1982 FXR Primary Case - Need To Vent?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: CA Central Sierra Mountains - Calaveras County
1982 FXR Primary Case - Need To Vent?
Recently I aquired an 82 FXR from a family estate. It needed various work to get on the road, including a new clutch and starter and starter drive. When I took it apart, it was apparent that it had been run for along time without oil in the primary. The original primary chain oil supply and return had been removed and plugged. The tranny shaft bearing on the inner primary cover had been replaced with a sealed bearing, obviously to convert the primary to hold the fluid and not circulate it.
In that case, wouldn't it need to be vented? I could not see that the case was vented in any way. It did not have vented covers, and it appeared to be sealed up tight.
I've replaced the chain, sprockets, tensioner, clutch basket, and new Energy One plates and discs. I plan to run it as a wet system.
Do I need to vent the case? If so, how would I go about it?
Looking forward to any help, thanks.
In that case, wouldn't it need to be vented? I could not see that the case was vented in any way. It did not have vented covers, and it appeared to be sealed up tight.
I've replaced the chain, sprockets, tensioner, clutch basket, and new Energy One plates and discs. I plan to run it as a wet system.
Do I need to vent the case? If so, how would I go about it?
Looking forward to any help, thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
At the back of the inner primary where the old chain oiler fitting is (1/4 in ) Why not run a hose up the back and put a filter on it and let it breath (to atmosphere ) The 3/8 in orig prim breather might be too low The oil level in a sealed inner prim should be just on the starter ring gear not much higher
Stage II
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: mcclure PA
do not vent it! if you have it all "hooked" up correctly you should not vent it. it is supposed to hold a few psi.the primary oiler takes care of the chain,and there is another line that draws oil out of your primary and sends it back to the oil tank. i was always told if you vent the primary(or have a derby/inspection cover gasket break) that the primary will collect oil and it wont return to the tank properly. when this happens it will get on your clutch discs and cause slippage!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 34
From: Texas
With an isolated primary there should be no reason to "vent" it. If I am not mistaken it could vent somewhat through the shaft from the primary to the transmission - which has a vent.
Likely, you do not have a wet primary, now. With the bike sitting straight up, you pour in enough of your preferred fluid (some like Ford ATF, others plain ole 30wt oil and I use HD transmission/primary fluid) to just touch the bottom of the clutch basket.
This approach will allow the clutch basket to sling oil around in there lubing your primary chain and cooling the stator.
Likely, you do not have a wet primary, now. With the bike sitting straight up, you pour in enough of your preferred fluid (some like Ford ATF, others plain ole 30wt oil and I use HD transmission/primary fluid) to just touch the bottom of the clutch basket.
This approach will allow the clutch basket to sling oil around in there lubing your primary chain and cooling the stator.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 306
Likes: 7
From: Somewhere, PA
At the back of the inner primary where the old chain oiler fitting is (1/4 in ) Why not run a hose up the back and put a filter on it and let it breath (to atmosphere ) The 3/8 in orig prim breather might be too low The oil level in a sealed inner prim should be just on the starter ring gear not much higher
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 388
Likes: 13
From: Richmond, Virginia
I know this is an old thread, but I am doing the primary isolation thing on my 83 fxr. It has a sealed bearing with no seal. There is also no room for a seal. If I just use anarobic sealer against the case, will that be sufficient to hold fluid back?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
a few different bearings with shields are available that allow you to use a seal ask a local indy for help with that save you buying stuff you don't need
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Cental, MI
If you get fluid that high in the case... yer runnin wayyyy too much oil...
I have never had any problems running just enough oil to get some on the chain...under the clutch basket...
I have never had any problems running just enough oil to get some on the chain...under the clutch basket...