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Primary oil

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by skull2007, Jan 26, 2008.

  1. skull2007

    skull2007 Active Member

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    i'm beginning to think syn. isn't a good idea for the primay due to it being to good of a lube; to slippery:eek: beginning to think regular oil might work better:confused: what due you guys use and think on this matter
  2. mwelych

    mwelych Active Member

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    Dude, I've been going with OEM from the get go... Of course I have an EVO, and was told no synthetics period. Hope that helps...:)
  3. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    i run amsoil in all three holes on my 03 e glide now has 52k plus on it no trouble at all hope this helps
  4. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    I actually run the H-D syn in my primary, no problems on my 04, but sadly only have 7K miles on her....
  5. ringo912

    ringo912 Active Member

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    Same as Cowboy with 30K on my 02' Heritage. My brother has a 92 FLHS with a stroked EVO. The engine was stock when he bought the bike. He had the stroker kit done in 05'. He has been running Redline synthectics in all 3 holes since he bought the bike in 02' and has had no problems at all.
  6. Dakota

    Dakota New Member

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    Some knowledgeable people on another forum suggested ATF type F for the primary, especially if you have any trouble finding neutral. I tried it and it really helped. Plus they recommended using the regular, cheap stuff so you can change it often if you want, which wouldn't be a bad idea as it collects quite a bit of crap from the clutch plates.
    Plus it makes sense as the primary works with clutch plates similar to an automatic transmission.
  7. HAMSHOG

    HAMSHOG New Member

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    I'm running Amsoil 10/40 in the primary with no problem. 41,000 miles.:D
  8. skull2007

    skull2007 Active Member

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    is it still the org. clucth?


    i've been using amsoil in all 3, but am starting to think on using either redline or trans fluid. have a ?:

    would going from oil to trans fluid cause a problem with having residual oil still in the primary. would they mix without a problem:confused:
  9. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i dont think you would have a compatability problem......:)
  10. Fat_Henry

    Fat_Henry New Member

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    I ride a ten year old evo Fat Boy with Red Line in all Three Holes and no problems at all. I like it because its a liitle cooler on my right leg, the tranny is quieter and I can find neutral easier.

    <><
  11. cardboard

    cardboard Well-Known Member

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    Runnin Amsoil MCV 20-50 in Motor and primary, Runnin SVO 75-90 in Transmission.

    Where yer gonna git into a problem is if you have dino oil in yer primary and go to synthetic and back to dino oil and try to go back to synthetic :cheers: yer going to git gum kinda stuff build up in the primary causing you a very big problem. Need to deceide what you want to go with in the primary and stick with it.
  12. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    I've used synthetic (amsoil) in my primary for years. In fact this is the third bike I've used it in without any problem nor slipping. Personally I don't think the argument between synthetic or dino is that much of an issue when it comes to the primary. The primary needs cooling more than lubrication which is why most use a lighter 10/40 in the chain case as opposed to the 20/50 in the engine. As long as you avoid oils with friction modifiers you should be in good shape.

    BTW, its great to see a message thread on synthetic oil last for several days without war breaking out. Maybe people are too busy arguing about which candidate they hate more. :p
  13. skull2007

    skull2007 Active Member

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    more than one thing to look at inside there

    :confused: when it comes to the primary we have 3 things to consider as i see it:

    the clucth pack which needs no real lube, but needs a fluid to cool it. transmission fluid would the ideal choice i woul think

    the chain and gears which likely would do best with a heavy syn. oil

    then of course the adjuster pad. do you guys think trans fl would work well with this:confused:
  14. ironhorse

    ironhorse Active Member

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    running amsoil 20/50 in all three also had the syn3 from the dealer for the first 5000
  15. birch

    birch New Member

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    I have 100k + miles on my Roadking.
    1st 10K were with OEM
    2nd 60k were Red Line
    after that a used Mobile 1
    I just pulled the primary and the chain was okay, compansator sprocket, a little worn, adjuster good as new.
  16. dukeofdirt

    dukeofdirt New Member

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    95 FATBOY Amsoil 20/50 in all three.

    04 ROADKING Mobil 1 20/50 in all three.

    No problems.
  17. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Theres no problem going back and forth between syn and dyno, in a primary, motor or trans, that's been done to death and an old mechanics tale.

    Syn in the primary should allow the clutch plates to disengage better and should keep the chain lubed better and cooler.

    In fact hd's primary oil is a semi-syn or a blend.

    ATF is what Rivco says to run in a closed primary with their pro clutch and that is what I use.
  18. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    skull yes it the orgianl clutch in my bike 52 K + & no trouble from it yet , I have check the chain through the insp hole all look's good , I goin the pull the primer cover in a few days ( got a chrome one for it ) I will let you know what it look's like then
  19. fxdxriderleo

    fxdxriderleo Active Member

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    pimary oil

    i have been researching oils for a while now and at most sites they agree that in the primary any oil will work to keep the chain lubed. as for the clutch an oil that is to heavy will cause clutch drag, if you have clutch drag and you use a 20w50 oil, switching to a 10w40 will help. using an atf will do the same thing. what ever you use change it regular. i am using amsoil 20w50 in all three. i have a noise from the right side, i think it is gear whine from the trans. next change i am going to use amsoil 20w50 in engine, amsoil 10w40 in primary, and amsoil 75w90 in the trans.
  20. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    sounds like a good plan.....just stick with it!!:)

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