Syn 3 or no?

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Mar 26, 2014 | 04:29 PM

#41

12hdrk

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 1,335

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From: CT

Ever wonder why Harley doesn't specify api requirements in the manual or label their oil with api certification?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Mar 26, 2014 | 04:41 PM

#42

Car Doc

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 789

Likes: 3

From: Kansas

There isn't much wrong with any combo you choose they all work fine. I did notice a positive difference in my trany when I switched it from 20-50 syn motor oil to 75-140 royal purple syn gear lube though. ymmv as always

Mar 26, 2014 | 04:51 PM

#43

qtrracer

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 6,532

Likes: 132

From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12hdrk

Ever wonder why Harley doesn't specify api requirements in the manual or label their oil with api certification?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

Then you would buy other oil rather than being brainwashed into HD products. HD isn't the only manufacturer doing this. GM with it's new Dexos licensing, Audi with their oils like, VW 501 01,502 00, 505 00,540 00 and 507 00.

GM is holding other oil companies hostage with a licensing fee for Dexos (Valvoline and Castrol for example won't pay the fee) , Audi rolls the cost of their oil into the cost of the car and gives you free oil changes during the warranty period.

Mar 26, 2014 | 05:17 PM

#44

texaswiz

Banned

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,036

Likes: 67

Quote:

Originally Posted by Votluna

While I frankly have reservations about Syn3 since it is a Citgo produced product (because of questions re engineering and the Venezulean source) if you have any type of warranty issue you want to have a HD product in the holes. This stuff about HD having to prove the lubrication is the cause of the warranty failure is nonsense. Once out of warranty I'll likely go with Mobil 1 V Twin in the engine and primary case and Spectro Six Speed Synthetic in the tranny.

Those young clowns who work in my dealers service bay can't find their own asses with both hands. I laugh when I try to think of them proving that I did not have Harley Davidson oil in the crankcase. Besides that they can't tell us what to run unless they provide it (at their cost). As long as you stay within specifications for the fluids it don't make a monkey's *** what you run.

Mar 26, 2014 | 05:28 PM

#45

Markk9

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 1,365

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From: Greensboro, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12hdrk

Ever wonder why Harley doesn't specify api requirements in the manual or label their oil with api certification?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus

In my manual page 162, it states CH-4, CI-4 and CJ-4.

Mar 26, 2014 | 06:02 PM

#46

Rlc1z

Novice

Joined: Apr 2013

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hausguy

As I stated a few posts ago, I use the 15/50 synthetic Mobil 1 and it's fine. The special motorcycle formula that so many people use is really for bikes that have "one hole" for all fluids because it is designed to work with the clutch too. Because our crank and clutch are separate, we don't need to worry about it. Of course many on this board will tell you that you should spend $12 a quart because it says V-Twin on the label and why would you want to use cheap oil on your $25,000 Harley.

Yep,but the Mobil1 15/50 from Walmart has no friction modifiers so you can use it with a wet clutch! Used it in my Yamaha for years. Rotella is also compatible but doesn't come in 50w. So you can use the 15/50 in all three holes.

Mar 26, 2014 | 06:23 PM

#47

qtrracer

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Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 6,532

Likes: 132

From: SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Markk9

In my manual page 162, it states CH-4, CI-4 and CJ-4.

No that is not a Harley oil certification, it is an emergency top off oil spec(plus try and find a oil meeting those specs with a 20/50 viscosity) then you are advised to have the oil changed at your earliest back to oil meeting HD specs. Pffft there aren't any, because HD doesn't give specs except to say their oil meets em. At least thats how my manual reads.