More confusing than which engine oil...

  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    2002 Softail  TC88 - simple 5 speed trans.... I've never read so much conflicting info on what transmission oil to run -- even the FSM doesn't really tell you except that back in '02 HD recommended 20W-50 engine oil??

    What the hell do you put in there? 

    1. Penright 20-50W extra zinc mineral engine oil? That I use for the motor.

    2. Penrite 75W/90 synthetic gear oil? Penright 75W/140 gear oil? Not sure about the additives... not motorcycle specific?

    3. HD Chinese made shit Formula + transmission oil?

    4. Some super fancy GL-5 rated hypoid gear saver oil?

    5. Spectro  heavy duty platinum 6 -speed transmission lube 75w 140 (specially designed for the noisy twin cam 6 speed boxes?) EasyR sells most of these. At $38 per litre!! plus postage. 

    Someone help me out before I lose my mind. 😁

    And preferably not the pink Red line strawberry juice, unless it really is the only thing to use. 
    Thanks
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    3 years ago
    And whsts the problem with......".And preferably not the pink Red line strawberry juice, unless it really is the only thing to use."
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    3 years ago
    You are all over it Adam.
    I have been using   No 1   option  ( 10W 60 ) in the three holes for the past 7 years and it sounds as clunky as it always did. 
    Options  2  , 4  and 5  will be satisfactory as well. 
    When you drop the oil have a real good look at the magnetic plug.  If there is no metal sticking to it it means you are doing something right.

  • speedzter
    speedzter
    3 years ago
    Don't over analyze it.
    It's a gearbox, run a gear oil.
    Red line shockproof works well.
    I wouldn't hesitate to use Penrite gear also.
    Put it in and forget it for 20,000km or longer .
  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 19 Apr 2021 11:18 AM

    And whsts the problem with......".And preferably not the pink Red line strawberry juice, unless it really is the only thing to use."

    😁 It smells funny, and once it's in that trans it is almost impossible to get the stuff out of you want to use a different type of oil....

    But having said that, if it really is the good stuff I don't have a problem running  it - was just looking at my options. 

    Cheers
  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting speedzter on 19 Apr 2021 10:46 PM

    Don't over analyze it.

    It's a gearbox, run a gear oil.
    Red line shockproof works well.
    I wouldn't hesitate to use Penrite gear also.
    Put it in and forget it for 20,000km or longer .

    Thanks speedzter, 

    You suggest gear oil - which gear oil do you suggest? 

    Mineral / synthetic?
    What weight / viscosity?

    Cheers
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    3 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 19 Apr 2021 11:18 AM

    And whsts the problem with......".And preferably not the pink Red line strawberry juice, unless it really is the only thing to use."

    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:53 PM

    😁 It smells funny, and once it's in that trans it is almost impossible to get the stuff out of you want to use a different type of oil....


    But having said that, if it really is the good stuff I don't have a problem running  it - was just looking at my options. 

    Cheers

    Adam just a couple of things
     HD Chinese made shit Formula + transmission oil?  This oil like most HD oils are manufactured/refined in USA by Citgo in Texas USA.
    Redline shock proof does indeed smell funky and does also seem impossible to remove once you've poured it in but is very good at its job. Its that good that it gets used on top fuel drag cars and top fuel HD. It is a premium product and a overkill for general use but i have personally used it for over 70k in my current Street Glide. Strawberry Milkshake for me.....personal opinion..
    Be warned once it in the box, other than dismantling, its coating everything forever!
  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 19 Apr 2021 11:18 AM

    And whsts the problem with......".And preferably not the pink Red line strawberry juice, unless it really is the only thing to use."

    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:53 PM

    😁 It smells funny, and once it's in that trans it is almost impossible to get the stuff out of you want to use a different type of oil....


    But having said that, if it really is the good stuff I don't have a problem running  it - was just looking at my options. 

    Cheers

    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Apr 2021 12:37 AM

    Adam just a couple of things
     HD Chinese made shit Formula + transmission oil?  This oil like most HD oils are manufactured/refined in USA by Citgo in Texas USA.
    Redline shock proof does indeed smell funky and does also seem impossible to remove once you've poured it in but is very good at its job. Its that good that it gets used on top fuel drag cars and top fuel HD. It is a premium product and a overkill for general use but i have personally used it for over 70k in my current Street Glide. Strawberry Milkshake for me.....personal opinion..
    Be warned once it in the box, other than dismantling, its coating everything forever!

    Thanks Paulybronco,  
    I'm no oil expert, but from what I understand about the motor company - is that they put out a tender process for a company to process/ supply them with their Harley branded oils and the cheapest bid gets the job? I could be wrong, but I don't think Harley are particularly going to provide the best possible quality oil in their name brand, whether it's Syn3 or their transmission oil because they don't really care if you need a rebuild after 30,000kms or have any vested interest in keeping your motor/ trans running for 100,000kms before needing a rebuild because either way they get paid... 
    Again, I could be completely wrong, and their branded HD transmission / formula + oil might actually be pretty good. If anyone has any actual data on the quality then I'd like to know. 

