No More Sytec for me
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 5
From: Sunnyvale, Ca.
No More Sytec for me
No more synthetic oil for me....
After seeing my Cams worn out after 50k and changing my oil every 3k miles....I'm done.....I know the Cams were a problem in 2009 but engine and primary is SO MUCH More...QUIETER...
Rebuilt engine:
Using Harley 20 50 standard oil / Harley Primary / Red Line Shock Prof
I know the Red Line stuff is Syntec.... but my Tranny is Golden
Went for a ride Tracy Ca. 106deg. to repeat: the engine and primary is SO MUCH More...QUIETER...
I'll save $$ and still change my oil every 3k miles.. I'll report back in another 50K miles
After seeing my Cams worn out after 50k and changing my oil every 3k miles....I'm done.....I know the Cams were a problem in 2009 but engine and primary is SO MUCH More...QUIETER...
Rebuilt engine:
Using Harley 20 50 standard oil / Harley Primary / Red Line Shock Prof
I know the Red Line stuff is Syntec.... but my Tranny is Golden
Went for a ride Tracy Ca. 106deg. to repeat: the engine and primary is SO MUCH More...QUIETER...
I'll save $$ and still change my oil every 3k miles.. I'll report back in another 50K miles
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
Bummer. Changed to red line in all 3 holes after 1k. Can't help but wonder what else is going on here. Red line is top of the line product. What weight were you using? 5w-30?? Doesn't jive. Great oil. 3k changes. Bad cams at 50k. Naaahh. Something doesn't smell right.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
i've quit using synthetic as well. straight 50 weight for me in the summer and 20W/50 blend in the winter months. motor is much quieter, adjusted my changes to every 3K and no problems since. Cheaper as well. No noticable change in engine temp huge reduction in noise. Quit running chrome filters as well, went with HD black filter, cheaper and you can't see the filter anyway due to the hoses for the oil cooler, so why pay extra for chrome.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
There is something else goin on there. Never used Redline but use AMSOIL, Mobil 1 and Syn 3 for years. I have never seen any wear problems what so ever with any of them when changing cams or breakin cases apart. Sounds like there is some mechanical issue.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
i've quit using synthetic as well. straight 50 weight for me in the summer and 20W/50 blend in the winter months. motor is much quieter, adjusted my changes to every 3K and no problems since. Cheaper as well. No noticable change in engine temp huge reduction in noise. Quit running chrome filters as well, went with HD black filter, cheaper and you can't see the filter anyway due to the hoses for the oil cooler, so why pay extra for chrome.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
Yes, something else is up, I can't see it being the oil. My '05 is still steaming on at 85,000 and my '09 at 42,000 all on Syn3.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Like the lobes on the cams aren't the same lift or duration anymore from excessive friction or what? chunks of metal missing? Were the lifters still within spec? How did you determine that the cams were "worn out"?
