Rotella T Synthetic or not?

[frank in ohio]

FWIW, I believe the doctor (the honorable Mr. Leo) did recommend Rotella. And he's got over 300K on his machine. I've used Castrol in all the bikes I've owned including this one, until I had the lifter problem. Switching to Rotella fixed that, but maybe the 3 quarts, 22 oz. is what fixed it, I don't know. I was using the sight glass and brought it up to the middle, maybe too much, who knows.

frank

[Grumpy]

"10-4" Frank , hey, if it works, it works.
Say, would you tell me - what is "the lifter problem"? I'm not familar w/that one.

[bikerking.biz]

"10-4" Frank , hey, if it works, it works.
Say, would you tell me - what is "the lifter problem"? I'm not familar w/that one.

I'm guessing he meant having too much oil in the crankcase will lead to noisy lifters.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

...... 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? ........

hey Grumpy, tell Robin that both Beth and I said hi! And if you need to shove a horse tranquilizer down her throat to make her feel (run) better, then have at it! At times an old tonic works wonders while modern (specifically formulated for the illness by the big companies) meds just aren’t up to snuff!

[Grumpy]

Scott - its 'good to hear from you. - I just sent her your post she may be asking what kind of a tonic you were thinking of.. she's a city girl ya' know.

[gsmorgansen]

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.

Greg