Got a tech tip for Voyager 12's from your personal experiences, or one complete with pictures and instructions, here's where to post it. You can also ask about tips or procedures here.
Since I already had a quart of Mobil One Synthetic I just bought three more quarts for my last oil change with Mobil One. No problems with Mobil One (even though it is the stuff designed for cars and I bring it up to the tip top of the sight glass, even past the full mark). I have never had lifter noise either. Gosh, I guess I'm lucky! :mrgreen:
After this last oil change I will follow Carl Leo's advise and go to Rotella T 15W40. I was at Wal Mart today and noticed there is both Sythectic and Dino versions of Rotella T. What is it that Carl Leo recommends? I admit that it will feel a little weird putting something designed for a diesel engine into a Voyager but how can Carl be wrong? His own Voyager even has 310K miles (I asked him at the Santa Fe rally).
So which is it...synthetic or dino?
PS...I'm hoping on dino, a very reasonable price
Mike and Marcia Biggerstaff
Melbourne FL
Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything. Charles Kuralt
Dino oil. Fritz "The Masked Rider" said he runs the Rotella dino. He had over 300K on his engine before it finally dropped a rod. Fritz said it is available nearly everywhere and is one of the most inexpensive oils to purchase. I've been running Mobil 1 MX4T motorcycle oil. I'm going to try the Rotella on the next change.
It's important to note that unless the synthetic is labeled Energy Conserving, it has the same properties as Petroleum based oil. Motorcycle oils are supposed to contain more anti foaming agents and some have more zinc in them but intrinsically there is not much difference between a quality car oil and a motorcycle oil of course unless you talk price.
The thing I think is great about this forum is that we have such a wealth of knowledge to learn from that you don't have to start from square one & learn on your own. If the guru, Carl Leo says Rotella T is the best, who am I to argue?
There was a large debate about this on the Vmax forum and the concensus was Rotella T 5w-40 synthetic.
Thats what I use on my Max. Here is a link to motorcycle motor oils. http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/Oils1.html
Chris
I was running Amsoil for a couple of years and then went to Mobil 1 synthetic. This year after a conversation with Carl, I am running 15-40 Rotella dino oil. Seems to work great.
I posted elsewhere about a problem with lifter clatter, got mail from Carl about the Rotella and the ATF, did my ride to your area yesterday and the bike is actually much quieter even after eliminating the lifter noise. I got it at Meijer, not sure you have them up there, but I also saw it at Advance. About 11 bucks a gallon at Meijer. Gonna drain the Rotella/ATF mixture this evening and go straight Rotella per Carl's instructions.
I know some people hate Wal-Mart, but they have had it in everyone that I have been in and I have been in multiple states lately. Too bad it hasn't been on a motorcycle. I may sell both of mine with as little use as they are getting.
The correct process for choosing an oil for a particular engine is to look at the API rating that is recommended in the manual that goes with the vehicle, in this case, the owner manual that comes with your Voyager. Mine is an '87 and the manual states that API SE or SF is appropriate for this model. API standards vary from model year group to model year group of vehicles. In the case of my Voyager, API SE/SF is recommended because (1) of the amount of friction additives so as to enable the clutch to work properly (too much friction equals slipping, burning of the clutch plates, poor gas mileage and acceleration and early clutch failure) and (2) the amount of an additive called ZDDP, which is a phosphorus/zinc compound that lubricates parts such as camshaft lobs and followers that are under high friction loads...too little ZDDP in the oil and camshafts wear prematurely. Current API SM standard is meant for modern engines of the last couple of years that use roller rockers and valve train components and are under low friction bearing loads. This API standard provides too little ZDDP for older engines like my '87. You must know these oil attributes and how they apply to your model year API specifications as stated in your manual. Otherwise, you are in danger of premature wear and failure, not to mention invalidating your warantee.
At times I have to admit, I think of my Voyager as a 'loved one'.
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And, I've spent a lot on my XII and am still adding farkels & dodads... Robin & I have had some great trips on it and are planning more. I want it to last so here's a 'concluding thought' I've had ... OK - are you ready???? - It's true that Veterinary medicine is often exactly the same as - or even more powerful - than medicines allowed for humans, and some is just 1/2 the price! Would you give animal medicine in your loved one?? Or use what the 'Doctor' (manufacturer) recommended?
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" He who never made a mistake never made a discovery." ~ Samuel Smiles
'03 Voyager XII; '82 V45 Magna (that i hope will run again)
