Twin Cam Motors Twin Cam 1998 thru 2017

Is it Absolutely necessary to run Synthetic..

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  #31  
Old 11-05-2022, 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by orbit
From Bob is the Oil Guy...

https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-104/

I'm running Schaeffer's 707 V-Twin 20W50 in my Twin Cam.

Top end was freshened a year ago.

Engine builder said to break it in with VR1, which I did, and that if I wanted to run synthetic, fine, but put at least 2K miles on the motor before doing so.

Did that as well.

He recommended running shortened oil change intervals no matter which type of oil I decided to use.

Oil is cheap.

New motors ain't...

As far as I can tell, oil temps have dropped slightly.

YRMV.
Funny thing is I was out for a short 10 mile run yesterday. Ambien temps were 71*.. never went over 226* engine temp but the most noticable was how quiet the valvetrain was.. I'm going to try and get out today to back up what I heard and saw yesterday evening..

My normal operating temps are from 237-258 cruising on an 85* day..
 

Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; 11-05-2022 at 08:38 AM.
  #32  
Old 11-05-2022, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by 98hotrodfatboy
Funny thing is I was out for a short 10 mile run yesterday. Ambien temps were 71*.. never went over 226* engine temp but the most noticable was how quiet the valvetrain was.. I'm going to try and get out today to back up what I heard and saw yesterday evening..

My normal operating temps are from 237-258 cruising on an 85* day..
Yeah, my valve train is slightly noisier since the switch to synthetic.

Oil temps maybe dropped 10° overall.

Yesterday was a 65-ish day, got in 80 miles, gauge was right at 200, no stop and go, open country running.

She'll run a little warmer than that on warmer days.

 
  #33  
Old 11-05-2022, 10:00 AM
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I'm sure there is data ( even personal experiences ) where a reduction in temperature has been seen using synthetic ... I would have to wonder is a "few degrees" would have a impact ( significant or minimal ) on the operation or longevity ... I've been turning wrenches for many many years ( now sit behind the steering wheel of Da Bus ) but I can honestly say that I've never encountered a failure of an engine due to the brand / type of recommended oil being used .... If your primary goal is reduce temperature synthetic may be the way to go ... I'm sure "Hot Rod" will keep us posted ... Good Luck :>)
 
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  #34  
Old 11-05-2022, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 98hotrodfatboy

Is it Absolutely necessary to run Synthetic.

.
no


as far a temps, I've tried both syn and dino.since getting a temp dipstick.
Haven't noticed any real oil temp differences.
My non-interstate rides (town 'n country roads) have temps around 200-210
Interstate at 70mph runs it up around 230
(TC88 5sp trans)






..L.T.A.
 
  #35  
Old 11-05-2022, 10:21 AM
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I don't know about TC engines but what I do know is older engines not designed for it (looser tolerance) have issues with leaks. Modern close tolerance engines do better. Iv e heard harley guys who put on little mileage bragging about "running" synthetic IMO its not worth it if you don't put the mileage on the bike. Or if its an older engine not designed for it.A good test would be how does the cam chain tensioners hold up on a Twinkie with synthetic?
 
  #36  
Old 11-05-2022, 11:56 AM
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Just a little humor for 98HRFB.

I have run both fossil and syn; I have run one after running the other, I have mixed them on occasion when necessary so obviously I say NO to the original question. I always break in on fossil, Shell Rotella 15W40 and now run fossil all the time since I don't roll up the miles like I used to. In my high mileage years, living in south Texas where summer temps an easily hit 105* plus before noon, I ran synthetic Redline 20W60. Not sure if it reduced temps or not but I bought into that possibility from what I read.
 

Last edited by djl; 11-05-2022 at 12:08 PM.
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  #37  
Old 11-05-2022, 12:13 PM
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So I took a nice 40 mi run and the last 10 were in the RPM range from 3000 to 4500 doing the twisties and hot doggin it 70 to 120 mph.. Temperature got up to 251°, that was it which I'm happy with so, I guess there is no real difference if any of in temperature range between the two different oils but I definitely will say this and this is a fact, the motor is a lot quieter and also the vibrations at speed between 2500-3500 seem to be less.. I'm not making this up these are what I noticed... I will update long term usage.. this is all based on ambient temps of 68*..
 
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  #38  
Old 11-05-2022, 12:23 PM
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Yeah djl.... This **** again..... Lol...
 
  #39  
Old 11-05-2022, 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 98hotrodfatboy
Yeah djl.... This **** again..... Lol...
Nothing like a good oil thread and thanks for the "test" and thoughts.
 

Last edited by djl; 11-05-2022 at 07:16 PM.
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  #40  
Old 11-05-2022, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by djl
Nothing like a good oil thread and thanks for the "test" and thoughts.
No problem...
HOWEVER.... My problem is I'm never satisfied..I think it can always be better.. lol... 😂
 


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