Has anybody that's been running HD Syn 3, Amsoil, or Mobil 1 V-Twin in their transmission had a used oil analysis performed? Wondering how quickly/ far down they are shearing, especially since hearing numerous reports of early transmission problems after switching from gear oil to the engine oil.
Motor Oil vs Gear Oil
- Thread starter pococj
- Start date
- Status
I presume you are talking Harley Davidson with separated engine and transmission sumps. Pre 06' Harleys have straight cut gears. Harley's Sport Trans was basicly a 10W-40 motor oil with some EP additive, not far from a HDEO. It got by. SYN 3, Amsoil and Mobil 1 all have the EP additives and should have withstood the shearing of the straight cut gears with a reasonable OCI. With the new helical cut transmissions, a GL-4/GL-5 gear lube would probably be in order. I doubt you will see motor oils specified for the new transmissions.
When the HD Syn 3 first came out, some of my buddies thought it would be a great idea to use 1 oil for all 3 holes. They soon learned that Syn 3 didn't work very well in the transmission. Harsh shifting, notchy shifting and lots of gear noise were just some of the problems. I think that there was a TSB about not using Syn 3 in HD transmissions. Most of my HD friends use Redline Shock proof heavy in the trans. and Redline MTL in the primary. Engine oil is a whole other ballgame. Some use Syn 3, some use Redline 20w50 and others use any 20w50 thats locally available. The one thing that most have in common is that the oil gets changed often.
HD is specifying the Syn 3 20w-50 in engine, primary, & transmission. It even comes as the initial fill in all three holes in the SE 103 bikes.
I havent had an analysis done, but my shifting got better in my Buell when using M1 synthetic gear lube. It improved again when I ran straight M1 red cap. YMMV.
I've seen primaries where the Redline shockproof was used and there is a nasty greenish sludge that collects on the clutch surfaces and inside the cases. Supposedly, it's not very good and takes a while to rinse out.
I've never used it, so I dont know. But, I've seen the 'sludge' and it cant be good.
KellyL
I didn't say to use Shock proof in the primary. Redline MTL should be used in the primary. If the service interval of 5k is used, sludge should not be a problem.
I didn't say to use Shock proof in the primary. Redline MTL should be used in the primary. If the service interval of 5k is used, sludge should not be a problem.
If I may add that the new MCV 20W50 V Twin oil from AMSOIL is GL1 rated for transmission and primary use.
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mcv.aspx
http://www.amsoil.com/products/streetbikes/oil_chart.aspx
FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182)
AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)
FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182)
Motul 300V 15W-50
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mcv.aspx
http://www.amsoil.com/products/streetbikes/oil_chart.aspx
FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182)
AMSOIL 20W-50 (MCV)
FZG Gear Test (ASTM D-5182)
Motul 300V 15W-50
The primary and trans are the same on the XL/XB motors...
Kelly, the goop in found in the primary/transmission case in likely clutch fiber. Red Line has a high ester content and might actually be cleaning burnt oil off the plates during the first couple of changes. The new Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15W50 may even work better than the regular Mobil 1 15W50 since it has a beefier additive package.
- Status