Torco VS Synthetic (Cooler Engine Temps) : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

rdking2005 · 08-12-2008, 08:02 AM

Can someone explain in simple terms why there is a claim that Torco runs cooler than Synthetics? Especially in large motors? I would like to understand that concept only. To me it makes NO SENSE???

1711tab · 08-12-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdking2005

Can someone explain in simple terms why there is a claim that Torco runs cooler than Synthetics? Especially in large motors? I would like to understand that concept only. To me it makes NO SENSE???

According to R&R CYCLES (Reggie Sr.) Torco blends in additives which reduce foaming and aeration, that in turns reduces heat...

rdking2005 · 08-12-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1711tab

According to R&R CYCLES (Reggie Sr.) Torco blends in additives which reduce foaming and aeration, that in turns reduces heat...

I understand the aeration and foaming issue. What doesn't make sense is the cooler operating temps? I've got buddies running race engines in cars (SCCA) etc, and they run cooler on Synthetic? I just want to understand based on facts. I have no doubt that Torco is great oil... Just want to understand the heat issue better.

mikevr007 · 08-12-2008, 04:23 PM

Not all synthetics are created equal. You may want to be more specific.

03GLIDE_ · 08-12-2008, 11:21 PM

About a month ago I was out looking for some oil. I have been running redline 20/60. It was Sunday and nobody was open. I like the redline but I was overdue for an oil change and Monday was coming up quick. I ride everyday and would not have another chance to do an oil change for at least a week. At a local auto parts store I found Valvoline 60 wt racing oil and figured I would give it a try. I ride one way to work 17 miles everyday. My bike always reaches 200* right about half way home everyday. After the change to the 60 wt it was at 190* when I got all the way home. It never even reached 200* Now keep in mind I have over 65,000 miles on this bike and know it's every little querk. The 60 wt dino oil did in fact lower my oil temps.
I was paying $10 a qt for the redline as I like the best oil I can find. The Valvoline racing was a wopping $3.89 a qt. and has the additives for high temps per their web site. Now don't get me wrong Im not dissing the Torco as it is great oil that I used to run until I couldn't find it anymore. As is redline and Mobil1.

schmeg · 08-16-2008, 11:01 PM

I'm running VR-1 50W this summer and haven't looked back. Quiet and cool.

george douglas · 08-17-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04GLIDE

About a month ago I was out looking for some oil. I have been running redline 20/60. It was Sunday and nobody was open. I like the redline but I was overdue for an oil change and Monday was coming up quick. I ride everyday and would not have another chance to do an oil change for at least a week. At a local auto parts store I found Valvoline 60 wt racing oil and figured I would give it a try. I ride one way to work 17 miles everyday. My bike always reaches 200* right about half way home everyday. After the change to the 60 wt it was at 190* when I got all the way home. It never even reached 200* Now keep in mind I have over 65,000 miles on this bike and know it's every little querk. The 60 wt dino oil did in fact lower my oil temps.
I was paying $10 a qt for the redline as I like the best oil I can find. The Valvoline racing was a wopping $3.89 a qt. and has the additives for high temps per their web site. Now don't get me wrong Im not dissing the Torco as it is great oil that I used to run until I couldn't find it anymore. As is redline and Mobil1.

Not trying to defend Redline, but you need to see if this temperature holds true for the same mileage that was on the Redline when you changed it out. To many varibles to get hyped up on changes after an oil change. The used oil may have fuel dilution issues or had sheared back to a thinner oil. Your cylinder head temperatures could be running higher temps due to leaner mixtures based on the new gas you just put in it. Like I said too many varibles, but if this stays consistant over the next couple of thousand of miles then you may have something. Keep in mind that you also replaced the multi grade 20w 60 with a straight 60 weight racing oil. Not totally an apples to apples comparison.
george

03GLIDE_ · 08-17-2008, 02:36 PM

All good points George. I couldn't agree with you more. Time will tell.

Colonel Sanders · 08-19-2008, 10:29 AM

"I understand the aeration and foaming issue. What doesn't make sense is the cooler operating temps?"

Lemme take a swing at this. I'm no fluid engineer but I can imagine that the oil could allow more heat to be generated due to increased friction and/or retain more heat when filled with millions of tiny bubbles. Kinda like how coolant losses it's a ability to cool once it reaches a boiling point. This is half the reason that we don't use straight water in the radiator. So, it stands to reason that the oil may lose it's ability to transfer heat efficiently when filled with those millions of tiny bubbles. Instead it would tend to retain the heat....much like how coolant quickly becomes much hotter immediately upon reaching the boiling point.

We're hung up on recognizing the anti-friction properties of synthetic oil and failing to recognize that there are other (greater?) factors to consider.

-Colonel "Slayer of Group Think" Sanders

DaFrankster · 04-13-2009, 12:24 AM

Bump....

: )

DaFrankster · 05-02-2009, 01:59 PM

Well......so far my bike runs cooler (and quieter) than it did on Amsoil 20-50 Synthetic.

The motor is simply not quite as noisy as it was with the Amsoil...as well as most of the air-bubbles have disappeard in the oil-tank (I have a "bore-light" and used it to really see the difference....looked in the tank with the 20-50 Amsoil Synthetic......then looked in the tank after a hard ride with the straight 50...not even close....way more bubbles with the Synthetic)

There have been a few more posts on this topic, thought I would share my real-world experience regarding the "Torco-Straight-50" oil.

I'm sold.....!