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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through March 15, 2008 » Is it too late to change to syn 3 oil??? « Previous Next »

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Reducati
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi, i have a 96 s1, with 15 k on the clock, previous owner only used dyno oil...is it too late to start with synthetic?
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Bbbob
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 11:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I switched to Synthetic w/10K mi. (Redline) on my 99 X1. Paper gaskets started leaking like swiss cheese.
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Freeflyer
Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 11:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Not if you want to use a superior oil, why would it be too late? Causing leaks is a myth. It does not cause leaks but may show existing leaks earlier. Synthetic helps keep engine temps down and decrease wear.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 12:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Actually, changing fluid types can cause gaskets to start leaking as the seals are conditioned to one chemical makeup, and changing the chemicals can cause the seals to dry up, harden, or disintegrate.

There's no reason not to change...but make sure you have updated versions of rocker box gaskets, cam cover gasket and primary gaskets. The rest should survive OK; those are the worst offenders and have all been updated to metal-shim-foam gaskets, or embossed metal gaskets. Much better than the factory cardboard. Oh, and get some pushrod O-rings too...might as well replace them while the rockerboxes are off and you can pull the pushrods : )
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Sloppy
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 03:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

While the original synthetic formulations in the '70's (maybe even 60's) did have seal compatability issues there are no such conerns with the formulations of the last few decades. Don't forget that HD is fully supporting and recommending synthetic oil. Common practice is to run your vehicle on standard oil first prior to switching to synthetics so you are right in line with common practice. There will be no seal compatability issues.

Now, there were stories of synthetic oils having such better detergent properties that when used in neglected engines that it would clean out the sludge inside the engine - this sludge was blocking gasket leaks and hence gave the impression of leaks when switching to synthetics. But like I say - they're stories.

Go ahead and switch to synthetics - the sooner the better. And don't forget that synthetic oils allow for longer drain intervals and better gas mileage (maybe a percent or two)so it can be cheaper to run on synthetics than standard oils.

Let us know how it goes!
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Jos51700
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 08:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

" Paper gaskets started leaking like swiss cheese."

That wasn't due to synthetic oil....Those gaskets were updated for a reason.
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Scott_in_nh
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 09:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

" Paper gaskets started leaking like swiss cheese."

I switched at 5k and my paper gaskets didn't start to leak until about 10k. So it is more a matter of time/mileage than the oil used.
The paper gaskets started their countdown to destruction the day they were put
in....
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Reducati
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 05:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

thanks, next oil change will be syn 3 !
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Aesquire
Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 07:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I change my synth oil at about the same intervals. In my Buell. I run 5k between changes in my Minivan. It's not like a Cummings Diesel with 13 quarts. Cheap insurance to get the crud out. ( but, I'm crazy )

The #1 reason to run Synth, IMO, is that it does not coke up in the heads, a real issue with Buell's with their high compression air cooled engines.

Cleaner running, less friction, and a sense of superiority ( well deserved! ) are some other good reasons to switch. That & the real cool Amsoil gear toy they used to use to sell the stuff to mechanics.

(Message edited by aesquire on March 11, 2008)
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Buell78758
Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 01:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I run Mobil 1 synthetic oil for twin cyl. bikes, I get it from the BMW dealer. Works great, noticable improvment in smoothness. Highly recommended. BUT: I run HD brand syn. primary oil.
Christian
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