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  #31  
Old 11-09-2011, 01:14 PM
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Where does it say that gear oil is suitable as a replacement for the HD Formula + trans oil? That is all the owner's manual specifies and I can't seem to find the equivalent anywhere. If someone can point out what the specs of the Formula + oil are, I'd love to see it so I can make that decision. TIA
 
  #32  
Old 11-09-2011, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
Where does it say that gear oil is suitable as a replacement for the HD Formula + trans oil? That is all the owner's manual specifies and I can't seem to find the equivalent anywhere. If someone can point out what the specs of the Formula + oil are, I'd love to see it so I can make that decision. TIA
From what I can tell the Formula + is within the SAE 50W range... Anyone else?
 
  #33  
Old 11-09-2011, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by MADHOG
From what I can tell the Formula + is within the SAE 50W range... Anyone else?
I wish they would publish the spec
 
  #34  
Old 11-09-2011, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by aklim
I wish they would publish the spec
Here's what I found, can't vouch for the accuracy:


Application: recommended for heavy-duty service in manual transmissions where the manufacturer normally recommends either engine oils or GL-1 lubricants.
Specific Gravity: 0.857
Pounds per Gallon: 7.14
Viscosity, ASTM D 445,
cSt at 40°C: 168.04
cSt at 100°C: 20.10
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270: 139
Brookfield Viscosity, ASTM D 2983,
cP at -26°C - 28,800
cP at -40°C - n/m
Pour Point, ASTM D 97, °F (°C): -60 (-51)
Flash Point, ASTM D 92, °F (°C): 507 (264)
 
  #35  
Old 11-09-2011, 07:12 PM
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Back in the day, Harley would never recomend any synthetic fluids. But now that they sell Harley syn 3....................it's ok to put synthetics in a Harley
 

Last edited by Booey424; 11-09-2011 at 07:15 PM.
  #36  
Old 11-09-2011, 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Booey424
Back in the day, Harley would never recomend any synthetic fluids. But now that they sell Harley syn 3....................it's ok to put synthetics in a Harley
Par for the course. Why would you expect me to recommend a competitor's products?
 
  #37  
Old 11-10-2011, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Scuba10jdl
Very good post except for this part.

The 15W-50 automotive oil is NOT rated for wet clutches. It has friction modifiers in it that can mess with your clutch. Only use it in your engine sump. DO NOT put it in your transmission/primary.
Sorry, I too meant motorcycle oil..

As far as those that use automotive oil,, for the clutch if it does not say "energy conserving" around the API circle on the back it should be OK. If it says "energy conserving" it might cause clutch issues.

I personally use Mobil 1 V-twin motorcycle oil in both holes.
 

Last edited by hig4s; 11-10-2011 at 10:33 AM.
  #38  
Old 11-10-2011, 10:53 AM
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I would advise strongly AGAINST using the Mobil 1 gear oil in the Sportster transmission. I used it in my 2004 Sporty, and my wife's 2006. Had to replace the clutch in mine at 18k, and the clutch AND stator in hers at similar intervals. I think something in the Mobil 1 ate the brass rivets in the clutches and messed up the stator. No scientific proof, just my experience. Stick with Formula + is my advice.... (We both have Softails now, but I still use Formula + in the primaries and Spectro Platinum gear oil in the trannies)
 
  #39  
Old 11-10-2011, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Clayvis
I would advise strongly AGAINST using the Mobil 1 gear oil in the Sportster transmission. I used it in my 2004 Sporty, and my wife's 2006. Had to replace the clutch in mine at 18k, and the clutch AND stator in hers at similar intervals. I think something in the Mobil 1 ate the brass rivets in the clutches and messed up the stator. No scientific proof, just my experience. Stick with Formula + is my advice.... (We both have Softails now, but I still use Formula + in the primaries and Spectro Platinum gear oil in the trannies)
You're right on the money. The Mobile 1 Gear Oil is API GL-5 rated, using Extreme Pressure (EP) additives. Mobile themselves even state this is caustic to yellow metals (brass rivets, brass shifter forks, copper stator wiring).

If you don't want to use Formula+ in the primary on your Big Twin, you can always use the Mobile 1 4T 10W-40 Racing Oil (it's in the motorcycle category right next to the V-Twin).
 
  #40  
Old 11-10-2011, 03:06 PM
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the mobil v twin is safe for sportster primaries though, right?

ugh, I never should have opened this thread.... haha
 


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