| Author | Message | ||
     Hooliken |
What is the common (or not so common) consensus about running 20W50 Syn in the trans and primary? Seems to work well in my softail. Thanks Ken | ||
| Reepicheep |
It doesn't have some of the magic modifiers that the true tranny oil would have to make it survive longer, but it's still fairly good stuff. Especially if you just change it more often, it would probably be fine. I think the true tranny oil is now a 7500 or 10000 mile change interval. When non synthetic sport trans fluid was the only trans fluid available, I think the Harley 20w50 syn was the recommended transmission fluid. | ||
| Khollister |
Works fine - I have run Amsoil 20/50 as well as Formula+. The stuff to avoid is gear oil - there is some anecdotal evidence that the EP additives cause breakdown of the stator wiring. Also, do NOT use ATF - this is quite common in big twin primaries, but is not appropriate for the XL motor with the shared transmission/primary case. ATF is a crappy lubricant for gears. I would run gear oil in your Softail transmission, and either motor oil or ATF in the primary. The ATF seems to offer slightly better clutch performance (that is what it is formulated for since automatic transmissions have wet clutch packs in them). Many aftermarket big twin clutch OEM's recommend ATF. | ||
| Khollister |
Good catch on the friction modifiers - I forgot to mention that. However, I'm not convinced that Formula+ is all the magic, or synthetic, for that matter. I'm currently using it (had a gift card at the local HD dealer) and it certainly doesn't shift any better. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I use Bell Ray Gearsaver because that is what the Harley dealer puts in all their bikes. They don't have it out where you can see to buy it but all you have to do is ask for it and they have it. Omaha Harley that is. Great dealer. Do is Dillon Brothers in Omaha but I don't think they carry the Bell Ray. | ||
| Pragmatic |
"Also, do NOT use ATF - this is quite common in big twin primaries, but is not appropriate for the XL motor with the shared transmission/primary case. ATF is a crappy lubricant for gears." ATF does lubricate the gears in an AT, also its recommended for BW T5 and T56 transmissions (Mustang, Camaro, Viper). So why is it no good for a Harley transmission? Not trying to be smart just want to know. Thanks | ||
| Khollister |
Well, I was under the impression that ATF was unsuitable for the straightcut gears in Harley transmissions. I could be wrong, though. To be honest, I had completely forgotten about the T56 thing. I recall a long discussion about MTF, ATF and gear oil for different transmission gear types somewhere, but cannot recall where at the moment. When I get some time, I'll go searching. ATF always struck me a s pretty lightweight stuff that was more coolant & hydraulic fluid than heavy-duty lubricant. OK - as I am typing this I remembered part of the discussion. The reason many manufacturers went to recommending ATF in manual boxes was the tendency for the EP additives to erode the brass/bronze syncho cones faster. This is, in fact, the same issue behind the theory of GL-4/5 gear oil ruining stators in Sportsters/Buells. I think the problem is whether the Harley tranny's are engineered to use the thinner ATF. | ||
| Whitj |
Mobil 1 syn 15w50 in the tranny and engine. 14k & no issues. Shifts smoothly. | ||
| Thunderbox |
Use what Buell says is the oil for the Tranyprimary cavity. Why bother using anything but what they specify. They recommend or should I say the dealers recommend Syn3 because the Syn3 sells for more and is a higher profit item than the Formula+ is. You can see why they want you to buy it rather than what Buell says is the correct fluid. Don't frig with fate IMHO. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I thought the new trans had gotten away from straight cut gears? If for no other reason than to help with the drive by noise standards, especially in the EC. 'Course shifting quality is way up too, since I thought the previous generation trans was the worst shifting I have ever experience, based on a Sturgis test ride of a 2003 Buell. It still isn't great, but I did find altering my shift technique helped a lot (vs my Ducati or anything Japanese) | ||
| Ruff_ride |
Red Line SAE 75W90 API GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil Made in Cal and I figure keep the local economy going. Red Line high quality synthetic oil and the fully synthetic formula will help keep temps down. Shifting is better than the syn3. Just did my first oil change after break in service. I will use red line from here on out. |
