Mobile 1

[Lakeman]

For the last few oil changes I have starting using Mobile 1 V- Twin 20w 50 motorcycle oil (41,000 miles on my trike) 05 Ultra Classic/Lehman. It seems like I'm getting a lot of cam train noise. I use Mobile 1 in about everything I have an like it. I don't guess there's a problem but I don't like the noise. Any ideas?

[Keystone]

You sure it's being caused by the oil or is there something else going on?

[msocko3]

Some synthetics do add to the valve train noise.

[GARYD]

You will get recommendations for every known brand of oil so do your own research.
I'm an Amsoil guy, but I've read that Red Line seems to do a good job of that. Don't know for a fact, just read about it on the forums.


You can always try a different brand and see what works for you.

I don't think any of the oils will damage your engine so try a few different brands.

[Darth]

I have run Amsoil 20W50 synthetic for years, but just bought the Mobil 1 synthetic yesterday because it was on sale. I'll be changing the oil in both bikes this weekend, so I'll see if I notice a difference.

[skuuter]

I have run Amsoil 20W50 synthetic for years, but just bought the Mobil 1 synthetic yesterday because it was on sale. I'll be changing the oil in both bikes this weekend, so I'll see if I notice a difference.

Report Your results.....

[coronetracer65]

I also run Mobil 1 vtwin 20w50 synth. and I have valve noise . Ask dealer several times about the noise and they concur with other friends as well that the newer 103 qnd 110 engines are noisy because of the hyd. lifters. Ebert

[cavie]

check the cam chain tensioner

[msocko3]

I also run Mobil 1 vtwin 20w50 synth. and I have valve noise . Ask dealer several times about the noise and they concur with other friends as well that the newer 103 qnd 110 engines are noisy because of the hyd. lifters. Ebert

They've been using hydraulic roller lifters for quite some time, I know at least since the EVO engines. Unfortunately the quality of these lifters has varied with the manufacturer they get them from. Right now they are installing what is called the 'C' lifter or Harley PN 18538-99C, it is made in Mexico and the quality has suffered. The previous design call the 'B' Harley PN 18538-99B lifter was manufactured by Delphi in the USA, it was a very good lifter with good service life.

Some of the issues people have been seeing with the 'C' lifter is leak down, this can cause hard starting and ticking upon startup until the lifter gets pumped back up. Some other folks have experienced out right failure, anything from the coating coming off the roller, to the roller bearing failing and taking out the came chest components.

[coronetracer65]

msocko3 , so can the c lifter be replaced with the b lifter ?

[msocko3]

msocko3 , so can the c lifter be replaced with the b lifter ?

Unfortunately the 'B' lifter has been superseded by the 'C'. If someone has a new set laying around they know how rare they are so they'll hold on to them. To answer your question, yes it can. IMO there are several good lifters out there which won't break the bank. S&S has a standard lifter which is pretty decent, just installed a set in my dads 09 Triglide. Head-Quarters offers the Black ops lifter which is very good, GMR performance has a good lifter.

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Unfortunately the 'B' lifter has been superseded by the 'C'. If someone has a new set laying around they know how rare they are so they'll hold on to them. To answer your question, yes it can. IMO there are several good lifters out there which won't break the bank. S&S has a standard lifter which is pretty decent, just installed a set in my dads 09 Triglide. Head-Quarters offers the Black ops lifter which is very good, GMR performance has a good lifter.

[geezerglide11441]

They've been using hydraulic roller lifters for quite some time, I know at least since the EVO engines. Unfortunately the quality of these lifters has varied with the manufacturer they get them from. Right now they are installing what is called the 'C' lifter or Harley PN 18538-99C, it is made in Mexico and the quality has suffered. The previous design call the 'B' Harley PN 18538-99B lifter was manufactured by Delphi in the USA, it was a very good lifter with good service life.

Some of the issues people have been seeing with the 'C' lifter is leak down, this can cause hard starting and ticking upon startup until the lifter gets pumped back up. Some other folks have experienced out right failure, anything from the coating coming off the roller, to the roller bearing failing and taking out the came chest components.

If you guys recall, I had a Gaterman lifter roller come apart on my 120r motor and trashed the motor to the tune of $6K to re-build another one. I install the Delphi lifters in the re-build and am hoping for the best!! My H-D tech/mechanic/person friend called my yesterday and advised he had a 120r motor in the shop at this time that a SE lifter came apart. Don't know what lifters the 120r crate motors had install originally, but apparently NOT GOOD!!

I heard a lot of good things about the Delphi lifters, so that is why I went with them. However, I think the underlying problem with the lifters in the OEM 120r motors are the valve spring pressure as much as the lifters - just my opinion.

Roger

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

[QUOTE However, I think the underlying problem with the lifters in the OEM 120r motors are the valve spring pressure as much as the lifters - just my opinion.

Roger[/QUOTE]

The springs that come with Screamin Eagle heads are over kill. The " C " lifter made in Mexico are no the same quality with the metal or the assembly as the " B " lifter that were made in the USA. There are numerous reports of "frosting" seperation of the finished surface of the lifter roller which leads to a catastrophic engine failure if not caught at the right time.

MSOCK3 listed the brands to use for replacements. Im am running my last set of 99 "B" lifters in my 124". Currently have 25k miles on them and they look great. Got a set of GMR lifters on the shelf waiting

I also use Mobil1 VTwin 20W/50 in my engine. No excessive valve train noise here

[coronetracer65]

Thanks for the real world info guys , this is what makes this website Rock ! Ebert

[MB1953]

I have noticed some valvetrain noise since I started running Mobil 1 Vtwin 20w50 synth, but it is almost not noticeable when a fresh oil change is done, then starts on a hot engine after about 2000 - 2500 miles. Looking at the oil, it still LOOKS good, and I still have good pressure, hot or cold, just a little noisier than dino oil.