Ahhhh, a dreaded oil question :(
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 4
From: Victoria, Australia
I like Heavy Duty Engine Oil (HDEO) which has a dual spec. By that I mean it's oil suitable for light/medium duty diesel or gasoline engines.
Typically this type of oil will carry dual API ratings such as SJ(or other)/CI-4 or SL(or other)/CI-4 plus. The bonus is that oils with dual gasoline/diesel spec generally carry a better additive pack than straight gasoline oils.
If you've ever wondered why the HD Owners Manual that came with your ride suggests that if you need to top up on the road and you don't have HD360, select a diesel spec oil-- that's the reason.
My personal opinion is that the HD360 may actually be a dual spec diesel/gasoline oil to begin with.
Some think the heavier detergents in diesel oils are detrimental but I can confirm otherwise. Your oil after the first change may be 'dirtier' than usual but after a change or two the drained color will be normal again.
The most important thing is that the oil you use in the weight category for your weather conditions, and change frequently.
Typically this type of oil will carry dual API ratings such as SJ(or other)/CI-4 or SL(or other)/CI-4 plus. The bonus is that oils with dual gasoline/diesel spec generally carry a better additive pack than straight gasoline oils.
If you've ever wondered why the HD Owners Manual that came with your ride suggests that if you need to top up on the road and you don't have HD360, select a diesel spec oil-- that's the reason.
My personal opinion is that the HD360 may actually be a dual spec diesel/gasoline oil to begin with.
Some think the heavier detergents in diesel oils are detrimental but I can confirm otherwise. Your oil after the first change may be 'dirtier' than usual but after a change or two the drained color will be normal again.
The most important thing is that the oil you use in the weight category for your weather conditions, and change frequently.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Harleys have been running years before the syn oils came out. If you take care of your motor it will last changing oil and filters . Nothing has changed except oil companys marking different products. I can remember when Valoline 10-40w car oil had a change interval of 7500miles stated on the back of the bottle. This was way before people started talking syn oils. Now we change oil more often with less miles because thats what they say do, oil companys making big dollars
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
Thanks for all of the replies. I ended up buying Castrol 20W50, it was on sale at the parts store. I got a HD filter, and am going to change it tonight.
Maybe next time I will try the combo diesel/gasoline type. I didn't see that post until after I bought the Castrol.
Maybe next time I will try the combo diesel/gasoline type. I didn't see that post until after I bought the Castrol.
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jkiser
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Oct 12, 2015 08:09 AM
