Splitting the f*%$#@ng cases

[skids]

(snip)In another post, a person suggested that I try thinner oil. I have always used Mobile 1 15W-50 pretty much year round. This weekend, I may try refilling it with 10W-40 and see if that makes a difference. With the highs around here in the high 30s or low 40s, I REALLY don't think I need the "50" portion of the current oil.

50 wt oil is for dreaded summer heat. I go with 10w-40 rather than 10w-50 and it DOES HELP with cold weather starts. Another thing you can do in a garage is to put a space heater next to the engine/crank case to warm the oil. You have to plan ahead for a positive affect as it takes a long time to do any good. You may be surprised.

[clcorbin]

I would suggest trying for giggles and grins using a good quality conventional. It might be that the synthetic is too slippery for the little balls to grab and hold on reliably. I know your clutch doesn't slip, but that starter clutch depends on a little bit of stickiness. I know that HD's can have a problem with the roller bearings with synthetic oil because the bearings don't spin because there is not enough friction, the oil is too slippery. It might be that this is the case with the starter clutch.

That's probably not a bad suggestion. Me and my brother have made sure this bike had the best oil since day one... But if the stuff is TOO slippery, then maybe I should think about it if the 10W-40 doesn't help out.

[randy]

WTF??? How did this become an oil thread???

[blue giant]

What about keeping the tires warm? What kind of air do you put in your tires?

[randy]

Thanks for reminding me, it's almost time to change from Winter air to Spring / Summer air

[Poprock]

The starter on my bike slipped in near freezing temps. Drained the Mobil 1 and switched to Dino. No more problems--so far. For a marginal starter clutch situation I'd think it would be worth a try.

[trbig]

For anyone looking for a good oil or tire thread, just make sure in the future to type "Splitting f*%$#@ng cases" typed correctly in the search box to be sure and find this thread later on.


Tod

[Poprock]

Just sharing my experience, my friend. Perhaps I should have typed "synth" instead of Mobil 1. Not meaning to trash the oil. I'd actually rather use it for the rings and bearings, but if the motor won't start, oil types become a moot question. Kong is happier overall with non-unnatural oil.
I am, however, still struggling with whether or not to use synthetic air in my synthetic rubber tires (which ones do you like, BTW?). Seems like similar types might work together in a more harmonious karmactic kind of way, but I will defer to the gurus in this crucial question of safety and operating efficiency.

[DGXSER]

Poprock,

what you find after a period of time on the site is that the oil issue is purely subjective and opinions are as varied as the direction of the wind ( or what tire is the best along with what beer is best) and sometimes very vigorously defended. So pretty quickly the issue gets very old and worn out.

Randy had asked for options and or parts to repair his damaged bolts and cases, which is hard to figure wihtout reading through the entire thread how it could have lead to an yet another oil discussion. That was the point of the last few responses.

[Poprock]

Good point. I mentioned oil because oil is easier to change than a starter motor that works part of the time. Tod likes to have fun with tire and oil threads so we were kidding each other a little bit. Sorry about hijacking the thread. Apologies to anyone XSively offended or annoyed.

[randy]

No annoyment....only amusement

[clcorbin]

Sorry Randy! It wasn't intentional, but definitely was my fault.

[crazy steve]

...I know that HD's can have a problem with the roller bearings with synthetic oil because the bearings don't spin because there is not enough friction, the oil is too slippery.....

Ah yes, the infamous 'bearing skate' controversy. That was the official HD line about synthetic oil, right up until they came out with their own version. Suddenly it was no longer a problem.....

'78E original owner

[randy]

Update

Thank you, Tod! Bolts arrived today! BTW, where did you get that bullet-proof packing tape? I think I bent my scissor trying to cut through it

[trbig]

Wow.. that was quick. I heard the airport here was all shut down due to the ice Friday.

As for the tape, I wrapped it up good because I didn't know if the post office was still using holiday help that like to just drop-kick everything along.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Tod