60 wt Synthetic?

[chevele72]

Anybody using 60wt in their twin cam? I'm getting ready to change the oil to Amsoil in my '09 FLHTP with a 103". It's got a little top end noise so I was just wondering, plus the temps here this year in Fl are hot! Also probably going to something thicker for the tranny to quiet it down some hopefully. Suggestions?
Thanks Jody

[Dave63]

Valvoline makes a 60wt, that you can get at most auto parts stores. It's not synthetic.

Redline makes a 60wt Synthetic, but it's $10 a qt.

In the trans, I run Redline Heavy Shock 75-140, Synthetic. I get it from JEGS.

[doc ock]

Depending on the winter temps, I might stick with 20W-50 unless you like to change oil. If you do run the 60wt for summer, then change it back to 20w-50 for the winter, don't spend money on synthetics, run something like the Vavoline racing oil. They make a 60wt and 20W50. I run 20W-50 all year here in the hot desert. 75-140 in the tranny. Amsoil of course but I change my oil once a year.

[rgrgoog]

I run the synthetic redline 20W-60 HD in mine. Made the "sewing machine" (I run Wood's 400-6 cams/.650 lift) a little bit quieter.

My buddy asks me why my bike makes all that noise. I told him it was growling at him.

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by chevele72

Anybody using 60wt in their twin cam? I'm getting ready to change the oil to Amsoil in my '09 FLHTP with a 103". It's got a little top end noise so I was just wondering, plus the temps here this year in Fl are hot! Also probably going to something thicker for the tranny to quiet it down some hopefully. Suggestions?
Thanks Jody

I have folks using our straight 60 weight racing oil in twin cams here in Florida year round with no issues caused from ambient temperatures plus I ran it for a year in my road king. Some have reported lower oil temps with it over the 20w 50. After a year of riding the oil still looks like it was just poured in. This oil was designed for high horse power race engines so it is way overkill for a HD motor, but I like overkill.
george

[spgtti]

Originally Posted by george douglas

I have folks using our straight 60 weight racing oil in twin cams here in Florida year round with no issues caused from ambient temperatures plus I ran it for a year in my road king. Some have reported lower oil temps with it over the 20w 50. After a year of riding the oil still looks like it was just poured in. This oil was designed for high horse power race engines so it is way overkill for a HD motor, but I like overkill.
george

I experienced a rise in oil temp. Same flat road,late afternoon,same altitude,temp,ect. I was running 50wt. valvoline. oil temp was 225 for an hour. Stopped at a rural auto zone, sucked 1 and a 1/2 quarts out of tank and replaced with same amount of 60wt. Fifteen minutes later oil temp was 230 plus. My only logic to this is the heavier oil was drawing more heat from the engine.What do you think George?

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by spgtti

I experienced a rise in oil temp. Same flat road,late afternoon,same altitude,temp,ect. I was running 50wt. valvoline. oil temp was 225 for an hour. Stopped at a rural auto zone, sucked 1 and a 1/2 quarts out of tank and replaced with same amount of 60wt. Fifteen minutes later oil temp was 230 plus. My only logic to this is the heavier oil was drawing more heat from the engine.What do you think George?

You really can't place any logical opinion on what you did with just taking some oil out and adding a thicker viscosity since you mixed the oils and may be brand type. Why would you not do a complete oil change? In a typical automotive motor thicker oil will always raise oil temp, but not in a HD motor with roller bearings.
george

[BigSwede]

I'll probably try the 60 wt AMSOIL next time I change my oil. Meant to do it this time, but was short on time and had plenty of the 20W50 in the garage.....

[chevele72]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I will probably just go 20/50 since it will take me into the winter. But I do want to try the 60wt.
Thanks Jody

[Ed Y]

I've been using Redline 20W60 during the hot months in south Mississippi for a # of years. No problems at all. Haven't noticed any increase in oil temps. I use it all the way into December, then generally change back to 20W50 until early June.

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by Ed Y

I've been using Redline 20W60 during the hot months in south Mississippi for a # of years. No problems at all. Haven't noticed any increase in oil temps. I use it all the way into December, then generally change back to 20W50 until early June.

Ed you could use the Amsoil straight 60 weight year round in your climate like I have several here in Florida doing. That way you don't need to worry about seasonal changes. Even RedLine should be good year round in your neck of the woods.
george

[Ed Y]

Originally Posted by george douglas

Ed you could use the Amsoil straight 60 weight year round in your climate like I have several here in Florida doing. That way you don't need to worry about seasonal changes. Even RedLine should be good year round in your neck of the woods.
george

I understand, George. Only problem is that I sometimes make trips much farther north than MS in some of the colder months.

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by Ed Y

I understand, George. Only problem is that I sometimes make trips much farther north than MS in some of the colder months.

Heck I thought you lost your passport and couldn't leave the state. Nice talking with you.
george

[chevele72]

FYI I changed the oil this weekend to 20/50 Amsoil, and it quieted the top end down more than the 20/50 dino oil. I use Amsoil in all the bikes, so I'm not suprised I guess, but I am happy! . FWIW Jody