I want to share with you the excellent results of my experiments with Militec-1. The test vehicle is a 1987 Harley Davidson Sportster (model XL) with the 1100 cubic centimeter engine. As you may not be familiar with the design of this particular motorcycle, the following description is provided so you may better interpret the test results.

The engine is a dry sump design in which the oil flows by gravity from the reservoir to the oil pump which in turn provides oil under pressure to all bearing surfaces. Every bearing in the engine is either roller or needle type including the roller tappet hydraulic valve lifters.

The transmission is a four speed constant mesh design integral to the engine case but lubricated by a separate oil supply. The wet clutch assembly and primary chain drive from the crankshaft sprocket to the clutch assembly share the transmission lubricating oil. The significance of the transmission integral to the engine is heat, a factor made even more critical since the engine is air cooled only and runs very hot.

Beginning with the engine oil test, I have been using Mobil ISW-50 synthetic oil since the first oil change at 3000 miles. The motorcycle currently has 19,000 miles on the odometer. Though not excessive, the engine has always used some oil between changes; until Militec-1 was added! Now there is no oil consumption between the 5000 mile change intervals. The real measurable gain, however, has been in fuel consumption. Because there is no fuel gage on a Sportster and the tank holds only 2.25 gallons, I monitor fuel milage very carefully. Every tank refill calculated 55 miles per gallon; again until Militec-1 was added. Milage now consistently calculates at 60 miles per gallon, a 9% increase which obviously reflects less internal friction releasing more power to the rear wheel. Though I do not have documented speed tests, I feel the engine revs more quickly and easily. Another measurable parameter is internal engine parts wear and fit; usually a concern with high performance, high temperature air cooled engines. To quickly determine the health of this engine, a compression test was run. The shop manual states that a normal compression reading is 140 PSIG. The test on this engine yielded readings of 185 PSIG for each cylinder indicating not only the absence of wear but also an excellent fit between the cylinders, pistons, rings, valve/valve guides and seats.

P.O. Box 516, Saint Louis, MO 63166-0516 (314) 232-0232 TELEX 44-857

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