Primary chain lube
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 142
Primary chain lube
I have an 03 Road King Classic. What is the heaviest lube I can put in the primary. I'm running Lucas at the moment and prior to that formula. I notice that when hot both of those are like water. Can I put something heavier in that wont hurt the clutch? I know basically its a splash set up and really not for lubrication more so to just keep the chain wet. My chain is good, bearing fine, adjusted dead on but when hot its noisey. I know its the nature of the beast but when the bike is not a full operating temp, the primary is rather quiet till the lube thins out due to heat. Just looking for a weight number.
randy
randy
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
That's the only hole I use the Harley brand fluid. Nothings going to keep it quiet, so just run what you want. 130,000+ on mine and it's all original inside except for the stator. Original clutch plates and compensator. Go figure 
BOB
BOB
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 472
Likes: 59
From: farmington ny
Oil in the primary is for cooling more then lubing.I think with a heavy lube in there your going to have problems,especially with the clutch.try using a lube specific for the primary,like spectrol,redline,belray and so on.I also run mobil 1 4t racing in the primary,works great.you may also have a worn or loose chain.If your swapping oil maybe you should pop that cover and take a peek in there.check your ajuster shoe for deep wear marks.Ajust chain to spec.
Last edited by 1340hog; Jun 23, 2017 at 04:58 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
it's hotter here than it gets there...
I use the primary+.
here's the big thing- the clutch plates absorb lube.
if you start changing lubes it is possible that you have a lube in the primary which is not compatible with the lube absorbed in the clutch plates- and you get slipping
better for the clutch that whatever you use from the day you buy your plates and soak them in lube, ( whatever brand) that you use the same type
as for primary- I had great luck with the hayden m6 on both of my evos- a smart easy $75 job. mine was related to my worn out shoes ( at about 50k) and the result gave much smoother downshifts and low speed operation.
the 09 has harley's auto tensioner and so far so good
Mike
I use the primary+.
here's the big thing- the clutch plates absorb lube.
if you start changing lubes it is possible that you have a lube in the primary which is not compatible with the lube absorbed in the clutch plates- and you get slipping
better for the clutch that whatever you use from the day you buy your plates and soak them in lube, ( whatever brand) that you use the same type
as for primary- I had great luck with the hayden m6 on both of my evos- a smart easy $75 job. mine was related to my worn out shoes ( at about 50k) and the result gave much smoother downshifts and low speed operation.
the 09 has harley's auto tensioner and so far so good
Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,027
From: Carlsbad, CA
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,309
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From: Honah Lee
It truly is fine with Formula. It's 50W. It heavy enough for the huge clutch hub bearing and inner primary roller bearing. No detergent and thin enough for the chain. It's all rollers. Put 200K on my last car running 0W-20.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jun 23, 2017 at 10:06 PM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
The thicker oils will shift harder. I've tried a bunch and have settled on a mix of amsoil primary & atf(8ounce). I seen the formal plus when I drained a buds bike. I can see why alot like and use it. It has about the same consistenty as my mix.