Oil change concerns..Air filter?????

[V-Twin hiCROSS]

I just switched to Mobil 1 synthetic on my last oil change. I used 5W30. What is the difference between 5W30 and the 0W30 mentioned above? I don't recall ever seeing 0W30, could he have meant 10W30? Any knowledgable feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Neal

[Doc4h]

Just started doing mine myself and used Valvoline 20W50 and what a difference. I was getting valve noise and the power just seemed a bit off, you know the car just felt wrong, but after the switch she feels GREAT. I have about 57,000 mile on her. I switched to 20W50 because with my motorcycle as the weather gets warmer you us a heavier oil and if you look at the owner manual for the VX there is a chart on what temp range goes with what oil. Even when I was not doing the oil change my self I would always tell who ever did it what to use. For example in the winter 5W30 in the summer 20W50.

[mbeach]

What is the difference between 5W30 and the 0W30 mentioned above? I don't recall ever seeing 0W30, could he have meant 10W30?
Neal

I meant 0W30. It's a slightly lighter weight than the 5W30 that you mentioned. Essentially it's a 30 that'll flow like a 0 when it gets hot. It's not going to be very common in the southern states, where cold weather isn't so much of a factor.

[VXNIT]

I live in Daytona Fl and it is always hot, I thought 5W30 is reco weight for high temp area and usage. is there any issues going synthetic and once you go synthetic do you have to stick with that oil????Thanks

[V-Twin hiCROSS]

I have been considering going to synthetic for about 3 years. I just had trouble justifying triple the cost of oil. Well, my beast rolled over 65K miles this month, so I made the switch.

VXNIT - No issues with switching to synthetic. Some might argue, but I would not say that you are committed to it from here-on-out. You could switch at any time. However, I would recommend sticking with one oil over time. Only reason I say that is because some oils do not mix so well, and can cause gunky build-up if mixed. Penzoil was notorious for this.

Back to the oil weight question: So I should maybe use 20W30 in the summer, and 5W30 in the winter? I live in Missouri where we have 95 degree summers, and 20 degree winters. Let me know what you all suggest.

Thanks,

[Chef]

Whoa there! The fram filter idea might not be so good. According to some research I did a couple months back, Supertech filters sold at Wal-Mart for $1.97 out-performed the fram due to a heavier duty by-pass valve and better filtering media. Also according to this test, Wix and Purolator or the equivolent Napa Gold filters were a couple of the best. Regarding oil who knows. I've seen some pretty crazy test results and have wondered what to run. A friend suggested valvoline 0-40 as it tested better than mobil 1 but I haven't taken the plunge yet. I also belong to a grand prix forum where the boys send samples back for testing on a regular basis. Mobil 1 does rock but the valvoline seems to protect the motor for a longer period of time.