Recent content by Jack Hester

In my '76 FLH, I replaced the OEM hydraulics with Velva-Touch, back in the early 80's. Vern Ott recommended 20W-50 for proper operation, so I moved from 60W synthetic to 20W-50 (both Amsoil). It had 20W-50 with every oil change right up until I totaled the bike in '04. The bike was my primary...

I typically run Amsoil 20W-50 in all my old machines. My habits have always been different from my peers, in that I pay attention to the hot operating pressure of my engines. I always do a warm-up of my engine, running at lower speeds (around 45 mph in high or drop it down a gear and run at 35...

A Royal Purple rep shipped me a case of their VTwin 20W-50 to use. I plan to give it a try in my '59 FLH, as I have been running Amsoil 20W-50 in it, since the early 80's. Amsoil has only in recent years offered their true air-cooled VTwin 20W-50, which I switched to as soon as it became...

Here in Roxboro, NC, the Wal-Mart has 20W-50 Mobil 1 on the shelf with the other lubes. No segregation from the other auto oils. States on the bottle that it's for air-cooled VTwins. I have seen it on occasion at other Wal-Marts, when we travel. I usually look at such, while the wife is shopping...

I've been using Amsoil since the early 80's. 20W-50 in all my vintage machines. I have it delivered to my shop. However, I wouldn't hesitate to use Mobil 1 VTwin oil. It can be found at almost any Wal-Mart. And, you can find Wal-Mart on any road trip. Jack

Not a leak. Lubrication from the primary chain. Put there on purpose, metered from the oil pump. Primary cover is actually open to the atmosphere in a couple of places, one of them being a drip hole for the chain lube. Jack

You must be aware of the bypass/relief valve pressure setting, when substituting automotive filters for MC filters. I've been using and recommending automotive filters for years as replacements for MC filters. But, on the vintage machines that I deal with, the bypass/relief valve setting must be...

I grew up wanting an Indian, because my Father spoke fondly of his 1928 45 Scout. When I got old enough to know that Indian was out of business, I tended towards the only other brand that he spoke of, Harley, because his riding buddy rode several big Flatheads and OHV's (Knuckles). I admired a...

I restore/rebuild antique H-D engines, and their first time running is on Amsoil 20W-50. What the customer uses afterwards is up to them. But, I can find no reason to use anything else. It's a lubricant. I want the slickest I can find for break-in. Parts burnish to a smooth fit, with the proper...

20W-50 in all my vintage bikes, since the early 80's. I do antique restorations, and these old machines have no problem moving this viscosity. Jack

Thanks for posting the video. Always liked to follow Harleys that came out of the racing heritage. Though this machine is way too new for me, I'm always interested in the engineering behind them. Jack

I don't believe that my comments bashed any brand at all. My comment was to level the playing field, as to technology. If you will read the comment that I quoted from, I think you'll find that the H-D's were the ones being bashed. My point was that all piston-powered engines are very old...

So, you're saying that your piston-powered machine is newer technology? Sorry. All piston-powered engines are older than 20's technology. We just have the advantage of modern methods of designing. And, I am curious as to your roll-on test from 6th gear at 65 mph. Your previous comments were so...

They will last for generations. Someone mentioned that it was all in how it is riden. Owner/rider maintenance and care is the real secret. Usually, if you ride a machine like you love it, you will be acutely aware of what goes on, and react to any abnormal changes in sound or feel. Those who...

I will express my opinion: For the price of a new Harley, you can restore a couple vintage American Iron bikes. My '76 FLH served me well on many cross-country trips, long and short. It's now totaled, and waiting it's turn. I have a '42 WLA and a '47 Indian Chief, along with a running '59 FLH...