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[rasmusmi]

I'm having the 10,000 mile service done on my '03 SERK2, and am questioning whether to stay with SYN3 or go back to standard H-D fossil oils in all 3 holes.

I broke this bike in on fossil oil, switched to SYN3 at 1,000 miles and have stayed with it ever since. However, I'm getting more and more concerned about the long term effects (>25,000 miles) of staying with SYN3 in this 103" engine.
[smiley=confused5.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif]

Any feedback and info would be appreciated. I have spoken with my dealer, and although he's 100% behind the SYN3 (isn't that the "Harley" thing for him to do?), he said - if it would me peace of mind - he'd change it all back to the fossil oils for me.

I have to let him know which way I want to go before Friday this week.
Thanks!  [smiley=laugh.gif]

[spydglide]

Boy, that's the ole confusing question again.  Most of the people who oughta know say either one's ok, but any synthetic is better than the best fossel........so, I guess I'll be staying w/ the syn for now.  The bigger question of the 3 holes is what to use in the tranny. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[Dr. Evil]

I thought that once you went Syn there was no going back...

[spydglide]

Nawwww, I heard that 'early on'........but now everything I hear is that it's ok to switch. ?? Anyone have later info than that? [smiley=confused5.gif]

[mackcr]

You can change oils in either direction without any problem since they have very similar additive packages. I use synthetic in everything I own...even my mower.

[hd-dude]

There has been a lot of discussion on this. If memory serves me correctly the concesses was to stay with the Syn3 in the motor and primary, but use a synthetic gear oil such as Redline Heavy Duty Shockproof in the tranny. Thats what I used at my first service and did notice that the tranny seemed to shift smoother.

[Dr. Evil]

Let me preface this by saying I am not a wrench... but more of a parrot.  Went to a H-D service school and was told they endorse Syn3 in all 3 holes.   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[rasmusmi]

10-4....final questions: [smiley=1syellow1.gif]

Has anyone out there gone from fossil oil to SYN3 then back to fossil oil in all 3 holes?

If so....why, and have you been happy (or happier) with the results? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[Willie D]

Let me preface this by saying I am not a wrench... but more of a parrot.

[JjR]

I'm having the 10,000 mile service done on my '03 SERK2, and am questioning whether to stay with SYN3 or go back to standard H-D fossil oils in all 3 holes.

I broke this bike in on fossil oil, switched to SYN3 at 1,000 miles and have stayed with it ever since. However, I'm getting more and more concerned about the long term effects (>25,000 miles) of staying with SYN3 in this 103" engine.
[smiley=confused5.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif]

Any feedback and info would be appreciated. I have spoken with my dealer, and although he's 100% behind the SYN3 (isn't that the "Harley" thing for him to do?), he said - if it would me peace of mind - he'd change it all back to the fossil oils for me.

I have to let him know which way I want to go before Friday this week.
Thanks!

[103_RK]

I am not a chemist but the synthetic oil is always going to be better than the conventional oil (in the proper weight of course).  Mobil1 and Amsoil is probably better than Syn3.  Amsoil can be used in all 3 holes.  I would stick with synthetic as it will always outperform any fossil oil.  I use syn3 and am probably going to change to Amsoil soon.  I broke mine in with fossil oil.  I believe the breakin is better with fossil oil as it allows the rings to seat faster.  Harley wants you to beleive and purchase their brands, this is no diferent than Ford or anyone else who sells a product.  Harley does not manufacture the oil.  I think that I would rather trust an synthetic oil company to produce the best product.  Harley has also recommended agaist synthetic oil.  Of course now they reccomend their own brand.  Amsoil has a web site that posts test results that appear to prove that Amsoil is better than other synthetic oils.  

[grc]

I'm having the 10,000 mile service done on my '03 SERK2, and am questioning whether to stay with SYN3 or go back to standard H-D fossil oils in all 3 holes.

I broke this bike in on fossil oil, switched to SYN3 at 1,000 miles and have stayed with it ever since. However, I'm getting more and more concerned about the long term effects (>25,000 miles) of staying with SYN3 in this 103" engine.
[smiley=confused5.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif]

Any feedback and info would be appreciated. I have spoken with my dealer, and although he's 100% behind the SYN3 (isn't that the "Harley" thing for him to do?), he said - if it would me peace of mind - he'd change it all back to the fossil oils for me.

I have to let him know which way I want to go before Friday this week.
Thanks!

[rasmusmi]

Well guys & gals  -  here's an update from the guy who started this particular thread....

The 10,000 mile service is now in the history books, and I did stay with SYN3.

Just a couple weeks ago I took it in (to the same Dealer) for the ol' King's 12,500 mile service (staying with the manual and keeping my extended warranty intact). I thought it was to be a routine oil change,etc., as I was having no problems with the bike (I take care of it, detail on it probably more than the average guy, ans don't ride it "hard").

Dealer calls up and tells me both my tires have very low tread and need replaced....not a surprise at 12,500 miles, so I told him to go ahead and change them out (tried for a wider tire in back, but he said no can do without frame/belt modifications...so I said no).

Here's the good part....about three days later he calls up and says it's finally done and ready to go....had to perform the following work (besides the routine 12,500 service):

[list bull-blackball]

• replace BOTH the front and back rocker gaskets, as they were "leaking" (?)
  [list bull-blackball]
• replace the primary gasket, as it was "leaking" (?)
  [list bull-blackball]
• replace the shifter gasket, as it was "leaking" (?)
  [list bull-blackball]
• replace the front motor mount (for the 2nd time now!!), as it was "shot"  (?)
  
  Was all ready to toss the bill at me until I advised him of my extended warranty....silence on the other end. Bottom line, it still cost me nearly $700. *routine service, 2 new tires and $50. deductible on the ext. warranty), but with 3 days labor and parts - it wouldv'e cost me a helluva lot more if I hadn't had the ext. warranty.
  
  Sorry about the long reply, but I've got to get this off my chest.... [smiley=furious.gif]
  
  The reason for the (?) above, I never saw ANY leaks of any kind before this, and I detail the bike pretty thoroughly.  And besides, just 6 months ago, they had it in there for the 10K service (the "biggie"), and NONE of these items ever came up, period....go figure?! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
  
  Last (and the icing on this cake)....next day we went on a 90 mile Poker Run, and about half way through (riding normal, by the way), the new front motor mount "blew out"....bike started vibrating like a son-of-a-gun. I took it back to the dealer AGAIN, and am to pick it up today - SOB better not try to charge me anything for this one!
  [smiley=nervous.gif]

[Fired00d]

.....
[list bull-blackball]

• replace the front motor mount [bgcolor=Yellow](for the 2nd time now!!)[/bgcolor], as it was "shot"

[Twolanerider]

Well guys & gals