    I just figured big brands like Amsoil, Redline and Penright etc have an interest in selling their product as a high quality alternative and can't afford to sell anything but the best quality lubricant. But I'm always learning new things.
    Cheers. 👍

  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    3 years ago
    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:53 PM

    😁 It smells funny, and once it's in that trans it is almost impossible to get the stuff out of you want to use a different type of oil....


    But having said that, if it really is the good stuff I don't have a problem running  it - was just looking at my options. 

    Cheers

    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Apr 2021 12:37 AM

    Adam just a couple of things
     HD Chinese made shit Formula + transmission oil?  This oil like most HD oils are manufactured/refined in USA by Citgo in Texas USA.
    Redline shock proof does indeed smell funky and does also seem impossible to remove once you've poured it in but is very good at its job. Its that good that it gets used on top fuel drag cars and top fuel HD. It is a premium product and a overkill for general use but i have personally used it for over 70k in my current Street Glide. Strawberry Milkshake for me.....personal opinion..
    Be warned once it in the box, other than dismantling, its coating everything forever!

    Quoting Adam76 on 20 Apr 2021 07:18 AM

    Thanks Paulybronco,  

    I'm no oil expert, but from what I understand about the motor company - is that they put out a tender process for a company to process/ supply them with their Harley branded oils and the cheapest bid gets the job? I could be wrong, but I don't think Harley are particularly going to provide the best possible quality oil in their name brand, whether it's Syn3 or their transmission oil because they don't really care if you need a rebuild after 30,000kms or have any vested interest in keeping your motor/ trans running for 100,000kms before needing a rebuild because either way they get paid... 
    Again, I could be completely wrong, and their branded HD transmission / formula + oil might actually be pretty good. If anyone has any actual data on the quality then I'd like to know. 

    I just figured big brands like Amsoil, Redline and Penright etc have an interest in selling their product as a high quality alternative and can't afford to sell anything but the best quality lubricant. But I'm always learning new things.
    Cheers. 👍

    Adam your correct, all manufacturers of vehicles/cars/bikes in fact every engine manufacturer have a preferred brand and non of them refine their own but outsource the job. Just consider that HD still warrant their motors with what you refer to as " not the best possible quality oil " Again through personal experience i will continue to use Redline.
  • speedzter
    speedzter
    3 years ago
    Quoting speedzter on 19 Apr 2021 10:46 PM

    Don't over analyze it.

    It's a gearbox, run a gear oil.
    Red line shockproof works well.
    I wouldn't hesitate to use Penrite gear also.
    Put it in and forget it for 20,000km or longer .

    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:55 PM

    Thanks speedzter, 


    You suggest gear oil - which gear oil do you suggest? 

    Mineral / synthetic?
    What weight / viscosity?

    Cheers

    It's really not that critical.
    I run Red line heavy shockproof , which apparently :-
    "Film thickness greater than an SAE 75W250, yet low fluid friction like 75W90"  !

    Easier to obtain is Penrite:-

    In case you dont know, here is a comparison between gear and crankcase weights




  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Apr 2021 12:37 AM

    Adam just a couple of things
     HD Chinese made shit Formula + transmission oil?  This oil like most HD oils are manufactured/refined in USA by Citgo in Texas USA.
    Redline shock proof does indeed smell funky and does also seem impossible to remove once you've poured it in but is very good at its job. Its that good that it gets used on top fuel drag cars and top fuel HD. It is a premium product and a overkill for general use but i have personally used it for over 70k in my current Street Glide. Strawberry Milkshake for me.....personal opinion..
    Be warned once it in the box, other than dismantling, its coating everything forever!

    Quoting Adam76 on 20 Apr 2021 07:18 AM

    Thanks Paulybronco,  

    I'm no oil expert, but from what I understand about the motor company - is that they put out a tender process for a company to process/ supply them with their Harley branded oils and the cheapest bid gets the job? I could be wrong, but I don't think Harley are particularly going to provide the best possible quality oil in their name brand, whether it's Syn3 or their transmission oil because they don't really care if you need a rebuild after 30,000kms or have any vested interest in keeping your motor/ trans running for 100,000kms before needing a rebuild because either way they get paid... 
    Again, I could be completely wrong, and their branded HD transmission / formula + oil might actually be pretty good. If anyone has any actual data on the quality then I'd like to know. 

    I just figured big brands like Amsoil, Redline and Penright etc have an interest in selling their product as a high quality alternative and can't afford to sell anything but the best quality lubricant. But I'm always learning new things.
    Cheers. 👍

    Quoting paulybronco on 20 Apr 2021 07:44 AM

    Adam your correct, all manufacturers of vehicles/cars/bikes in fact every engine manufacturer have a preferred brand and non of them refine their own but outsource the job. Just consider that HD still warrant their motors with what you refer to as " not the best possible quality oil " Again through personal experience i will continue to use Redline.

