[kiwi one]

I changed the oil this week and after 400ml it started to rattel bad I changed from hd pennzoil to 50 w valvalin my bike is stock 1978 1200 shuvel

[Killer-B]

So Kiwi, what are saying/asking? Need help? if so ask a question.

Good luck.

[CD]

Go get some oil designed for use on air cooled engines.

[chucktx]

i run 70wt castor oil in all my pans and shovels......since 67, no problems. and it didnt matter on location...hope this helps
chucktx

[kiwi one]

yes it was a question ??? . i have run my bike on penzoil again but it still ratels real bad in push rods after only 10 15 mile. is it posabull damage in lifters thanks killer.b

[CD]

Models earlier than EVO's like straight weight oil. Most times 50wt works well but any oil must be able to stand up to air cooled engines.

I you are getting 'rattling' after a short time, you are loosing pressure to the lifters. Check the oil pump over, the tappet screen might be plugged.

[hotroadking]

Also if you've always used dyno oil probably a good thing to stick with it until you rebuild, alot of old motors switch and develop leaks, not from the oil per se but because the old straight weight oils are heavy and leave deposits, so they can fill up base gasket leaks.

Synthetic doesn't break down as easy and cleans the internal parts of the motor better, so it starts cleaning out those problem areas that the old straight motor oil hid. Next thing you know the leaks there, it always was there it was just plugged with old sludge.

You could go that route but you could end up with leaks maybe not, synthetic tends to lubricate better and keep it's properties longer so you motor tends to be quieter. If you do run it run Castrol 20W-50 or Mobil1 Vtwin 20W-50, Redline and AmsOIl make some really good V-twin products.

[kiwi one]

thanks i will be fitting oil presser gage and running it but im not shur were this tappet screen is

[beau44]

the tappet screen is the large screw on the top of the oil pump Kiwi, remove the screw, the screen and spring is inside, pull them out, clean the screen real good, make sure you put them back in the same way you pulled them out. I clean mine ever time I change oil, I use 20/50 weight oil myself, usually Castrol but am changing to Royal Purple here soon

[beau44]

also its a good idea to clean the oil bag also, sludge builds up it over time, I take mine out, clean it with kerosene till the kerosene comes out clear,do mine after 3 to 4 oil changes, a little time doin this can save a load of trouble later, trust me

[Iron dog]

Kiwi 0ne i am the proud owner of a 1982 Shovelhead. When I changed to the recommended 20-50 oil by my HD dealer it started doing the same thing, specially on a hot day it would get hot and start rattling something ferrious in the top section, so i went to my freindly auto parts and purchased some Havoline could have been Valvoline 60 wt aircraft oil, Pennzoil makes a 70 wt aircraft oil as well.
They do alot of crop dusting out where I live and thats' what i would recommend you try.Do a good through clean out of your oil sytem, get the sludge out and good luck .Ole shovels can take alot of abuse but they need good oil!!

[Tim Vipond]

Here are some oil recommendations by AMSOIL in a Technical Service Bulletin for older Harleys at https://www.amsoil.com/lit/harley_davidson_TSB.pdf .