DIY chain oiler

4654 Views 28 Replies 11 Participants Last post by don67, 4 mo ago

kalle.ankkalainen

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

2

Made the attached chain oiler to simplify the chain oiling. Took 2hrs to completed it, so almost the same time with installation of the commercial version. 50ml oil reservoir is made of a medicine syringe, so it can be slightly pressured. It's not fully painted, so oil level can be checked easily. Still thinking, if oil reservoir locates a bit too hot area (not in contact with metal).

Inside of the flexible hose is 2mm metal bar, so it helps to optimize hose design. Reservoir is easy to fill. "Moustaches" made from cable ties. All the equipments found from my garage.

Yes, you can get oilers in the store, but I don't need the weather forecast features and I don't need the device to feel the direction of the wind either. That's why simple solution is beautiful.

Time will show, how well it works in practice. According to quick test, it fulfilled my expectation.

If it does not work in long term and possible mods to done are not good enough, it takes 2min to remove it.

Drive safely.

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Reactions: 5

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DoubleThumper

· #2 · 5 mo ago

Maybe just use the oil that drips out of the Africa Twin left tube closest to the battery?

Resourceful @kalle.ankkalainen! - and welcome to the Forum.

Feel free to introduce yourself at the New Member Introductions area of the Forum.

Reactions: 3

rustynut2

· #3 · 5 mo ago

Nice work, keep us updated. DT should put a disclaimer on his joke, do not attempt this bla bla bla

don67

· #4 · 5 mo ago

Nice workmanship.

To those who've never fabricated a DIY solution to a problem that doesn't exist, I say you obviously don't appreciate time alone in the garage with beer.

Reactions: 3

breakaway9

· #5 · 5 mo ago

Very cool, however, to the best of my understanding the O Ring sealed chain on an AT shouldn't need to be constantly oiled, the sealed barrel pins should always be lubricated, and the purpose of chain maintenance is mainly to clean out debris before it damages the O Rings and prevent rust on the chain rather than lubricate the chain itself. Not like the old dirt bike chains that aren't sealed and need more consistent lubrication.... I would think this would cause more dust and debris to stick to the chain (at least here in the dusty South West)... I would be curious to to see your findings after riding for a while if this helps...

Reactions: 3

ghorgan

· #6 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

I set up a mechanical version of the Scott Oiler on my 2017 DCT, it uses a vacuum connection for pumping.
Model is the Micro-vSystem, currently $113 on Amazon.

Original chain and both sprockets replaced at 42K miles, mostly highway. Sprockets not excessively worn but chain beginning to stretch. Oil delivery set to minimal rate. So, an automatic oiler and rare chain wipe seem to be a good plan for long distance highway touring or just daily commuting.

Chain is always running slacker than shop manual spec. Currently at 58K miles, 16K since installation, lateral slack on lower section is about an inch total with light pressure.

Reactions: 3

DoubleThumper

· #7 · 5 mo ago

www.tutorochainoiler.com

TUTORO Automatic Motorcycle Chain Oilers

superb autonomous automatic motorcycle chain oiler, no vacuum or electrical required. Precision machined and Hand Built in England.

www.tutorochainoiler.com

Uses "bump-and-gravity" to dispense oil directly on chain rear sprocket. Simple, hands-free chain oiler. Zero parking mess. Zero wires.

RonaldW

· #8 · 5 mo ago

Ik maak gebruik van een OSCO smeersysteem dat ook smeert op het achtertandwiel.

OSCO one second chain oiler

www.osco-chainoiler.com

Reactions: 1

swimmer

· #9 · 5 mo ago

I have a Pro-Oiler chain oiler on my AT. I bought it back in 2007 I think. It's been on 5 different motorcycles but sat unused for about 4 years prior to the AT install when my main ride was shaft driven. For the AT install I added the GPS module for easier setup - the dispensing was always distance based but triggered by the the speed (ABS) signal or Hall sensor. The dispensing is weighted for speed. Changes can all be made on the fly.

Chain oilers aren't as significantly beneficial with the most modern o-ring/x-ring chains but you are still keeping a film of oil on points of metal to metal contact (rollers and sprockets) which helps improve component life and efficiency. I will wipe down my chain if I have been riding dirt road, just because I don't want to look at a dirty chain if nothing else but otherwise I don't do any chain maintenance. Also, when any oil is flung off it takes some dirt with it.

