Automatic Chain Oiler (homemade)

Dads_FJ · May 20, 2012, 05:11:46 PM

Just completed installation of my homemade automatic chain oiler. The reservoir is a Brembo 45ml used for brake systems (http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=595), it swings out to fill otherwise it tucks underneath the tail section. I replaced the rubber seal inside with an o-ring so it will continue to vent. The 12 vdc solenoid is switched through the ignition: 1/4" going in, 1/8" coming out. The bike is still appart for fitment of my shock so it might be a week until I test it on the street.

FJmonkey · May 20, 2012, 05:57:49 PM

Looks good, and simple to build. looking forward to hearing how well it works.

JMR · May 20, 2012, 09:01:41 PM

That does look well thought out but I have had a chain on my Hayabusa with over 75% more power last over 10,000 miles...and it is still on the bike......with no problems. DID Oring. 750 mile days etc. Simple lubing and it has been in the rain for hours coming back from Mid Ohio...(I'm in MA). I just think that Scott oilier philosophy died with good chains. Like I said...it looks good but I question the purpose. No offense but that chain looks beat too.

Dads_FJ · May 20, 2012, 10:03:22 PM

Quote from: JMR on May 20, 2012, 09:01:41 PM
That does look well thought out but I have had a chain on my Hayabusa with over 75% more power last over 10,000 miles...and it is still on the bike......with no problems. DID Oring. 750 mile days etc. Simple lubing and it has been in the rain for hours coming back from Mid Ohio...(I'm in MA). I just think that Scott oilier philosophy died with good chains. Like I said...it looks good but I question the purpose. No offense but that chain looks beat too.

No offense taken, however I'm courious what you are seeing that makes you believe the chain worn.
John

DB Cooper · May 21, 2012, 07:54:25 AM

Nice set up. How do you reguate the flow of oil, is it built into the solenoid?
Kevin

redneckracer · May 21, 2012, 08:20:48 AM

I may be wrong but I would imagine he's referring to the ammount of slack/sag I'm the chain. That is a cool idea, I am curious as to the functionality of it. also I would be worried that it would put too much oil on the chain causing it to sling all over the place, or worse, get under the tire and cause a slick spot. That could get messy real quick.

Dads_FJ · May 21, 2012, 08:43:00 AM

My initial plan is to control the flow rate with different viscosity oils. Right now it's a 50/50 mix of STP oil treatment and chainsaw bar-oil. With this 'mixture' there is one drop of oil every 30 seconds. I may add a universal 1/4" petcock right after the reservoir, I could regulate the flow that way as well as shut off the flow. Additionally, I thought of adding a circuit where if the brake light were on (like at a stop light), that would stop the flow. I'd hate to leave a puddle of oil at a long stop light. It may be all for nothing, but the parts were relatively cheap and it it keeps me out of the house where I cause trouble! I also go for long rides, I'm doing an iron-butt SS1000 in June - 1000 miles in 24 hours:

http://www.ironbutt.com/ridecerts/getdocument.cfm?DocId=1

and this way oiling the chain every 400 miles is one less thing I need to do.

oh the chain slack... The wheel is just in place for fitting and picture taking, there are no adjusters or axle nut in place.

Arnie · May 21, 2012, 10:27:44 AM

Dads,

Nice installation. Couple of items you might want to do to make it work better though.

1. Extend the tube exit to just above the lower run of the chain. Where you have it now will get the oil sucked out and thrown all over the sprocket, chain, wheel, and probably the cop driving behind you.

2. Put a valve inline to reduce the amount of oil that can flow thorough the 1/8" tube and/OR set your solenoid to only open when you brake. You'll have plenty of oil since you don't need much.

What I plan to do to mine when I re-do it is put a solenoid valve close to the swingarm pivot and have my oil outlet pipe feed at the countershaft sprocket.

Arnie

Dan Filetti · May 21, 2012, 10:35:59 AM

Quote from: redneckracer on May 21, 2012, 08:20:48 AM
I may be wrong but I would imagine he's referring to the ammount of slack/sag I'm the chain. That is a cool idea, I am curious as to the functionality of it. also I would be worried that it would put too much oil on the chain causing it to sling all over the place, or worse, get under the tire and cause a slick spot. That could get messy real quick.

The axle nut is not on, the chain will have slack....

Dads_FJ · May 21, 2012, 11:01:26 AM

Quote from: Arnie on May 21, 2012, 10:27:44 AM
Dads,

Nice installation. Couple of items you might want to do to make it work better though.

1. Extend the tube exit to just above the lower run of the chain. Where you have it now will get the oil sucked out and thrown all over the sprocket, chain, wheel, and probably the cop driving behind you.

2. Put a valve inline to reduce the amount of oil that can flow thorough the 1/8" tube and/OR set your solenoid to only open when you brake. You'll have plenty of oil since you don't need much.

What I plan to do to mine when I re-do it is put a solenoid valve close to the swingarm pivot and have my oil outlet pipe feed at the countershaft sprocket.

Arnie

"...and probably the cop driving behind you."

That *could* work in my favor! thinking James Bond... Good advice - I like the countershaft location you are considering, would make a much 'neater' installation. What oil do you use now on your setup?

fj1289 · May 21, 2012, 11:47:17 AM

Nicely done!

I'm thinking slightly thinner oil and use a push button to activate it when rolling fairly slow light coasting down for a traffic light or something.

Chris W

eddohawk · May 21, 2012, 03:28:08 PM

Most impressive! I'm curious about the location of the drip tube though given the scottoiler install recommends their tube is located at around 5 oçlock near the rear sprocket...

The General · May 21, 2012, 04:24:05 PM

Quote from: Arnie on May 21, 2012, 10:27:44 AM
Dads,

Nice installation. ............... Extend the tube exit to just above the lower run of the chain. ........... outlet pipe feed at the countershaft sprocket.

Arnie

+1. Makes sense to be on the inner line. I am playing with a chain guard extension (Easily cleanable) that adds another 160deg fling protection to the rear sprocket - ever since a frightening slide under power in a lefthander. (is there a commercially made one in existence? Randy?). - I reckon it makes a great safety device. Doug

Arnie · May 21, 2012, 07:58:38 PM

Dad's asked, " I like the countershaft location you are considering, would make a much 'neater' installation. What oil do you use now on your setup?"

I'm using 'chain & bar' oil in a siphon setup that currently feeds the oil to the chain just in front of the rear sprocket (about 7 o'clock posi). When I re-do the setup, I'll feed it to the c/s sprocket.
The O & X ring chains lubricate the chain's pivot pins, the chain oiler really only needs to put a thin film of oil on the rollers to cushion the engagement onto and off the teeth of the sprockets.
My last chain lasted over 60,000 kms.

Arnie

moonrunnah · May 23, 2012, 07:32:52 AM

I thought of something like this tho i thought that if you did it on the front sprocket were it is covered up it wont spray/ sling as much oil and setting it up on a button that works while i hold it down (im thinking a little red nos button)

so it oils when i want it to

maybe

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Automatic Chain Oiler (homemade)