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[Gearheadfmc]

So... been using SE Syn oil (All three) in my 2011 CVO Ultra for last 3 changes -- 1000mi, 4000mi & 7000mi for engine oil and 1000mi and 4000mi for Primary and Trans.

I just change out all three for Amsoil 20W50 in engine and primary and Severe Gear 75W90 in trans. Changed filter of course.  No metal particles on plugs found.

Engine seems to run cooler and shifting into neutral seems easier.  I have used Amsoil before, it is available and I'm OK with it.

Here is the issue.....

After warm-up, on a "spirited run" -- which is normal in my case.... I ride my bike .... when come to a stop sign, I smell burning trans oil. Or after a good ride, I stop for a rest, upon start-up, I smell burning trans oil.  This is very clear because it has a unique aroma-- gear lube. 

I have only noticed it with this latest change (probably due to the gear oil vs the std SE20W50). All levels are good.

What could this be? What might be the cause?  Any reason for alarm?  I just cant see how the gear oil can be burned by the engine....seemingly part of combustion.

Thanks in advance.

[hd-dude]

The Amsoil gear lube has a very distinct smell. The tranny is vented to the atmosphere so you are just getting some of that smell as the lube is hot. Nothing to be concerned with as long as it is not overfilled or leaking anywhere.

[Midnight Rider]

The Amsoil gear lube has a very distinct smell. The tranny is vented to the atmosphere so you are just getting some of that smell as the lube is hot. Nothing to be concerned with as long as it is not overfilled or leaking anywhere.

X2...I get a whiff of the Redline Shockproof from time to time when stopped.

[mjb765]

The Amsoil gear lube has a very distinct smell. The tranny is vented to the atmosphere so you are just getting some of that smell as the lube is hot. Nothing to be concerned with as long as it is not overfilled or leaking anywhere.

I was wondering about a burnt oil smell as well when stopped when the bike is hot---Thanks Jim!!!!

[Gearheadfmc]

Great!  Thanks for the input about this HD & Midnight, make sense. 

Yes, Amsoil gearlube has a very coarse smell.

[dlaws01]

Just to be safe, I would take a double look at everything just to make sure there isn't a leak somewhere. Maybe blowing back onto the exhaust somewhere?

[mjb765]

Just to be safe, I would take a double look at everything just to make sure there isn't a leak somewhere. Maybe blowing back onto the exhaust somewhere?

A very good idea....he should do that...but I do get that smell every now and then and I have looked and have no leaks....

[dlaws01]

I wonder if that's something that is mostly noticed on the bagger models? I've never smelled anything on my springer, but my motor is open all around with good air ventilation.  Don't the touring bikes generally run a little hotter because of the fairings and bags, extra weight?  I know that I have read some of the comments about higher oil temps and they seem to be higher than what I see on mine. At 90 degrees outside temps, like Tennessee summers are, my oil temps never goes above 215 regardless of how hard I ride.  Any thoughts?

[Gettinold]

CVO Colonge 

[Boatman]

Check the tightness of the 2 tranny trap door lower allen bolts that holds the header pipe support bracket to the tranny..  They will loosen up and seep oil onto your exhaust.  FWIW..

[SteveO]

It's overfilled.  Even an ounce overfull will cause it to"spit" out the vent and mist the exhaust, that's the smell you are experiencing. 

You need to check everything when the bike is hot, at least 220 degrees, or about an hour of riding in warm weather.

Bike may never reach proper operating temp (220 degrees) in cold weather.

[Gearheadfmc]

Hmmmm interesting Steve-O....

I have always warmed the bike up and considered it warm when the valve cover rockers are warm.....usually about 5-10 mins at idle.

But I will ride the heck out of it (as usual) and check after about an hour.


Thanks.

[260SCRMR]

 I don't want to get another oil thread going, but I'm just getting ready to swap my fluids to Amsoil as well. I've been using it my truck since I bought it and don't really want to start with another synthetic in the garage. My question is about using the gear lube in the trans. Amsoil recommends 20w50 in all 3 holes. I know others have used the gear lube in the trans but I don't remember hearing what the advantages/risks are? Can someone who has/is used/using it comment?