Found some cheap synthetic oil : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Snobal · 02-25-2007, 03:24 PM

Local dealer wants mega-bucks for a quart of Syn-3. I used Syn-3 last summer in the heat and when I changed the oil after about 4000 miles, the drain-plug magnet only had a fine gray film on it -- instead of the usual metal fragments.

I was impressed so I put Syn-3 in the bike for another 4,000 miles, and once again - no metal fragments -- just a fine gray film on the drain plug.

However, the engine made more noise with the Syn-3 than old HD 360, so I asked a friend (one of the two HD Techs that I have any faith in) about the noise. He said, "You know, Syn-3 is not really synthetic oil --it works but gets very thin when hot. If you want the engine to make less noise - go back to HD 360 -- it is thicker -- and see if it helps." So I used HD 360 for the next oil change and sure enought - the engine make less noise.

The last oil change I did, I got HD 360 again and when I changed the oil -- the metal fragments were back.

So after pondering all this a while, I decided to ignore the noise and go back to a synthetic oil.

Anyway, I wanted to see if I could find a synthetic oil that was not as pricey as Syn-3 and while looking, I found a local auto parts store that sells Amsoil 20/50 motorcycle oil at about $3 a quart less than Syn-3.

Anyone know if this cheap oil will work ok in a TC88 engine?

NHMongo · 02-25-2007, 03:34 PM

This is probably the most talked about topic on the forum. If you do a search and type Amsoil you will get enough reading to keep you busy for a couple of months. In the end it will boil down to. You like Amsoil, run Amsoil. You like dyno, run dyno, you got more money in your pocket that you want to be separated from, buy HD. In the end it matters more that you have oil in the bike and that you change it when you should.

BTW I run Amsoil and have for 40K and it works for me.

Peacekeeper · 02-25-2007, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snobal

Local dealer wants mega-bucks for a quart of Syn-3. I used Syn-3 last summer in the heat and when I changed the oil after about 4000 miles, the drain-plug magnet only had a fine gray film on it -- instead of the usual metal fragments.

I was impressed so I put Syn-3 in the bike for another 4,000 miles, and once again - no metal fragments -- just a fine gray film on the drain plug.

However, the engine made more noise with the Syn-3 than old HD 360, so I asked a friend (one of the two HD Techs that I have any faith in) about the noise. He said, "You know, Syn-3 is not really synthetic oil --it works but gets very thin when hot. If you want the engine to make less noise - go back to HD 360 -- it is thicker -- and see if it helps." So I used HD 360 for the next oil change and sure enought - the engine make less noise.

The last oil change I did, I got HD 360 again and when I changed the oil -- the metal fragments were back.

So after pondering all this a while, I decided to ignore the noise and go back to a synthetic oil.

Anyway, I wanted to see if I could find a synthetic oil that was not as pricey as Syn-3 and while looking, I found a local auto parts store that sells Amsoil 20/50 motorcycle oil at about $3 a quart less than Syn-3.

Anyone know if this cheap oil will work ok in a TC88 engine?

Your kidding right? This is the first time I have ever heard anybody reference the best oil in the world as "Cheap"

Run Amsoil and never look back, your motor will love you for it.

Snobal · 02-25-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peacekeeper

Your kidding right? This is the first time I have ever heard anybody reference the best oil in the world as "Cheap"

Run Amsoil and never look back, your motor will love you for it.

Of course I'm kidding. I was just so delighted to find Amsoil at a local auto parts store - I had to share it with someone.

Been wanting to try it for some time.

And --- compared to Syn-3 --- it really is cheap!

I can't wait to see the drain plug magnet after a few K miles with the Amsoil.

kballowe · 02-25-2007, 07:03 PM

My local dealer wants 10 bucks plus sales tax for a quart of Syn3 and five bucks for the "Genuine HD" stuff.

For that price, it should be in chrome bottles

Far 3ast · 02-26-2007, 02:20 AM

My dealer changed owners last summer, and they had Syn3 by the case for 50% off. They only had 2 cases left, so a friend and I got the last two cases @ less than $5 a quart. Hell of a deal.

Jeffytune · 02-26-2007, 02:43 AM

I think your local parts store has mispriced it, buy as much as you can afford before they figure out there goof.

As long as it is from a honest company and is Motorcycle oil, you will be just fine.

