Primary Chain ????
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Johnstown, PA
Primary Chain ????
Ok, since I did my 40 K maintenance, I am hearing a whining like sound in 4th gear, from 2-4K RPMs while under load.
I used ATF type F in the primary, and also checked the chain deflection.
My questions are: on older models like mine without the automatic adjusters, is the stock bottom plasic thing that puts pressure on the chain spring loaded?
***my chain deflextion is about 3/8 cold, and spec is 5/8, and I cant losen it up at all, it is at the lowest point.***
I bought my bike used, since it is spring loaded, could an upgraded automatic tensioner been installed? And can the 1/4" diference in deflection from spec hurt anything?
Could the ATF type F or the chain tension be the source of the "whine"?
I used ATF type F in the primary, and also checked the chain deflection.
My questions are: on older models like mine without the automatic adjusters, is the stock bottom plasic thing that puts pressure on the chain spring loaded?
***my chain deflextion is about 3/8 cold, and spec is 5/8, and I cant losen it up at all, it is at the lowest point.***
I bought my bike used, since it is spring loaded, could an upgraded automatic tensioner been installed? And can the 1/4" diference in deflection from spec hurt anything?
Could the ATF type F or the chain tension be the source of the "whine"?
Last edited by steelerdude1; Aug 19, 2011 at 03:58 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
I'm not sure where the trend to put automatic transmission fluid in the primary came from, but I personally do not see a good reason to do it. I believe you will get better lubrication using the Formula + or even better, the Syn3 20w/50. I use the Syn3 and have so far not had any of the problems that you hear so much about on these forums with primary noises, breaking, etc. Synthetic nearly always lubes better than standard lubes and way better than ATF. While ATF does lubricate, it is also primarily a hydraulic fluid, which is why it is in automatic transmissions as those things have fluid pressurized valves and clutch packs. Because of this it is much lighter in viscosity, especially when hot.
As to the adjuster, a 1/4" should not make much difference for the chain, unless you have some tight spots in it. More than likely if you were able to turn the engine a bit the chain would be looser at other places. I don't know if there is a way to put the auto chain adjuster in a pre-2007 touring primary. As long as you maintain your adjustment, there isn't a need for the auto adjuster.
As to the adjuster, a 1/4" should not make much difference for the chain, unless you have some tight spots in it. More than likely if you were able to turn the engine a bit the chain would be looser at other places. I don't know if there is a way to put the auto chain adjuster in a pre-2007 touring primary. As long as you maintain your adjustment, there isn't a need for the auto adjuster.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
I'm not sure where the trend to put automatic transmission fluid in the primary came from, but I personally do not see a good reason to do it. I believe you will get better lubrication using the Formula + or even better, the Syn3 20w/50. I use the Syn3 and have so far not had any of the problems that you hear so much about on these forums with primary noises, breaking, etc. Synthetic nearly always lubes better than standard lubes and way better than ATF. While ATF does lubricate, it is also primarily a hydraulic fluid, which is why it is in automatic transmissions as those things have fluid pressurized valves and clutch packs. Because of this it is much lighter in viscosity, especially when hot.
As to the adjuster, a 1/4" should not make much difference for the chain, unless you have some tight spots in it. More than likely if you were able to turn the engine a bit the chain would be looser at other places. I don't know if there is a way to put the auto chain adjuster in a pre-2007 touring primary. As long as you maintain your adjustment, there isn't a need for the auto adjuster.
As to the adjuster, a 1/4" should not make much difference for the chain, unless you have some tight spots in it. More than likely if you were able to turn the engine a bit the chain would be looser at other places. I don't know if there is a way to put the auto chain adjuster in a pre-2007 touring primary. As long as you maintain your adjustment, there isn't a need for the auto adjuster.
Thanks for the info, I did find some info on the auto tensioners, and mine has been upgraded. Mine looks like the automatic one.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...ts/-J03784.pdf
Maybe I should drain the ATF and refill with Formula +. I went with the ATF because I was told that it helps the "jump" when starting cold. With thicker fluids like form + the clutch plates stick together and cause the jump. Changeing to ATF didn't help that at all. clutch is adjusted properly.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
I didn't know H-D had an auto tensioner for upgrading older bikes, thanks for the info. If you have that I wouldn't be too concerned with the tension unless there is no deflection or its floppy as hell. Try working the lever a few times then holding it in several seconds before putting it in gear. May still jump a little but that is a normal thing. I try to let my bike warm up till the rocker cover starts getting warm before I take off and don't have the jump trouble.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Johnstown, PA
When I checked it it was good, did not need adjusted, I did just double check it, and it is right with in spec.
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Sorry I don't know if there's a max tolerance amount but I have seen some that were experiencing weird sounds, replaced, problem solved.
Good luck!
