syn in a 94 evo? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

JustDave71 · 10-25-2009, 10:48 PM

my head is SPINNING right now trying to figure out oil

was using castrol 20/50 and a filter I got at the local indy

heard syn was better for old motors
heard syn was worse for old motors

blah blah blah opinions are like you know what and everyone's got a nose and...

seriously confused.

I was at wal-mart and almost got some Rotella 15/40 and wal-mart brand filter because I read that they work pretty damn good, but I wanted chrome so I didn't buy it.

someone feel free to simply say "do this and this and you'll be fine" because I've overthunk this into a whirlwind. Ever done that?

and yes, I know

DR_DEUCE · 10-25-2009, 11:04 PM

HI...Also from So Cal, also tried SYN in a 94 evo.
Works good, but the pressure gauge was reading very close to zero.....no lifter noises.
Switched back to dino 20/50, pressure came right back up.
While running Syn 20/50 my motor was always 90 degrees cooler than my buddies SE110.

JustDave71 · 10-25-2009, 11:07 PM

I don't have an oil pressure gauge

just an oil-temp dipstick

even on the hottest days this summer I never got over about 240 with the castrol 20/50. Hell maybe that stuff works just fine.

my motor is VERY noisy though. In fact...I should probably have a shop look at it. lifters, valves, pushrods? dunno.

did you notice any more leaks than normal on your bike?

Waffen · 10-25-2009, 11:42 PM

I've been running Mobil 1 syn for years in my 89 flstc with no problems.

W

JustDave71 · 10-25-2009, 11:45 PM

did you notice any improvement re engine noise, etc?

what sort of fluid change intervals do you stick to?

I guess once a year would be legit for me as I probably do about 8k a year

Waffen · 10-25-2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDave71

did you notice any improvement re engine noise, etc?

what sort of fluid change intervals do you stick to?

I guess once a year would be legit for me as I probably do about 8k a year

Slight improvement in noise level, although the scoot (engine) has never been very loud.

I change the oil, filter and primary at 3000 +/- a few and trans at 10000, which may be overkill but it's worked for me.

W

JustDave71 · 10-26-2009, 12:13 AM

thanks man

I'm actually gonna try the rotella 15W40 for now. Might have to change the oil for storage in a couple months, maybe I'll go syn then.

the wal mart supertech filter gets high ratings, too!

DR_DEUCE · 10-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Dave, the dino oil will reduce the engine noise a bit. Again...I have close to zero pressure with syn 20/50.
I use Amsoil syn 20/50 in both of my twin cams, but stick with dino 20/50 in the evo.

nightrob · 10-26-2009, 11:52 AM

I run the Valvoline VR1 sae 50 oil in mine, it has extra zddp. I usually dont get into this oil hype but it really has quieted down the top end. Also when I watch the oil guage in traffic it holds pressure, where the multi grades would drop close to zero

JustDave71 · 10-26-2009, 02:17 PM

what is this about losing oil pressure?

DR_DEUCE · 10-26-2009, 02:30 PM

I guess its a molecular thing... but put in simple terms....flows better= less restriction=less pressure. Had I not had an oil pressure gauge on it, I'd have never realized that it reduced the pressure that much. As stated, there was no signs of the reduced pressure except the gauge.....no lifter noises, no increased engine noise.

JustDave71 · 10-26-2009, 02:44 PM

interesting. seems like it'd be protecting still, but...yeah that'd sketch me out.

maybe use a heavier syn if using syn?

DR_DEUCE · 10-26-2009, 08:26 PM

Bring it over, we can drain my old oil into your bike....where in SO Cal are you?

JustDave71 · 10-26-2009, 11:53 PM

I'm in Fullerton, a bit far. got it handled today, didn't go with synthetic.

Fartnokker · 10-27-2009, 01:23 AM

Run synth in my 88 Evo, and have since I got 'er. Run it in my 2001 Dodge Durango, and in anything else I give a crap about that uses oil.

I'm pretty sure there is no problem with it, if you ever want to try it. Less friction = less wear = longer life, and synth doesn't break down the way dino oil does, so you get longer service intervals as well. This is the first time I've heard of losing oil pressure as a result of switching to synth oil, but I can't argue with what the man's gauge says. I just know in my case that I run it in all 3 holes, and there will be people that'll tell you that it is good, bad, and indifferent.

FWIW, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, and most other high-performance automakers recommend synthetic oil now. The science behind the lubricating properties is undeniable. I've been using synth oil in all vehicles for years now, and never had an issue. Quite the contrary, actually.

Of course it could cause the special H-D piston rings to disintegrate and eat through all your engine gaskets, causing catastrophic failure at the worst possible moment. I wouldn't bet on it, tho!