My setup uses a very small amount of oil. Maybe something like 100mL every 5k miles.

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DoubleThumper

· #10 · 5 mo ago

... helps manage winter road salt from turning the chain orange.

Reactions: 1

kalle.ankkalainen

Discussion Starter · #11 · 5 mo ago

rustynut2 said:
Nice work, keep us updated. DT should put a disclaimer on his joke, do not attempt this bla bla bla

I like black humor and in this case literally

, circular economy...

kalle.ankkalainen

Discussion Starter · #12 · 5 mo ago

breakaway9 said:
Very cool, however, to the best of my understanding the O Ring sealed chain on an AT shouldn't need to be constantly oiled, the sealed barrel pins should always be lubricated, and the purpose of chain maintenance is mainly to clean out debris before it damages the O Rings and prevent rust on the chain rather than lubricate the chain itself. Not like the old dirt bike chains that aren't sealed and need more consistent lubrication.... I would think this would cause more dust and debris to stick to the chain (at least here in the dusty South West)... I would be curious to to see your findings after riding for a while if this helps...

Right you are. That's the reason I installed a tap to control oiling and "moustaches" are positioned towards O-rings. When winter is over, need to field test it. Based on desktop tests, keeping tap open ca. 5-10sek, it should be enough. Hope to remember turn off the tap in time...

Svendus

· #13 · 5 mo ago

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every 1000 km

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Ghostrider.1127

· #14 · 5 mo ago

e-scottoiler with double inj. FTW.

DoubleThumper

· #15 · 5 mo ago

The Tutoro oiler had a double injector option, but it isn't needed since oil naturally disperses over the chain surfaces effectively.

don67

· #16 · 5 mo ago

Well, the pressure got to me. GIDIBII oiler ordered from Alibaba. It's basically a hydraulic piston for which a 1/4 turn squeezes out a dribble of 80w90 gear oil for about three minutes.

The theory: Cheap, simple, eliminates the need to carry a can of chain lube on long trips. User controls the timing & frequency (ie: when leaving a gas station with a warm chain). Excess oil drips somewhere other than your garage floor.

The reality: Number of F-bombs to be determined after I've had a chance to install & use the product. Might be a waste of 35 bucks.

Reactions: 1

Battle_bulge

· #17 · 5 mo ago

rustynut2 said:
Nice work, keep us updated. DT should put a disclaimer on his joke, do not attempt this bla bla bla

Sorry but you are disqualified to participate in this thread, unless you change your username

Reactions: 2

swimmer

· #18 · 5 mo ago

FWIW, I have my oil line running into my top chain slider intersecting a vertical hole that takes the oil up onto the chain roller. In my experience this is the best way to keep the rollers lubricated while creating the least amount of fling off using the least amount of oil. It's also the cleanest installation.

rustynut2

· #19 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

don67 said:
Well, the pressure got to me. GIDIBII oiler ordered from Alibaba. It's basically a hydraulic piston for which a 1/4 turn squeezes out a dribble of 80w90 gear oil for about three minutes.

I like the looks and price but only 15 twist per fill, ugg Keep us informed

Found reviews on amazon, not great Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Motorcycle Chain Lubricator Oiler Auto Hand Control Motorbike Oil Cup Part (Black)

Reactions: 1

Battle_bulge

· #20 · 5 mo ago

don67 said:
Well, the pressure got to me. GIDIBII oiler ordered from Alibaba. It's basically a hydraulic piston for which a 1/4 turn squeezes out a dribble of 80w90 gear oil for about three minutes.

The theory: Cheap, simple, eliminates the need to carry a can of chain lube on long trips. User controls the timing & frequency (ie: when leaving a gas station with a warm chain). Excess oil drips somewhere other than your garage floor.

The reality: Number of F-bombs to be determined after I've had a chance to install & use the product. Might be a waste of 35 bucks.

Have such a one installed on my crash bars. With engine vibrations it basically turns itself all the time. Slowly but surely.
Was only 20eur, don't regret it...

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