I hate to bring this up again , BUT??? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

2k2FXDL · 05-29-2003, 09:47 PM

Iv'e spent the last couple of days reading all the oil posts and threads from the past , and think I am going to switch to Amsoil in my 02 FXDL , then when I mentioned it to a couple of people I was told it will start leaking oil and you will have to upgrade to gaskets compatable with a synthetic oil. So is my Lowrider going to start leaking oil if I switch a synthetic oil?
Sorry Guys , Gene

Thealien · 05-29-2003, 09:54 PM

who told you that ?

pasadenajim · 05-29-2003, 11:18 PM

His dealer told him. It's gotta be true. (Unless you use H/D syn., of course.)

Now that we've whacked ya' a bit, remember, don't believe everything people tell ya'. Unless you read in on HDF.

Now, a serious answer to your question: no. It is possible that in an older bike you may experience some gasket leakage when you change over to syn. With a newer model, it's not likely at all. Don't worry about it. Change over to synthetic if that's your preference. And this from a guy who uses dino.

Gearhead99 · 05-30-2003, 07:22 AM

Use the synthetic. It won't cause a leak. It will just leak worse if you already have a leak. Remember it flows better then Dino oil.

But, the superior lubrication you get from the Amsoil isn't comparable to dino oil. And heat doesn't effect it as much.

2k2FXDL · 05-30-2003, 09:41 AM

Thanks guys, it didn't sound realalistic to me , but I thought i'd dare to ask

george douglas · 05-30-2003, 07:59 PM

When I bought my used 2001 road king it had a leak with HD dino oil. I put the synthetic in it and within 200 miles the leak quit. Now you really can't believe me though because I sell oil, but that's my story and I am sticking to it. I have been using and selling synthetic oil to the Harley market for over 20 years now and leaks have never been an issue any more of the time than harleys leaking any ones oil.

SIDEKICK · 05-31-2003, 08:05 AM

Chilly · 05-31-2003, 08:58 AM

Even if it did leak, wouldn't you want the additional protection anyhow? My bike leaks a little. Can't say whether it's any worse with Syn. But if I thought it would help my engine last longer I'd babtize it with a pint. Oil can be wiped away, metallic particles can't be repaired.

Chilly

UntamedSpirit · 05-31-2003, 02:30 PM

George, tell me how syn would help stop a leak.

george douglas · 05-31-2003, 10:17 PM

The additives and or the base stock of the synthetic oil that I use actually softens and revitalizes dried and aged seals. Also it can dislodge in some cases some carbon that might be sticking to a sealing or mating surface that had been causing a slight leak. There could be other reasons that helps in this area that I am not aware of, but I have seen this happen in many motors over the years. Every oil has an additive in it that makes seals swell a slight amount to make up for eventual wearing of the seals. Some oils are better at it than others.

bwh22 · 06-02-2003, 10:16 AM

from my experience with cars, different- but still an engine, synthetic usually "causes" more leaks. Synthetic oil is thinner and can "find" holes better. especially in an older engine is this the case. If your bike is new, I would think you should have no problems with synthetic. If you bike is well broken in, you could spring a new leak.