The nitty-gritty of SYN3

[Coolmaker]

I was using Harley Dino 20-50, wanted to lose some heat in the engine.
Went to Harley Syn 3, saw no noticeable difference (maybe 1-2 degrees).
Went to Amsoil 20-50, saw a 10-12 degree drop. Been using Amsoil in the engine since, and happy with it.

Started the bike on Harley Formula in the primary, and have kept it, so the clutch plates would not suffer from changing. Maybe no biggie.... Just me.

Installed a Baker DD6, they recommended the Redline shockproof. Put it in, after a few thousand, the transmission started shifting very sluggish, pulled the top cover and found that the Redline was drying on the shifter shafts and forks making a semi goo.... Cleaned it all out very good, put in Amsoil 75-140 Severe Gear oil. Transmission shifts perfect again and after several thousand miles still does. The Baker is just as quiet with the Amsoil as it was with the Redline.

After all this...
Amsoil 20-50 Syn in engine
Harley Formula in Primary
Amsoil 90-140 Severe Gear Syn in trans.

These are just things that I have personally experienced, I am an old Wrench. Been working on my bikes since 1959. I try different things and use what works best of me down here in the heat. This combination is working and well.

I am not trying to tell anyone what to use, just what, through trial and error, is working for me.

[jherford@alphah]

I've never heard anything like that about Redline. I've been running it since my last change, and just bought another quart for my next change. Maybe a mistake? ****, everytime I turn around it's something else. I know I am done with Chavez-Davidson Oil. I'm going to try the Amsoil in the Indian and see how it does.

Anybody got anything to say about running 20-50 Amsoil in a '46 flathead? I just broke it in with 30 wt. non detergent to seat the rings.

I've heard nothing but good about the Amsoil products. If it works in the Indian it'll be good for the Harley too. If you've got something bad to say get it out now before I start that motor.

J

[Pitch]

Syn3 is Bright Stock (Group 1) and PAO. No group 3 in it.

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I also run Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-140 in my Tranny. Great stuff!

[BlockHead96]

New guy here, so be gentle...

For now, Syn 3 in crank, then M1VT

HD 360 in Primary

Redline Heavy Shock in trans... It works!!!!

[lowrider13]

I use syn 3 all 3 holes and have no complaints. But will use amsoil 20/50 in engine and trans next change.

[lymph_node]

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php
No better oil forum, used oil analysis is interesting.
Amsoil 20/50 in all 3 holes here.

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by jherford@alphah

I've never heard anything like that about Redline. I've been running it since my last change, and just bought another quart for my next change. Maybe a mistake? ****, everytime I turn around it's something else. I know I am done with Chavez-Davidson Oil. I'm going to try the Amsoil in the Indian and see how it does.

Anybody got anything to say about running 20-50 Amsoil in a '46 flathead? I just broke it in with 30 wt. non detergent to seat the rings.

I've heard nothing but good about the Amsoil products. If it works in the Indian it'll be good for the Harley too. If you've got something bad to say get it out now before I start that motor.

J

Curious as to why you are breaking it in with a 30 weight oil? What is the proper viscosity for this vintage bike? Did you rebuild it to different specs?
george

[jherford@alphah]

This is a long story George, I hope I don't bore you with it.
Originally recommended by Charlie Mathre, who was employed by San Pierce and eventually bought American Indian from Sam some time before Sam passed away. This was a long time ago, and I don't remember exactly when, maybe 25 or 30 or so years. Anyway, I was there at his shop and had just put on a new top. He said; "run 40wt. non-detergent to break it in, it's all you need." Temperature there was in the 80's at least. (northern CA in August.) Before that I'd always run 50 wt. detergent, even on break in. That top was a good one and lasted longer than most, and I've been through a few. So up here in Washington where it's a lot cooler, I run it in the first 100 or so miles with 30wt. non detergent, and a low gear. Rings seat nice, and this one was no exception. Now, I've changed out to the 20-50 Amsoil and have about 400 mi. on it. The motor is running great, 100 lb.compression in each hole. Valve stem seals on the intake, hard seats, hard anodized valves, Bonneville cams and followers, cast rings, plateau hone, .004.5" piston to cyl. clearance. Kehein carb, and an oil filter. So it's a little different than a stocker, but not by much. It feels strong! You may already know this but the Indian runs relatively cool oil. You can run all day and still stick your finger in the oil tank and it definitely doesn't burn you, just feels warm. I believe this is because it doesn't circulate in the top, just the bottom. I never checked a Harley flathead oil for temp., do they run cooler too? So ever since that time in Ca. I've run my motors in with lighter oil. It seems to work. I've been told to never run a multi weight or synthetic in an Indian by some, and others say it's OK. This is my first time with a syn. I'm trying it to see for myself. I'm open to advice, if there's something I need to know!

John

[george douglas]

Originally Posted by jherford@alphah

This is a long story George, I hope I don't bore you with it.
Originally recommended by Charlie Mathre, who was employed by San Pierce and eventually bought American Indian from Sam some time before Sam passed away. This was a long time ago, and I don't remember exactly when, maybe 25 or 30 or so years. Anyway, I was there at his shop and had just put on a new top. He said; "run 40wt. non-detergent to break it in, it's all you need." Temperature there was in the 80's at least. (northern CA in August.) Before that I'd always run 50 wt. detergent, even on break in. That top was a good one and lasted longer than most, and I've been through a few. So up here in Washington where it's a lot cooler, I run it in the first 100 or so miles with 30wt. non detergent, and a low gear. Rings seat nice, and this one was no exception. Now, I've changed out to the 20-50 Amsoil and have about 400 mi. on it. The motor is running great, 100 lb.compression in each hole. Valve stem seals on the intake, hard seats, hard anodized valves, Bonneville cams and followers, cast rings, plateau hone, .004.5" piston to cyl. clearance. Kehein carb, and an oil filter. So it's a little different than a stocker, but not by much. It feels strong! You may already know this but the Indian runs relatively cool oil. You can run all day and still stick your finger in the oil tank and it definitely doesn't burn you, just feels warm. I believe this is because it doesn't circulate in the top, just the bottom. I never checked a Harley flathead oil for temp., do they run cooler too? So ever since that time in Ca. I've run my motors in with lighter oil. It seems to work. I've been told to never run a multi weight or synthetic in an Indian by some, and others say it's OK. This is my first time with a syn. I'm trying it to see for myself. I'm open to advice, if there's something I need to know!

John

John,
Thanks for sharing your story and I wouldn't change anything you are doing.
george