O/T: What SAE oil are you old Harley guys running?

[mytlo56]

Just picked up a Pan w/ **gulp** 6600 original miles on it (pic.'s to come).

The previous owner of many years said he originally ran 70wt., but had to switch to 60wt. because 70 just wasn't available anymore.

Well, I found a place that does 70 still http://www.maximausa.com/products/4stroke/maxum4classic.asp and I'm wondering if that's the way I should go?

[yorgatron]

Kendall Nitro 70 in my '72 sportster.

[k9racer]

If you dont ride it a lot or I mean for long periods of time you can get by with 50. I have always tried to use 70 in my Knuckles and Pans when I was able to find it. I still go to small airports and they have 60 and 70 in stock. Maybe 50 with some STP? Good find and Good Luck and keep the rubber side down.. Bobby..

[LIMEY]

I ran 50 in my pan, but with it being a fresh motor & running a little hot i'm using 70 now.... i managed to get a case of Kendall 70 here in England, so you should have no trouble!

[K]

Kinda depends on the ambient temp. outside. I go with 60 in my '70 shovel. However, that's with a thermostat controlled oil cooler (recommended). Also suggest sticking with an oil specifically developed for air cooled engines; the additives help it keep from breaking down in higher heat conditions than oil designed for water-cooled engines. Otherwise, siezing a piston(s) is a distinct possibility (know this from experience). Incidently, good find!

[RF]

Just learned from a trusted H-D mechanic that there's a physical makeup difference between "automotive" and "motorcycle" petroleum-based oil (MC type doesn't break down as quickly). And this wasn't done just to sell more expensive oil. I "used" to use Valvoline Racing 60W in my Pan, but switched to H-D 20-50 after the rebuild.

[CTFuzz]

You don't need 70 or 60 weight.......the best for ANY old HD is 20-50. I use GOLDEN SPECTRO 4.......synthetic blend in my 1947 Knuckle. For years I used 70wt., a friend works at Spectro and turned me on to Golden Spectro 20-50, best move I ever made!....bike runs better and much quieter.....I started working at the local Harley shop in '69....haven't stoped yet..
You can get it at most bike shops.

[mr.midnite]

have built many motors including some big-inch over the last 25 years and have always used Castrol 20-50 with never a problem. Straight 60 or 70 weight, you guys are out of your minds. If you can kick that over in cold weather I'll address you as Sir.

[earl schieb]

I ran 60 in my shovel and that sonovabitch had ZERO pressure when it got hot(gauge on head, sittin in traffic) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

One of my buds bought a new RK last year and the owner's manual said use Shell Rotella in case of emergency(as in no stealership close by http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)

Guess weight is almost a moot point, long as there's some in the bag.

Hurry up with dem pics http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Tony]

When i had my 77 sporty i used Castrol 20-50.
Never had any problems with it..i think it had 13,000 miles on it or so.

Damn i want that bike back! or any for that matter. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rat.

[Jkustom]

Hey anthony... My Dad runs 20-50 in his 68 shovel.... I trust what he does when it comes to Harleys, hes been riding since he was 15 (1961-2) -J.