Two weeks ago I picked up a 72 FX that needed some TLC for a fun project. In getting to know the bike it has an S&S oil pump on it but no drip line running to the primary, the port on the oil pump has a pipe plug in it.

I last owned a shovel in 1979 so the memory is somewhat dim. Does the primary chain only oil from the drip line? Do I need to add a fitting and line to the plugged off port?

 

Sounds like somebody isolated the primary, count the oil lines. You have a spaghetti mix going everywhere it's stock, you have 2 lines off the pump, the breather just above the pump and crank breather , the primary has been cut out of the system. You add primary oil just a late model.

 

I was out in the garage checking the oil lines and noticed a T fitting in one of the breather lines (bottom line) with a smaller line running to about the middle of the primary. The top breather line has a bolt in it for a plug. Would someone use the breather line as an oil source for the primary?

I have 2 twin cams and change the primary oil every 5K miles. Is the shovel the same, run the oil level to the bottom of the clutch basket and be done with it?

Your shovel is a great looking bike, hopefully this one will be that awesome someday. Took a compression test and got 120 from both jugs, took a look inside with a borescope and all looks good. Has an S&S Super E carb, adjustable pushrods and solids, and I do believe it may have a hotter cam as it has a real healthy but somewhat choppy idle. Has straight drag pipes which are going to be replaced by a Supertapp 2-1 system.

Thanks for your reply.

 

yes same...Mike

 

The standard oil pump connection will look like this. S&S may be a bit different but at least you have a reference point.



If your primary chain case was isolated the conversion would look similar to this

 

Great explanation and diagrams.

 

I have a question, I did this set up and plugged the rear chain oiler and set screw and now seems to build high pressure and blows my oil pressure gauges on rocker box? any idea what is happening? running st 50 wt thanks

 

From first read it seems your crankcase vent is not routed properly or not vented properly. Can you post up some pics?

 

Can I steal this thread? LOL! I figured as long as the topic was oil, I was wondering what is the advantage and disadvantage in blocking off the primary and just filling to bottom of clutch hub and change oil every 5k miles?

I think the only advantage to keeping it stock is if your engine seal pops a leak, at least your primary won't fill up with oil.

 

Hey panz4ever...I'm a furniture maker by trade. That's a nice engine stand you have there. Does it do the job?