    Thanks Paulybronco, 

    I can't dispute that Redline Heavy shock proof is a great product. It'll be the next thing I use if I don't like the Penright I'm going to try first. 

    Thanks again. 
  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting speedzter on 19 Apr 2021 10:46 PM

    Don't over analyze it.

    It's a gearbox, run a gear oil.
    Red line shockproof works well.
    I wouldn't hesitate to use Penrite gear also.
    Put it in and forget it for 20,000km or longer .

    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:55 PM

    Thanks speedzter, 


    You suggest gear oil - which gear oil do you suggest? 

    Mineral / synthetic?
    What weight / viscosity?

    Cheers

    Quoting speedzter on 20 Apr 2021 10:31 AM

    It's really not that critical.
    I run Red line heavy shockproof , which apparently :-
    "Film thickness greater than an SAE 75W250, yet low fluid friction like 75W90"  !

    Easier to obtain is Penrite:-

    In case you dont know, here is a comparison between gear and crankcase weights




    Thanks  speedzter, 

    Going to try that Penright first for 1000kms and then if for done reason I don't like it or whatever I'll probably end up going back to heavy duty shock proof. 
    Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about the Redline pink stuff even though it's a little messy. 😁

    Cheers for the advice fellas. 

  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    3 years ago
    Quoting Adam76 on 19 Apr 2021 10:55 PM

    Thanks speedzter, 


    You suggest gear oil - which gear oil do you suggest? 

    Mineral / synthetic?
    What weight / viscosity?

    Cheers

    Quoting speedzter on 20 Apr 2021 10:31 AM

    It's really not that critical.
    I run Red line heavy shockproof , which apparently :-
    "Film thickness greater than an SAE 75W250, yet low fluid friction like 75W90"  !

    Easier to obtain is Penrite:-

    In case you dont know, here is a comparison between gear and crankcase weights




    Quoting Adam76 on 20 Apr 2021 10:54 AM

    Thanks  speedzter, 


    Going to try that Penright first for 1000kms and then if for done reason I don't like it or whatever I'll probably end up going back to heavy duty shock proof. 
    Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about the Redline pink stuff even though it's a little messy. 😁

    Cheers for the advice fellas. 

    I owned 2001 Dyna TC88 resized to 95", I been riding Harleys since late 70's, the 5 speed is a good gear box!
    at some stage when I owned the tc95" I put Redline heavy shockproof oil in the gear box, & it's the best gear box oil I've used & after I put it in I never changed it again, did 100,000km & sold bike to a mates son, he has still got it.
    also note I took that bike down quarter mile many times & the gear box shifted great! best Harley gear box oil I've used!
    now I ride an 03 Sportster so can't use redline heavy shockproof as sporty share the primary & gear box oil, & the heavy shockproof no good with the clutch.
    if you can buy redline HSP gear oil go for it & just leave it, don't need to change it
  • Adam76
    Adam76
    3 years ago
    Quoting speedzter on 20 Apr 2021 10:31 AM

    It's really not that critical.
    I run Red line heavy shockproof , which apparently :-
    "Film thickness greater than an SAE 75W250, yet low fluid friction like 75W90"  !

    Easier to obtain is Penrite:-

    In case you dont know, here is a comparison between gear and crankcase weights




    Quoting Adam76 on 20 Apr 2021 10:54 AM

    Thanks  speedzter, 


    Going to try that Penright first for 1000kms and then if for done reason I don't like it or whatever I'll probably end up going back to heavy duty shock proof. 
    Haven't heard anyone say anything bad about the Redline pink stuff even though it's a little messy. 😁

    Cheers for the advice fellas. 

    Quoting Krash Kinkade on 20 Apr 2021 11:43 AM

    I owned 2001 Dyna TC88 resized to 95", I been riding Harleys since late 70's, the 5 speed is a good gear box!

    at some stage when I owned the tc95" I put Redline heavy shockproof oil in the gear box, & it's the best gear box oil I've used & after I put it in I never changed it again, did 100,000km & sold bike to a mates son, he has still got it.
    also note I took that bike down quarter mile many times & the gear box shifted great! best Harley gear box oil I've used!
    now I ride an 03 Sportster so can't use redline heavy shockproof as sporty share the primary & gear box oil, & the heavy shockproof no good with the clutch.
    if you can buy redline HSP gear oil go for it & just leave it, don't need to change it

    100,000kms...  that's got to be some good oil right there and a good testimony 😁
    Love it. 
    I'd be lucky to do 100,000 kms in 15 years, sadly don't get enough riding time. 
  • ice
    ice
    3 years ago
    formula + 02 softail 180k , change all oils every 5000 , no problems