Good thread. Obviously, some people know something about this subject.

I have a simple question. Is it true that a synthetic oil can run at higher temperatures (over 250-300+ degrees) and still protect your engine whereas the Dino oil becomes too thin at those temps to actually protect the engine?

My brand new Harley was running at 290-300+ and I was freaking out because it had Dino in it. Did I worry needlessly?

Thanks.

 

That's amazing, and hard to believe. A good, water-cooled automotive engine is normally above 200 degrees. I would check that gauge/tool. I'm really curious.

 

Common sense says no. JASO certified oils though have a much lower volitility rating so will withstand the heat better though.

 

Did the same with an 07 FLHTC. Dip stick temp gauge showed a 15-20 degree drop, with the only change being a switch from regular HD oil to Syn3. Just one bike, one set of observations. Your experience may be different but that's what I saw.

 

My LED dipstick showed the same thing. There was a definite drop in oil temp, same outside temp, same road and same distance ridden, exactly the same.
Bike ran the same and sounded the same so I don,t think syn oil adds to performance in any way, just makes it less hot. That's a good thing when you are riding in 100 degree plus temps all day long cause these bikes run hot enough already.

 

It's just a standard analog temp gauge. As far as ambient temps go, mine runs much cooler than a buddy's sportster based on the fact his will roast my peanuts at a stop light while mine feels more like a warm blow.

In the winter, it runs almost too cool at 150. It's a big inch Ultima, so we may be comparing apples to unicorns. I doubt there can be that much of a difference though with the same general design and components.

 

Have been watching my oil level and temperature with the digital dip stick and noting the temps with two up versus riding alone especially with the hot weather for the last couple of weeks. My Fat Boy was running hot (IMO) between 240 and 260 on two up and even higher if a lot of in- town stop-go riding.

Yesterday, I took her to the stealership for an oil change and went with Synthetic.

Temp on the guage was 219 when I pulled her in the garage. I'll keep watching.

On another note, the typical "popping on decel" seemed less too, but maybe thats just my hearing going bad

 

This is an excerpt from my first post in this thread, which refers back to the Nightryder website. The test mentioned is for determining oil viscosity retention of various brands; the results speak for themselves.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/oiltest1.htm

 

Say what you want use Amsoil and got 10 degree's. Now so i'm clear i've been a racecar mech. for 20+ years, yes its cleaner, yes it reduces friction, disipates heat better, breaks down at much higher temps. All that translates to cooler engines, and i will add, engines using it are in way better shape at tear down!!! So tell me does it help, i say yes sir no doubt. We have used this Castrol "house" oil developed for F1 teams, UNFREAKIN BELIEVABLE stuff. But its so controlled it has to go back to them after use lol. Drop in temps, steadier pressure at all rpm's, less internal drag and a way better shear number. Teflon

 

Nice Man!! Cannot beat the Shoei in my book!! I miss my Deuce too by the way.