Rigid_EVO is synthetic oil really good for my early evo ?

[tara]

hey guys, it took me some time to decide to send this question, cos someone from IH forum told me once that synthetic was strongly prohibited for an IH engine. and that "When the IH was came out in 1957 synthetic oil was not around,in fact most oils were paraffin based (sludge city) by the time the EVO rolled out syn oils were mainstream and most engines were made to take advantage of that." "you should avoid the synthetic stuff in all pre evo motors because the rollers WILL skate and ruin your Ironhead". then i noticed that many parts in early evo engine are IH parts like the rods and many bearings.... so my question is : is synthetic really good for my engine ? it has many upgrades and go very hot quickly, weather is hot too. that s why i started to use synthetic mobil and it looks good, better viscosity even when very hot.
thanks for sharing
tara

[DIESEL]

I don't think it matters. If you want to spend them money, I don't think it will hurt.

Ask 100 people on the forum and it will break down similar to this:
1. Amsoil guys and Reps will tell you it is superior to all others.
2. Mobile 1 users will tell you it is superior to all others.
3. Some guys swear by H-D
4. Some guys swear by (insert brand here)

I think the important thing it to run what you like and change your fluids when appropriate. It is doubtful you are running your machine in such an extreme enviornment to even concern yourself with this. I wouldn't give it a second thought.

I bet others will disagree.

[Z71]

I sometime wonder when I see questions like this if people understand what synthetic lubes are.

Look up in the sky, every jet engine in the world is flying with synthetic oil in the engine and you think its not good enough for your H-D?


What are Synthetic Lubricants?

Synthetic lubricants are chemically engineered from pure chemicals rather than refined from crude oil. That gives them significant advantages over refined oils.

The base stocks from which synthetic lubricants are made contain no sulfur, nitrogen or other elements that invite the formation of sludge and other products of lubricant breakdown. Synthetic lubricants can be used in higher temperatures than refined lubricants without breaking down. Their resistance to breakdown also allows them to be used longer than refined lubricants can be used. Lubricated systems stay cleaner and last longer with synthetics.

The base stocks from which synthetic lubricants are made feature uniform and smooth molecular structures, which ensures low friction as lubricant layers slide across one another. Reduced friction increases energy through-put for greater fuel efficiency and power, and reduces heat and wear for longer equipment life. Molecular uniformity also helps synthetics resist thinning in heat and thickening in cold, which helps them protect better than refined oils over a system’s operating temperature range and helps ensure secure sealing.

Many different kinds of base stocks may be used to create synthetic lubricants, allowing a synthetic to be designed for virtually any application. Some base stocks are ideal for use in extremely cold environments, others are perfect for use in extreme heat. Some are extremely safe in applications in which refined lubricants pose a fire or explosion hazard. Refined oils simply do not offer the design flexibility synthetics offer. The designability of synthetics also allows them to be tailored very specifically to the needs of everyday applications, such as automotive engines, commercial equipment or industrial machinery. That specificity helps ensure long life and peak power, performance and fuel economy from the lubricated system, as well as long lubricant life.


Conventional oils – the oils most people are familiar with – are refined from crude oil. Refining is a process of physically separating light oil components from heavy ones. Crude oil contains a full range of different kinds of molecules. Many are similar in weight but not in structure. The refining process cannot distinguish such molecules, so a wide assortment of molecules is present in a finished lubricant made from crude oil stocks.

Some crude oil molecules are not beneficial to the lubrication process. For example, paraffin causes refined lubricants to thicken and flow poorly in cold temperatures. Molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen and other elements invite the formation of sludge and other products of lubricant breakdown, especially in high-temperature applications. Sludge and breakdown products significantly increase wear rates. The assorted molecules of refined lubricants also have different shapes, making lubricant surfaces irregular at the molecular level. As lubricant layers flow across one another during the lubrication process, these irregularities create friction, which consumes power, reduces efficiency and increases heat and wear.

Many oem's are requiring synthetic oil or synthetic blends in new vehicle. Toyota requires synthetic oil, Ford and GM synthetic blends and many others the same. Synthetic oils are the future.

[tara]

thanks, thanks for all those infos. i was already aware of the superior quality of the synthetic, but read my thread, it is not the question. the question is in fact : is it true that synthetic oils are not recommended for old harleys like the ironhead, shovel, pan, ..... ???

[Z71]

No, not as far as AMSOIL is concerned. Any engine can use synthetic EXCEPT Rotary engines.

Of course some old die hard's will always say you can't.

[DIESEL]

Synthetic isn't superior. It's just a different type. If you change your oil every 2500-3000 miles like most every other harley owner I know, you are pissing money away.

Z71 is an AMSOIL Guy.

Harley didn't promote synthetics until they had thier own.

do what you want. Yes, it will work in your bike. IS it worth the money and extra expense, no, but everyone's opinion will vary.

And, if you go to synth and want to switch back, you can, just change the oil like normal. Don't believe all the myths you see on the internet...especially those articles written by oil companies who make synthetic oils.

[Z71]

You bet I am an AMSOIL guy and have been since 1975 and been a dealer since 1978. I don't make a living selling AMSOIL, I do it for a hobby business.

I disagree with you, synthetic oils are superior. If they were not do you think every major oil company in the world would be making one.


After reading this blurb today, synthetic oils are going to be all over the place in the next 15 yrs. Mineral oils cannot meet the volatility demands and fuel efficiency needed for the newer engines. All 2011 GM vehicles require a minimum synthetic blend as do Fords. H-D will be there in the near future.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Fuel Economy Regs
According to Automotive News (subscription required), the Obama administration last week asked automakers to consider adopting an average fleet-wide fuel economy of 56.2 mpg by 2025. With widespread support from both political parties, the belief is that such rules will pass, something that could dramatically impact the way automobiles are manufactured, powered and serviced. Good thing we have 14 more years to prepare!

[shotgun46]

I am bad I use 20/50 car oil !

[asasial]

I run full synthetic 50w but that's only because i get it around $110 for 5 gallons. (5.50 or so a quart) hell it's hard to find any good oil for that price synthetic or not.

[DIESEL]

Originally Posted by Z71

I disagree with you, synthetic oils are superior. If they were not do you think every major oil company in the world would be making one.

I disagree with you about superiority. You're not going to change my mind, and I aint changin yours. now to the important question:

Why do the companies make them? To make money. They don't give a shit if your motor works, fails, etc... they are just like every other business in the world, in it to make money.

The feed us bullshit about the product to sell it for more money than the non synthetic stuff. Freaking genius if you ask me.

oh well. I am going to ride tomorrow in 110 degree heat, with my inferior oil. Betcha 100 bucks my bike doesn't overheat or explode.