Online: Stuart

Trans Oil

  • Jersey
    Jersey
    9 years ago

    Just wanted to comment on recent experience.  A bit handy so I do most of my own work on everything I have especially car boat and bike servicing.  Bought a twin cam recently and went to dealer to get some oils.  Figured for my first go on this ike I would use what the dealer recommended.  He gave me 6 quarts of 20/50 to use in Engine, trans and primary.  I didnt get it but I left with the oil.

    I was a car dealer mechanic a generation ago and i just couldnt put the 20/50 in my trans or primary.  Didnt seem right. 20/50 full synthetic in the engine No Problem.  I use full synthetic in all my engines nowadays.  Bought some Nulon 75/90 Semi Synthetic for the trans and used it.  Less Clunk and smoother shifts.  Happy with that decsion.  Havent done the Primary yet but wondering if anyone has a better idea than Motor oil for a Clutch Pack Assembly.  Seems like if its a wet clutch it would be better with Automatic Trans fluid.  Auto transmissions have wet clutch packs and have a similar operation.  Have any of you guys used other fluids in your primary's ?

  • Spook
    Spook
    9 years ago

    G'day Jersey, I use Mobil 1 V Twin full synthetic in all the holes in my 99 twin cam.

    https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-1/mobil-1-v-twin-motorcycle-oil

  • daddyracer56
    daddyracer56
    9 years ago

    atf is good for da clutch but maybe not to great for da chain i have use it heaps in my own bike's & still do in my race bike pri ,but for normay work i use HPR 40 Premium  Penrite it has no friction modify in it  , good for the chain & as thick as you would go for a clutch pack no drag & all being using in fellas bike's for years , it get pretty hot in there esp with chrome outer covers etc , iv'e seen some oils come out brown from hot use in da pri ,   no chain wear  with HPR 40    i use it in 1984 & up Sporty's also

  • Daggs
    Daggs
    9 years ago
    Yes I'm a strong non believer of using a motor engine oil in a gearbox! I use an industrial mobile 634 synthetic gear oil in my tranny and it is quiet as a mouse.
    I've played around with different primary oils, ran ATF for a long time because of the same thoughts as you, would be best for the wet clutch, I had no problems with it but started getting concerned that maybe it was a bit light, not oily enough for the chain and compensator seals etc.
    I'm now running a four stroke motorcycle engine gearbox oil (in the primary only), one that is made for an all in one solution .
  • Hudson76
    Hudson76
    9 years ago
    I would have thought this has been covered in numerous "Which oil is best" threads.

    While I don't believe that SYN3 is the best oil anyway it is safe to use in the primary. It doesn't have friction modifiers so is fine for the clutch pack. But personally I just wouldn't use it anyway. At present I'm running Penrite (same as Daddyracer56) in my engine, the older style ATF fluid in my primary and a proper gearbox oil in the trans. I don't know the grade of oil in there as my engine builder put it in when I had the 95" done, Though I suspect it is a heavier grade g'box oil.

    I changed to putting ATF in the primary on the advice of a local guy who is not only a HD mechanic but has been racing HD's in one form or another for nearly 30 years and he swears by it. He still runs it in a Dyna that is turbo'd so it must be good enough. In the next few weeks, when i get of my arse and change the bloody oil, I'm changing over to mobil1 V-twin oil for the engine. But for now i'll stick with the primary and trans as they are.
  • Jersey
    Jersey
    9 years ago
    Thanks Guys. Some great info. I'm glad I'm not alone and other guys are trying different things. Some good points on the ATF being a bit light for the chain. I still like the idea of the ATF and the 4 stroke Motorcycle oil suggestion. I'll be looking for a full Synthetic for the tranny next time as the synthetics handle the heat better and the twin Cams cases get pretty hot. I read somewhere of someone using 85/140 in the tranny as well. Maybe next time. For now though going up to the 75/90 gear oil in the tranny made a significant difference for the better in my opinion.