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Author Topic: Gear oil in primary  (Read 2274 times)

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CVO Couple

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Gear oil in primary
« on: January 07, 2020, 11:11:51 AM »

Anybody using the Harley 80-140 gear oil or any other brand in their primary?
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grc

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #1 on: January 07, 2020, 02:30:36 PM »


No, why would you want to use 140 weight gear oil in the primary?  I'd recommend you stick with the standard 80 weight if you want to use a gear oil, make certain it is wet clutch compatible.  The 80w140 product is for the transmission.

Jerry
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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2020, 03:21:07 PM »

Harley list the 80w140 product as compatible in the primary drive for hot temps and heavy load riding, my thinking was its to thick and would cause more clutch dragging.
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scotman623

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #3 on: January 07, 2020, 03:24:47 PM »

I have not used it, but like you stated it can be used.. Good ole Redline for me..
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grc

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #4 on: January 07, 2020, 03:36:24 PM »


It's OK in the trans (people have been using other brands of 80w140 for decades in Harley transmissions), I'm not sure why they think a more viscous fluid would be good in the primary.  There is nothing in the primary that requires a higher load rated lubricant, it's basically a simple chain drive.  The auto industry uses ATF in their chain driven transfer cases these days (it's also what I use in the primary of my old Twin Cam), so obviously they don't think heavier is better.

Try it if you want and see what you think. 

Jerry
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scotman623

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #5 on: January 07, 2020, 03:41:56 PM »

I AGREE with you Jerry, it can be used , but never in my bike..
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hd-dude

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #6 on: January 07, 2020, 05:29:31 PM »

Can it be used? Yes.  Should it be used? NO!!!

Threephase

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #7 on: January 07, 2020, 05:30:31 PM »

It's OK in the trans (people have been using other brands of 80w140 for decades in Harley transmissions), I'm not sure why they think a more viscous fluid would be good in the primary.  There is nothing in the primary that requires a higher load rated lubricant, it's basically a simple chain drive.  The auto industry uses ATF in their chain driven transfer cases these days (it's also what I use in the primary of my old Twin Cam), so obviously they don't think heavier is better.

Try it if you want and see what you think. 

Jerry



Maybe because the auto industry is not using air cooled engines and the transfer cases are not subject to the same amount of heat? I switched my 2017 over to the 80-140 in trans and primary back in June before I headed to Colorado for 2 weeks. Bike performed flawless in hot and cold temps. No clutch drag. Transmission shifts easier and quieter and primary did not seem to feel/act any different.

When I used to have dirt bikes in the 70's, I cleaned my chains thoroughly. Then I took a jar of vaseline and scooped it out into a large metal coffee can (remember it is the 1970's) and then poured a quart of 50 wt oil in and heated it up on the stove burner. Once it was bubbling hot, i turned off the burner, waited 5 minutes then lowered my chain into the goo, waited a couple of minutes, lifted it up and let it drip. Chains seemed to last forever. So for me, a thicker oil for a chain is better. But that is just my humble opinion.
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skratch

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #8 on: January 07, 2020, 05:53:20 PM »

remember also that gear oil is rated differently than motor oil.  an 85w-140 is approx the same viscosity as a 20w-60 motor oil.  so while i wouldn't use it in the primary, it isn't as bad as it sounds.
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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2020, 06:40:42 PM »

Getting ready to use 80w-140 in the trans this winter. Be anxious to see the difference. I usually use SE SYN 3.
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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2020, 08:37:24 AM »

Its quieter, shifts smoother and easier to find neutral in both of mine.
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68 XLCH

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2020, 01:19:23 AM »

Formula + in the primary since new with good results.
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Texas 103

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #12 on: February 06, 2020, 01:46:28 PM »

Formula + in the primary since new with good results.

Redline MTL Has the additive in it that protects the compensator
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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #13 on: February 06, 2020, 07:24:36 PM »

Redline MTL Has the additive in it that protects the compensator

Interesting...do you have a source for that info?  I have a brand new comp and have had three go bad on me so I'd like to look into that.
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Texas 103

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Re: Gear oil in primary
« Reply #14 on: February 14, 2020, 09:54:32 AM »

Interesting...do you have a source for that info?  I have a brand new comp and have had three go bad on me so I'd like to look into that.

Yes, Redline MTL  spec sheet shows it has an EP (Extreme Pressure)  additive. Some of the other lubes may have that, I just want to know for sure it's in there.  I'm sure you are well aware of the Compensator gets hell beat out of it.   

This explains it way better than I could: Gear oil is a lubricant made specifically for transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials in ... EP additives which contain phosphorus/sulfur compounds are corrosive to ... The higher an oil's GL-rating, the more pressure can be sustained without any metal-to-metal contact taking place between transmission components.
« Last Edit: February 14, 2020, 09:58:23 AM by Texas 103 »
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