[Bulletbaz]

Regarding primary drive lubrication on electric start models, I gather it is prudent to fill the case with about 1 litre of oil (preferably motor oil such as 15w-40?) for better lubrication of the electric-starter mechanism. Can anyone tell me if the level plug on this model is positioned for 420ml of oil, as required by the non-E.S. engine, or 840ml that I understand is the later factory recommendation? (Thus enabling me to approximately guess how much extra to put in without draining). Thanks!        

[PhilJ]

They're 420 ml, and good luck if you can find anything that has a mark for 420 ml. I stick in 500 ml and forget it till the next change. I'll know if it needs checking 'cause I look at my bike.

[UncleErnie]

Yeah- strange amount.  I put in something like 440ml of 10-30.  Some people like to fill it up, but my bike hasn't complained.

[DVDitman]

I don't know exactly how many ml's I put in, but I just fill it with Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF 'til it runs out of the level hole. Been doing this for about 10,000 miles - no problems - nice, smooth clutch.

[Military Mike]

HELLO: I just bought a 2008 Military IRON LUNG. and the manual said to pull the big center screw out (on the left gear shift, primary side) and look for oil to ooze out. When I did that, oh it oozed out all right, all out of the bottom of the whole case. IS THIS THE ONLY SCREW THAT HOLDS THAT CASE ON?
I was told by someone to just pull out the small bottom screw (the 11mm one) and just fill it until it oozes from there. Is that enough oil in that primary case? He said that if I put too much in the clutch might slip?
SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS HOW DO I CHECK THIS LEVEL AND KNOW HOW MUCH TO PUT IN.
the other side on the right seems easy to just use the dipstick and only fill it until it shows, otherwise I get smoke (according to previous owner).
SO is is 20/40 in the main and primary cases right? Please help me before I mess this thing up HIS NAME IS GEORGE AFTER THE GEORGE TOWNSHEND WHO STARTED THIS WHOLE MAGICAL THING CALLED ENFIELD. thank you all. and GOD BLESS.

[Geirskogul]

WHAT?

[1Blackwolf1]

HELLO: I just bought a 2008 Military IRON LUNG. and the manual said to pull the big center screw out (on the left gear shift, primary side) and look for oil to ooze out. When I did that, oh it oozed out all right, all out of the bottom of the whole case. IS THIS THE ONLY SCREW THAT HOLDS THAT CASE ON?
I was told by someone to just pull out the small bottom screw (the 11mm one) and just fill it until it oozes from there. Is that enough oil in that primary case? He said that if I put too much in the clutch might slip?
SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS HOW DO I CHECK THIS LEVEL AND KNOW HOW MUCH TO PUT IN.
the other side on the right seems easy to just use the dipstick and only fill it until it shows, otherwise I get smoke (according to previous owner).
SO is is 20/40 in the main and primary cases right? Please help me before I mess this thing up HIS NAME IS GEORGE AFTER THE GEORGE TOWNSHEND WHO STARTED THIS WHOLE MAGICAL THING CALLED ENFIELD. thank you all. and GOD BLESS.

   You have pulled the case mount bolt out instead of the fill plug.  The fill plug is the 18mm flat headed bolt, not the round one headed one.  And yes the 11mm plug is the level plug.  Will.

[Rick Sperko]

The manual pissed me off with that one. It was all over my driveway. Ahh, good times, good times...

Anyway there are a number of threads on this. I currently use Mobile 1 synthetic ATF. Many others use other products, but most seem to use ATF and it works well. I fill it until it comes out of the hole with the 11mm nut, then close the level hole and pour a couple more oz in for the starter mechanism.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[GreenForce82]

Has anyone run straight LUCAS brand transmission fix stuff,

I have used it in my 99 Lincoln continental since I bought it and the trans shifts smooth and solid for being a notoriously weak trans for the 275hp 275 torque (its an unmodified except for the housing, ford Taurus transmission...)

I only ask because I like to try different things and would be willing to try if no one else has and also if there are no contraindications to using such fluid in the primary case...

[mbevo1]

Has anyone run straight LUCAS brand transmission fix stuff,

If it works in a transmission, it'll probably work in a Bullet... don't know if I'd buy it special, though...

I put in about 3/4 quart to a full quart of whatever I have 3/4 quart to a full quart of (new) when I change the engine oil (every 1500mi).  Have used 5W30, 10W30, 30W, 20W50 and ATF.  No clutch or sprague problems.  Doesn't seem to matter a lot, in my experience.  Primary oil was pretty dirty during break-in fluid changes, but stays pretty clean now.  I suspect I could probably switch to replacing it every other engine oil change without a problem, but I sorta like changing all the fluids...

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan

[CGRLCDR]

On my 2006 RE Classic when I attempted to check the level on the side case by removing the plug, the whole side case came loose.  Did I do something wrong?  How do you check the level if the whole case comes off when you go to check it?

[Rick Sperko]

There is another thread going on about this. The manual that came with my 06 is wrong. It shows the nut that holds the primary cover on as the level check. Below it is a 11mm bolt. That is the level check. I had a mess on my driveway as a result of the manual.

-Rick

[mbevo1]

For the ES bikes, the general opinion from the experts seems to be to forget the filler hole (which corresponds to 400 and something ml) and put in 750ml, or 800ml, or a quart. 

Extra oil is an attempt to improve lube to the sprague clutch.  I've put in eveything from 450ml to a quart and is hasn't  affected clutch operation on my bike...

Your mileage may vary...

mike and Stumpy in Michigan

[Military Mike]

I have noticed that I only have ridden about 50 miles and the oil that was nice, clean and new now looks a bit "grey" and smells gas-like...like there may be gas in it. I checked the spark plug and it looks a little light in colour...not running rich, I don't think. ANY IDEAS out there? is this just typical?
ALSO> MY REAL EMAIL IS Krooked8@hotmail.com and somehow I can't edit the one that is showing, which is my wife's at bunkindiana@ hotmail.com.

[mbevo1]

When I got my new '07 iron lung, I changed engine and primary fluids at 50, 200, 500, and 1000 miles.  Primary fluid was pretty grey for the first couple of changes.  Probably from initial wear of the clutch.  Primary chain needed adjustment, too...

I change the primary oil every 1500 miles now (along with the engine oil).  I could probably go to 3000 miles on it, as it doesn't get real dirty anymore, and the primary chain doesn't get too slack, either.

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan

[REpozer]

I currently run a liter of "dino" 20w-50 oil in the primary.
No leaks from the gasket so I assume I still have a full litre in the primary.

Now for the engine side I am currently running 15w-50 syn. I do live in cool climate and usually go no farther  then 50 miles at a time.So I am considering trying 15w-40 "dino"next time,since heat is not a factor for me as no to worry about "coking" up the oil line.


M. Moore, If you are describing engine oil, YES! Do an oil change.