Primary/final drive..
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Stage III
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
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From: D'burg NY
Primary/final drive..
I have a 79' FX with four speed tranny and a chain final drive. I just bought a Primo 1 3/4" primary belt drive and sprockets and a belt to convert the final drive. I was just wondering if anyone else has done this and if there are any problems I should expect to run into. Everything I bought says "bolts right in" on in but I know from past expierences that nothing ever just bolts right in. Thanks.
I believe the rear belt, if you are using a harley belt and sprockets, will require a belt drive inner primary. I only worked on one in my life. The fella who owned it broke a primary chain and it destroyed the inner primary. To go back to the rear belt, he had to buy a belt drive inner primary. (clearances)
As far as Primo, if they say bolt in, it probably does.
One thing to consider. Harley only made a twin belt a couple of years. There is no "Give" in the system, between the primary belt and the rear belt, whereas the primary chain has a compensator to absorb torque and take some of the strain off of the rear belt. When you hammer it, you are one more throttle twist closer to a broken rear belt. Keep a spare rear belt at home. If you are nice to it, it'll last quite a while.
As far as Primo, if they say bolt in, it probably does.
One thing to consider. Harley only made a twin belt a couple of years. There is no "Give" in the system, between the primary belt and the rear belt, whereas the primary chain has a compensator to absorb torque and take some of the strain off of the rear belt. When you hammer it, you are one more throttle twist closer to a broken rear belt. Keep a spare rear belt at home. If you are nice to it, it'll last quite a while.
Last edited by AlCherry; Jan 7, 2010 at 12:34 PM.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: deland,florida
we`ve done it a couple times years ago,dont know how your going to not get a belt drive inner primary,unless its a skinny little belt,or alot of machining & fab work
kirby
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kirby
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
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From: Florida
I am going to convert my 1980 FLH to belt primary someday soon. I'm mostly interested in reducing vibration and not having a leaky primary all the time. I have heard that the primary needs to be ventilated or the heat build-up will shorten belt life. How is the belt tensioned in a closed primary? I see some kits that do not have an idler pulley or anything. I'm not 100% up to speed on all this.
Oops
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 333
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From: Pantego,NC.
My advice is STAY AWAY FROM PRIMARY BELTS Unless you wanna walk,or wrench on the side of the road.
I tried it and had to learn the hard way.
I tried it and had to learn the hard way.
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 22
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From: Florida
What are the downsides? Are the belts constantly breaking? I have no problem changing them on regular intervals if it cuts back on oil leaks and vibration.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: NW Florida
I am going to convert my 1980 FLH to belt primary someday soon. I'm mostly interested in reducing vibration and not having a leaky primary all the time. I have heard that the primary needs to be ventilated or the heat build-up will shorten belt life. How is the belt tensioned in a closed primary? I see some kits that do not have an idler pulley or anything. I'm not 100% up to speed on all this.