Hello Everybody,
I'm another "oil nut" joining your community and just wanted to bounce an issue around with you.
My 2003 Harley FLHT is approaching first service time and I'd like to use Valvoline VR-1 racing 20w-50 or straight 50 (both dino), depending on season. Waitaminnit, before you
, let me explain.
I looked at the VOA's for the H-D "360" 20w-50 and the Valvoline VR-1 20w-50, and have concluded that...
1. They're very close on Zn and P. (good anti-wear)
2. Valvo's Ca is nearly double.
3. Valvoline is substantially less expensive.
4. Valvoline api rated SJ/CD/SH. Harley? dunno.
5. HD 360 can't even get close to the latest fleet oils. (I compared numerous VOA's here, too)
What I can't understand is if Harley wants a CF or better oil, why is their own stuff so laim? Even the new Syn-3 isn't that great either.
I would also like to compare the test minimums for both a CF and an SJ or SL oil, in those areas that pertain to gasoline engines. Although my bike occasionally behaves like a diesel, it really isn't.
Sooo, why the diesel oil spec?
I will admit to you cognoscenti that I like Harleys, but their marketing machine I do not . Although my bike will probably get some form of high quality synthetic in the future, I like the idea of researching and experementing a little.
Unless expert opinion indicates I shouldn't try this, I'll go this route and post the UOA's as they happen.
Thanks in Advance,
veepster
I'm another "oil nut" joining your community and just wanted to bounce an issue around with you.
My 2003 Harley FLHT is approaching first service time and I'd like to use Valvoline VR-1 racing 20w-50 or straight 50 (both dino), depending on season. Waitaminnit, before you
I looked at the VOA's for the H-D "360" 20w-50 and the Valvoline VR-1 20w-50, and have concluded that...
1. They're very close on Zn and P. (good anti-wear)
2. Valvo's Ca is nearly double.
3. Valvoline is substantially less expensive.
4. Valvoline api rated SJ/CD/SH. Harley? dunno.
5. HD 360 can't even get close to the latest fleet oils. (I compared numerous VOA's here, too)
What I can't understand is if Harley wants a CF or better oil, why is their own stuff so laim? Even the new Syn-3 isn't that great either.
I would also like to compare the test minimums for both a CF and an SJ or SL oil, in those areas that pertain to gasoline engines. Although my bike occasionally behaves like a diesel, it really isn't.
I will admit to you cognoscenti that I like Harleys, but their marketing machine I do not . Although my bike will probably get some form of high quality synthetic in the future, I like the idea of researching and experementing a little.
Unless expert opinion indicates I shouldn't try this, I'll go this route and post the UOA's as they happen.
Thanks in Advance,
veepster