all jumped on the band wagon. Not a promoter but definatly a user of it.
But lots of choices out there.
Dont bash the guy just for posting some info. If you look at the info it was all done by a 3rd party. Several guys I know checked into it and said it was a legit test.
Anyway have a good one and ride safe.