primary oil and chain
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 107
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From: appomattox,Va
primary oil and chain
I`n usuely on the EVO board but my buddy got a `71 iron head 900 sporty,need to know what grade of oil and how much goes in the chain case/tranny.Also how to adj. the primary chain and how much tension.Thanks now for any help. SkipC
Up to a certain year, i forget which exactly but it is after 1971, use the same oil in the primary as in the engine. A good choice would be straight 50W [60W in very hot climates], regular oil not synthetic.
Before that year [about 1976 or so] there is an oil transfer valve in the primary that causes some engine oil to mix with the primary oil. This is the reason for using the same in both. Some guys plug this valve. If this has been done then a good alternative would be HD Formula+ for the primary.
Plugging the oil transfer valve is very controversial. Some guys say absolutely do it, others say absolutely do not do it. You can find discussions on most any HD forum. Read and make a choice. I am in the "leave it in there fix it if it is broken" group.
Which oils to choose is also very controversial. The choices i mention here are the ones that i use.
This is the primary oil level screw ...
1.5 pints or until it drips out of this hole with the bike level then wait until it stops dripping.
Before that year [about 1976 or so] there is an oil transfer valve in the primary that causes some engine oil to mix with the primary oil. This is the reason for using the same in both. Some guys plug this valve. If this has been done then a good alternative would be HD Formula+ for the primary.
Plugging the oil transfer valve is very controversial. Some guys say absolutely do it, others say absolutely do not do it. You can find discussions on most any HD forum. Read and make a choice. I am in the "leave it in there fix it if it is broken" group.
Which oils to choose is also very controversial. The choices i mention here are the ones that i use.
This is the primary oil level screw ...
1.5 pints or until it drips out of this hole with the bike level then wait until it stops dripping.
Last edited by IronMick; Apr 22, 2011 at 05:56 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 481
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
You gotta pull the primary cover off to adjust the chain tension. 5/8" to 7/8" when cold or 3/8" to 5/8" when hot.
1 1/2 pint of trans fluid, I and a lot of folks use HD 60wt motor oil, there's obviously other products.
1 1/2 pint of trans fluid, I and a lot of folks use HD 60wt motor oil, there's obviously other products.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern On, Can
make sure the oil you use is not energy saving oil.It says right on the lil round label on every oil container.In my 77 which is the first yr of sealed primary I have been using 20-50 just like the engine it has worked gd so far.
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