Clutch Oil for 48 Indian Chief?

[Larry Barnes]

For years I've been using straight 30 W oil in the clutch side of my Indians. Recently I watched Kiwi Mike's video about oils to be used and he recommends a particular 50 W oil, the same as you put in the oil tank for the bottom end. I've always used Valvoline 20-50 VR1 Racing Oil in my bottom end.

My clutch/primary side is separated from the transmission because I have a four-speed tranny.

My question is should I continue using straight 30 W in my clutch/primary side, or can I just use more of my Valvoline 20-50? I've always wondered why you couldn't use a "more modern" oil in there? But is that going to mess up the plates and the friction amount needed to engage the gears and not slip, I wonder? Or would the multi-weight/heavier oil actually help my clutch action?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Indian Larry

[T. Cotten]

For years I've been using straight 30 W oil in the clutch side of my Indians. Recently I watched Kiwi Mike's video about oils to be used and he recommends a particular 50 W oil, the same as you put in the oil tank for the bottom end. I've always used Valvoline 20-50 VR1 Racing Oil in my bottom end.

My clutch/primary side is separated from the transmission because I have a four-speed tranny.

My question is should I continue using straight 30 W in my clutch/primary side, or can I just use more of my Valvoline 20-50? I've always wondered why you couldn't use a "more modern" oil in there? But is that going to mess up the plates and the friction amount needed to engage the gears and not slip, I wonder? Or would the multi-weight/heavier oil actually help my clutch action?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Indian Larry

Considering it has worked for years, Indian Larry,..

Its time to play with it!

What are the complaints?

....Cotten

[pisten-bully]

The VR1s are really good engine oil, yet they are detergent oils (aren't they?) Might factor in to your decision because as I understand it, detergent oils keep the dirty stuff in suspension so that when they pass through an oil filter the filter catches it. Without any filtration then, the dirty stuff will be more apt to flow between your clutch plates? Who knows...give it a try!

[PaulCDF]

Larry;
I have a 4spd (Byford) transmission in my 46 Chief. Separated primary and transmission. I run Royal Purple Gear Oil though likely any 75W-140 synthetic would work.
My choice was based on when Starklite bought the rights to supply/build the Byford that is the oil recommended on their site. (Though Royal Purple no longer listed on Kurlys)

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

Sportsters use the same primary/transmission fluid type that Indians use. I have been using Bell Ray for many years with no issues.


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[DEEBS47Chief1991]

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