quietest running oil
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Still getting a lot of noise from the 60w? It appears to be a synthetic oil problem, even with the higher viscosity choices. There are discussions suggesting that multigrade oils especially in synthetics are contributing to valve train noises. I've gone to 50w (Valvoline VR1) dino oil and it's quieted the noise by at least 50%. If you look at the manual it indicates using 50 and 60 weight oils for temperatures over 60 and 80 degrees.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
Picked up my 99 EG standard from a indy dealer and it had dino oil in it, I changed it after 500 miles to M1 20/50 syn, it made a lot more noise, I just changed it this weekend to 50 grade Valvoline, is quieter now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 156
From: boston
So your saying if I run dino oil, the valve train will quiet down. The oil may break down due to the temps of theses motors. But if I run Syn oil, it can handle the temps, but the valves will be noisey. As long as the noise isn't causing damage, I can live with it nowing that the rest of the engine is being protected from an oil that can handle the temps.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I have some Amsoil 60 arriving tomorrow. I currently run Amsoil 20W50 and there is some noise, but it was there and more pronounced with dino oil. I'll never go back to dino oil, too many solid, valid, advantageous reasons to run synthetics IMHO.
I'll sign back in with an honest opinion on the straight 60W in a few days.
I'll sign back in with an honest opinion on the straight 60W in a few days.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I run synthetic in my S&S motor, because it is recommended by them, but normal oil in all my other vehicles. I don't see the benefit of using synthetics for the sake of it, unless the manufacturer recommends it.
Why do you use single grade oil, instead of multi-grade?
Why do you use single grade oil, instead of multi-grade?
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
So your saying if I run dino oil, the valve train will quiet down. The oil may break down due to the temps of theses motors. But if I run Syn oil, it can handle the temps, but the valves will be noisey. As long as the noise isn't causing damage, I can live with it nowing that the rest of the engine is being protected from an oil that can handle the temps.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
The consensus is that noise is significantly less with conventional oil. Using conventional oil is not only endorsed by owners manual, as long as it's routinely replaced will protect the motor just fine. I would prefer to use a synthetic oil, however the increased valve train noise is not favorable to me. Since I never go longer than 3k miles regardless, using a dino oil is fine. It's a personal choice, and that's the choice I make.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Muti-grades are only needed in mult-temperature environments. The Harley handbook allows single grade oils at higher temperatures.
I once read a report that showed the farther between the two grades, the faster the oil looses it higher grade weight. A single grade holds the higher grade the longest.
Beary
I once read a report that showed the farther between the two grades, the faster the oil looses it higher grade weight. A single grade holds the higher grade the longest.
Beary
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I just made a 4200 mile road trip from San Diego to the midwest using Amsoil SAE 60 and it was noticeably smoother and much less clatter. I've also been running Valvoline VR-1 50wt and that's quieter also. If you never see temps below 80* then 60wt is fine per the H-D manual. If you never seem temps below 60* then go with 50wt.
In winter I'll run 20W-50
In winter I'll run 20W-50