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CVO Technical => Twin Cam => Topic started by: BAKRDS on April 19, 2005, 08:24:49 PM

Title: oil use
Post by: BAKRDS on April 19, 2005, 08:24:49 PM
Spent 2 months in Las vegas this winter. First place I've been where you can set the cruse at 90 for an hour at a time .I heard it wouldn't work over 85 but mine held 90 just fine. Anyway, after about 1500 miles ( not all at 90 ) I was down a quart of oil. Had never used a drop in the preveious 8500 miles at more sane east coast speeds. Was wondering if this is common. What's your experience with your 103 s ?
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: TB on April 20, 2005, 03:33:07 PM
I go thru a quart every 2K or so.  Pretty common for the 103's.

Title: Re: oil use
Post by: mackcr on April 20, 2005, 03:55:07 PM
Except for the brief time my oil pump was damaged I have never had to add oil between oil changes and I am at 36,000 miles on my SERK now. If you are going through that much oil take it back to the dealer and have them find the problem.
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: spydglide on April 20, 2005, 04:07:52 PM
My personal experience and that of my riding friends w/ twin cams is that when you run 'em hard, they use up the oil, esp. the synthetic.  Seems as if you try to keep it up to the full mark, you're fighting a losing battle.  It seems to find a 'level' where it doesn't seem to go away as fast, though.  Normal speed limit riding doesn't seem to make it disappear. [smiley=confused.gif]
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: BAKRDS on April 20, 2005, 09:40:42 PM
Thanks for the replys. Just serviced it today & haven't used any oil in the 1500 miles I've riden since I got home. Must be linked to the right wrist. Switched to Amsoil in crankcase & tranny , anxious to see if it quiets the top end noise and or effects the shifting.
       Jim
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: Willie D on April 22, 2005, 05:56:14 PM
Quote
Thanks for the replys. Just serviced it today & haven't used any oil in the 1500 miles I've riden since I got home. Must be linked to the right wrist. Switched to Amsoil in crankcase & tranny , anxious to see if it quiets the top end noise and or effects the shifting.
 
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: Twolanerider on April 22, 2005, 08:33:15 PM
At the 1000 mile service I changed to Amsoil.  In the first 1000 miles the bike had used about a half quart if I remember correctly.

Changed the oil last night with about 3500 on that Amsoil oil change.  Bike had some a few stretches of higher than average speed.  But mostly just cruising.  It was a half a quart low in 3500 miles.
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: DCFIREMANN on April 22, 2005, 09:50:43 PM
Being a amsoil commercial dealer I run nothing but v twin 20w50 in my bikes. I don't run it in the 6 speed trannies because of the noise in 6th gear(baker). I have had to add to my 103 a time or two but I do mostly highway driving at 75 mph plus. I think it has to do with the high RPM's

I am going to install 10.5 to 1 pistons in the bike this summer. I picked up a set of 5 over pistons and will have the cylinders bored to the proper clearence with the piston skirts. I also think with all of the big bore cylinders and pistons being manfactured and sold to the public I think piston skirt clearance might have something to do with oil usage. In the past we would always buy 5 over and bore to fit properly.  
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: BAKRDS on April 22, 2005, 09:57:05 PM
Put 100 miles on the Amsoil today , don,t see any earth shaking differance in noise or shifting. Was only in the 40s , & if I remember right I noticed the top end noise more when it was warmer. The magnetic drain plug will tell the story next transmission oil change. I change my oil at 5000 & tranny & primary at 10000, how bout you guys? My ears also don't work as well as they did 30 years ago so maybe I couldn't hear the differance anyway.
  Calling for cold,rain & maybe a little snow the next week so I don't expect to get any riding in for a while. Local dealers open house is tomorrow, maybe see how a V-rod goes in the snow.
      Jim
Title: Re: oil use
Post by: Twolanerider on April 22, 2005, 11:04:25 PM
Quote
Being a amsoil commercial dealer



Sniff, sniff.  Hmmm, what's that smell I smell?  Could it beeeeeee; group discount ?  [smiley=7.gif]