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Technical Forums => General => Topic started by: FloridaJim5 on October 04, 2022, 01:25:31 PM

Title: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: FloridaJim5 on October 04, 2022, 01:25:31 PM
On a 2019 Ultra Milwaukee 8, I decided to change the Engine to Mobil 1 V-twin 20w50 and the Trans to Bel-Ray Big Twin which is 85w140. 

What method should be followed or what do you guys do when switching brands? 

Since the engine oiling system has oil in the lines and cooler, is there a way to flush or purge it out? Or should I just change it a couple of times and call it good? 

With the Trans, since the Bel-Ray trans lube is Red, I think I'll just change it twice and make sure the color is the same as the oil in the bottle (not diluted).   

Do you guys have any recommendations? 

Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: Hossamania on October 04, 2022, 01:39:59 PM
Quote from: FloridaJim5 on October 04, 2022, 01:25:31 PMOn a 2019 Ultra Milwaukee 8, I decided to change the Engine to Mobil 1 V-twin 20w50 and the Trans to Bel-Ray Big Twin which is 85w140. 

What method should be followed or what do you guys do when switching brands? 

Since the engine oiling system has oil in the lines and cooler, is there a way to flush or purge it out? Or should I just change it a couple of times and call it good? 

With the Trans, since the Bel-Ray trans lube is Red, I think I'll just change it twice and make sure the color is the same as the oil in the bottle (not diluted).   

Do you guys have any recommendations? 



Change the fluids as you normally do and don't overthink it.
I've swapped brands many times with no special procedures to clear out the old residue.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: calif phil on October 04, 2022, 02:00:23 PM
Hoss is spot on.  Slippery is all the engine cares about.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: calif phil on October 04, 2022, 02:03:17 PM
PS   Bel Ray makes some great products, tranny and primary fluid are great, really like their FULL synthetic 10w50 V Twin engine oil.   
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: FloridaJim5 on October 04, 2022, 02:06:40 PM
Thanks Hoss and Phil. Yeah, I'm sure I'm over-thinking it! I really like Bel-Ray products too and love the Big-Twin trans lube.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: Oclaf on October 04, 2022, 02:08:52 PM
As noted elsewhere, the engine don't care so long as it's at the level required. Never been a case where the type of oil was the reason an engine or any machine went sideways.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: Hossamania on October 04, 2022, 02:20:28 PM
I like the Bel Ray products too, and use Spectro occasionally as well. I've used just about every type of GL5 equivalent gear lube over the last 28 years, even HD Formula+ (gasp!), Bel Ray is the current winner.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: calif phil on October 04, 2022, 03:11:33 PM
I was a Spectro guy and still love their 6 speed tranny fluid, but they priced themselves into the stratosphere at $25 a quart. 
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: Finn on October 05, 2022, 11:35:23 AM
Quote from: Hossamania on October 04, 2022, 01:39:59 PMChange the fluids as you normally do and don't overthink it.
That's how I have always done it when switching brands.
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: les on October 05, 2022, 04:40:17 PM
If the syn oil is synthesized from a petroleum base, then you'll have no problem mixing them.  The last time there was a "clean out" issue was the engine oil auto inject tank on my two-stroke mini-enduro.

If you mixed a petroleum base oil with Klotz, it would do just as the oil's name suggests.  That was over 50 years ago...
Title: Re: Switching to different Brands of Oil in the Engine & Trans
Post by: GaryD on November 07, 2022, 11:16:45 PM
As Hoss said.
I've been using Amsoil 20-50 and 90-140 gear oil for the last 25+ years, but now that I've retired and am on a budget, I buy any bra :up: nd name syn oil that's on sale.  :SM: