Primary Chain retrofit - Harley Forum

tstevens06 · #1 05-24-2009, 01:01 AM

I just left the first mechanic with my 79 FLH80 classic. A work of my own for about four winters to get it in good shape. I took it to him to do some grunt work (fork seals) After he fixed some usual problems that I had not noticed he suggested I seal up the primary oil line and pour in 3/4 quart of 60 wt. into the primary case. His reasoning was that the engine oil should not mix with the clutch oil since the clutch will put junk in the oil. This is supposed to be the reason I cant keep the lifters clean and pumped up. This bike has been getting better every year and my dad and brother (who drive goldwings) really admire it. (they only see it when its working fine, not when its exploded all over the garage floor.)
Has anyone ever heard of this being done? Is it a good idea?

frisco-rigid · #2 05-24-2009, 01:34 AM

Absolutely,,,, do it..

That is one of the goofiest things HD ever did---- connecting the motor & Primary system..
Do you run an Oil Filter.?
If not get one.. There are very good aftermarket kits,, I use them on all the sickles I build..

In those days using Motor oil in the primary was of course standard and still acceptable,, but Now there are good dedicated primary fluids I would use instead..

Have a ball

tstevens06 · #3 05-24-2009, 10:34 PM

Great, I will do it. Its good to get an opinion from someone with experience. Thanks. I try to do my own work unless I need special tools, like fork repairs. However I still believe in experts. I suppose the oil level will be critical since the clutch never really was intended to run "in" oil before. It seems like the level should be set so the chain dips in oil often enough to keep it lubed and the clutch is not submerged but gets a splash now and then. Do you have any more background on this conversion or any pointers like a recommended lube? Should I expect a leak at the inner and outer primary seal? How can I check the level once its been filled? I have so many questions but I will proceed carefully cause I only have one bike.

frisco-rigid · #4 05-25-2009, 04:27 AM

Hi T

You are absolutely correct,, you run a Dry Clutch..
The chain get's a steady drip of oil and does not run in a bath like the late 84 to present Wet clutch..

You have the right idea for sure,, let the chain just splash in it..
Follow your Mech's advice on how much,, heck he's close by and familiar with your sickle..
Once you get the level you want you can check it from time to time through the Inspection cover in the Outer,, that year should have one but I just don't recall for certain.. Ah, but you know,, if there are NO leaks, well, the level should not change..

In my little Suction Cup's chain primary I now use Drag Primary Lube..
You will read about and be advised by everyone under the sun about what is the best Lube for this or that but truth be known,, 99.99% of folk have No freakin idea what they're talkin about.. No one,, and I mean No one can say ---XX oil made my Blah blah run longer than it would have run using WW oil.. My point,, just pick a Name Brand primary lube but I do not think a Syn lube would be good for your older style clutches..

There should not be any leaks between the inner & outer if the gasket is good..

I am happy to hear that you will do and learn your own sickle,, YOU are the best friend & mechanic your sickle can have,,,,, your year is very simple especially if you have the Manual,,, you do have one don't you,, hmmmmm..??

Now,, If you want to do away with all the Drive Chain and Lube and Leak hassel etc etc. look into installing a Belt Drive.. No adjustment hassle's or leaks to worry over and with an 8mm 1.5" belt you can change your final drive gear ratio in minutes if you buy an extra Motor pulley and/or Clutch Shell Pulley..
Hmmm, I got a wee bit ahead of the topic there huh..

Expert huh----- do you know what an expert is----- an Ex is a "has been" and a Xpert is a drip under pressure..

tstevens06 · #5 05-25-2009, 07:39 PM

Got a manual, actually I have two. Harley and another after market. None talk about changing anything from stock. (as if the HD engineers were rocket scientists and always knew better) I used to have a VW and same issue here. So many major improvements can be made to the basics the factory provided that the bike becomes fun to work on. I can't say this for my current car. Nothing I can do to it could make it any better than stock. Maybe more fit to my needs but not overall better. but Im off the point now... thanks again. My next question will be on another post cause it seems to not be about oil.