API Service SM/SL; Is It OK to Use?

[David C. Bloye]

I remember some time ago reading about not adding any oil newer than API SJ because of issues with silicone additives in wet clutches. Sound familiar to anyone? The problem is I can't find any of the old stuff anymore. Has any one had trouble with slipping clutches with the API SM/SL synthetic stuff?
Thanks for the input.

David Bloye
Grand Rapids, MI (go Blue)
2000 XLH1200 - black - "DARTH"
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is!

[c pierce]

The engine and tranie are seperate. It will work for engine not the tran.

[sportysrock]

I don't know anything about silicone in oils, but this link is to the AMSOIL MCV 20W-50 product page which contains a link to the Motorcycle Oils testing whitepaper which has some info in it.

AMSOIL MCV 20W-50 (http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mcv.aspx?zo=1267106)

I gotta run, happy hunting!

[SamC]

I love oil threads; they're like arguing religion. It's been decades since anyone's even heard of an oil-related failure, except for not having any; and nobody keeps their bikes long enough for serious wear to surface even if there was a problem (or leaves the oil in long enough for it to get dirty). Same with the urban legends about clutch slip, bearing skate, and leaks from synthetics; talk, no facts. I'm still waiting to hear about a real-life problem (not "I read on the internet...." fiction).

Dude, it's one of the toughest motors ever, and modern oils are so much better than the oils of 1950 that you can't go wrong. Amsoil's super whammy blowjob-in-every-bottle oil will probably work if you feel like you have to get rid of some excess money, as will the official HD gold-in-a-can oil, and probably anything else you can find on the shelves.

You'll get all kinds of advice and warnings; if you add them all up and look at it, it'll average out to "do whatever you want".

There, I just saved you hours of reading.

No, no; don't thank me.....

[c pierce]

SAMC you are what you eat :D

[SamC]

SAMC you are what you eat :D


I better stop drinking synthetics......:laugh