'82 FLT Oil Bath Chain Delete Help
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 169
Likes: 69
From: Long Island, New York
'82 FLT Oil Bath Chain Delete Help
Hello,
I recently picked up an '82 FLT and when I went to change out the tires I found what a complete disaster mess that oil bath drive chain is. The rear hub has 3 tapered bearings and it was missing one. A whole stack of spacers and a 1/2 quart of oil came out of just the center hub. The rear sprocket is toast and I'd like to just run it open with a new style o-ring chain. Can anyone tell me what parts I need to replace the rear sprocket and get rid of that ridiculous set up? Where does all that oil come from? The service manual shows a hose from the oil pump going to it in the previous year but in '82 it was eliminated. Does it leak in from the primary? That housing was way over full when I drained it. I think oil from the tranny got in there since it was pretty low on oil. Is there a way to put some sealed bearings and a spacer for the sprocket or something back there and throw the housing in the garbage?
Thanks,
Nick
I recently picked up an '82 FLT and when I went to change out the tires I found what a complete disaster mess that oil bath drive chain is. The rear hub has 3 tapered bearings and it was missing one. A whole stack of spacers and a 1/2 quart of oil came out of just the center hub. The rear sprocket is toast and I'd like to just run it open with a new style o-ring chain. Can anyone tell me what parts I need to replace the rear sprocket and get rid of that ridiculous set up? Where does all that oil come from? The service manual shows a hose from the oil pump going to it in the previous year but in '82 it was eliminated. Does it leak in from the primary? That housing was way over full when I drained it. I think oil from the tranny got in there since it was pretty low on oil. Is there a way to put some sealed bearings and a spacer for the sprocket or something back there and throw the housing in the garbage?
Thanks,
Nick
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
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From: Cental, MI
Luckily I kept my Chain Stuff, in good repair on the '83 FLHT. One day, just because, I replaced the Chain.. Big Job...Didn't really need replacing...I still run that chain on an Ironhead!!! I love the enclosed chain..zero Maintenance (unless you count checking tension once a year) and zero Mess... No more Racing Stripe up the Bitter Half's Back!!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2025
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From: Long Island, New York
Anything I take off my old bikes goes in a box and gets sold with them if/when they go. I wouldn't actually throw them out. The rubber accordion parts hold oil but they're pretty mushy. There was nothing clean about any of what was going on back there. None of my other chain drive bikes have ever had such a goofy thing. I think it's trash and don't want to use it. I've seen other people do it, so I'm hoping someone here can tell me what I need.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2025
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From: Long Island, New York
Lol, probably not anymore on mine. Let's just say the old chain added a little clearance. I would probably just leave it alone if the sprockets weren't worn. But thanks, I'll take that into consideration. I have a chain I can test it. I would imagine the o-ring chain is wider?
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,572
From: NC USA
This is the only place I know of to get a new sprocket and it takes some machine work.
Note - the hub is not included, only the sprocket.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31304856214...3ABFBMtN69u8lm
Note - the hub is not included, only the sprocket.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31304856214...3ABFBMtN69u8lm
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 169
Likes: 69
From: Long Island, New York
Thanks. I'm not sure I want to get that carried away unless I have to. I was kinda hoping there was a hub/spacer available to run some sort of a normal sprocket. I know it's popular to go from the belt to a chain so I was thinking the parts from one of those kits might work or something, if the wheels were the same. After a reinspection of the rear sprocket I don't think it's as bad as I had originally thought. I might be able to squeeze a few more miles out of it if need be. The teeth aren't bent or anything, they're just getting a little pointy, but they still have a small margin left. Also, I don't think oil gets into the drive chain area from anywhere. I think you have to fill it manually in '82. At least that's the best I can figure from the manual.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 2,572
From: NC USA
Thanks. I'm not sure I want to get that carried away unless I have to. I was kinda hoping there was a hub/spacer available to run some sort of a normal sprocket. I know it's popular to go from the belt to a chain so I was thinking the parts from one of those kits might work or something, if the wheels were the same. After a reinspection of the rear sprocket I don't think it's as bad as I had originally thought. I might be able to squeeze a few more miles out of it if need be. The teeth aren't bent or anything, they're just getting a little pointy, but they still have a small margin left. Also, I don't think oil gets into the drive chain area from anywhere. I think you have to fill it manually in '82. At least that's the best I can figure from the manual.
Good luck 👍