JET Bagger · 02-26-2007, 11:38 AM

I use Chevron DELO 400 heavy duty Diesel oil, 10.00 a gallon, I have ve been running this oil in my past 3 Harleys and never a problem. Its cheap so I change my oil every 1500-2000 miles, and changing your oil frequently is alot better for your engine than using any synthetic type oil, and going extra miles between oil changes.

Jeffytune · 02-26-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JET Bagger

I use Chevron DELO 400 heavy duty Diesel oil, 10.00 a gallon, I have ve been running this oil in my past 3 Harleys and never a problem. Its cheap so I change my oil every 1500-2000 miles, and changing your oil frequently is alot better for your engine than using any synthetic type oil, and going extra miles between oil changes.

Hi JB.

Wile I agree with your idea of oil changing as you do, I must point out that wile you are using a high grade oil, it is not a Motorcycle oil.
Motorcycle oils have different additive packages in them to help prevent thermal break down and friction modifiers to prevent wear.
I see you live in Road Island, so high temp riding is not a real issue for you, so in your area It will no doubt work OK, but If you are going to ride in high temps, it would be best to use a real Motorcycle rated oil.

I use the Valvoline 20/50 Motorcycle oil, I can usually find it on sale for 3.25 a quart, and I stock up on it.

pddred2005duece · 02-27-2007, 12:11 AM

I run red line 20w60w full synthetic,buy it local in Orlando,fla. 7.95 qt

257bob · 02-27-2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffytune

Hi JB.

Wile I agree with your idea of oil changing as you do, I must point out that wile you are using a high grade oil, it is not a Motorcycle oil.
Motorcycle oils have different additive packages in them to help prevent thermal break down and friction modifiers to prevent wear.
I see you live in Road Island, so high temp riding is not a real issue for you, so in your area It will no doubt work OK, but If you are going to ride in high temps, it would be best to use a real Motorcycle rated oil.

I use the Valvoline 20/50 Motorcycle oil, I can usually find it on sale for 3.25 a quart, and I stock up on it.

I sent samples of new Syn3 and Mobil 1 15w-50 to a lab for analysis. Slightly different additive package but essentially no difference. Waste your money if you want to.

george248 · 02-27-2007, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 257bob

I sent samples of new Syn3 and Mobil 1 15w-50 to a lab for analysis. Slightly different additive package but essentially no difference. Waste your money if you want to.

I agree... if you don't tell the bike it's not "motorcycle oil" it will never know

HDSG · 02-27-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JET Bagger

I use Chevron DELO 400 heavy duty Diesel oil, 10.00 a gallon, I have ve been running this oil in my past 3 Harleys and never a problem. Its cheap so I change my oil every 1500-2000 miles, and changing your oil frequently is alot better for your engine than using any synthetic type oil, and going extra miles between oil changes.

The statement that "it is better to change your oil more frequently than run a Synthetic oil with longer oil change intervals" is just not accurate. Your stating your opinion as fact and it has been proven false over and over on this Forum.
The benefits of Synthetic oil are greater than longer oil change intervals.
Oil samples have been taken and sent to oil labs that verify that you are wasting money to change your oil that often. If you were to send a sample of your Delo to the lab you would find that it breaks down quicker than some of the Syns such as Amsoil..........you should change the Delo more often.
Be careful stating your opinion as fact, we all have oipinions.

doc ock · 02-27-2007, 09:25 AM

It's no secret AMSOIL is cheaper than syn3. I get it shipped to my door for alot less than most syn's out there. Call George he will hook you up.

wildpig1ms · 02-27-2007, 01:58 PM

Synthetic oil is good especially if you want to leave it in all year (depending on the miles of course)...but...using a good "dino" oil, especially a universal type oil that has lots of anti wear additives and is shear stable and changing it often should provide just about equal protection. Don't forget those guys who put over 400K on their Harleys using Harley dino oil and changing it every 2500 miles...plus I've read excellent UOA reports from someone using regular Havoline too ! A lot has to do with your bike and how it's ridden...if it's running on the rich side or in less than optimum conditions then frequent changes is a good thing even with synthetic oil - but more expensive.

For me, it's a toss up...either run Amsoil for the year keeping it topped off or run a proven dino oil and change it every 2500 miles...I think my bike will be happy with either one in my case and the cost runs about the same.