Chain lube

[the Ferret]

and what determines the correct rate of drip?

[GoldOxide_imp]

and what determines the correct rate of drip?

There is a small knob on the lower side that ranges between completely closed to completely open. I would guess there is about 4 to 5 rotations of range. The user's guide provides suggestions of drip rate. Using a magnet, I hold the plunger weight in the open position and count the drip rate per minute to the rear sprocket. I think in my case I have it set to two drips per minute, or about 2.5 turns (if I recall correctly) of the valve. The magnet is then removed. Your mileage will vary with your personal need, the type of lubricant you choose, the season, and the lubricant weight. I use a 10W40 weight. Tutoro has their recommendations.

In any case, all season my chain and sprocket teeth are "wet", but not slinging. I don't seem to experience the mucky build-up on the chain compared to when using say Motul Chain Lube.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I should add, the drip rate is when the plunger is completely open. When riding, the plunger opens when the bike experiences vertical motion - like a bump in the road - and then closes. At the end of the day, the ultimate judgement comes based on how lubricated your chain appears/feels. That is pretty easy to do.

[peterbaron]

GO how about a close up pic of the unit mounted on your bike?

I elected to mount externally, however, the alternative was in my under seat "storage" cubicle near the battery. But my cubicle was full of stuff and at the time I was unsure how well the Tutoro would perform, so I mounted it externally thinking I could easily remove it if I didn't like it. It has been in place for four years.



And the close-up ...



The drip tube basically runs down, then along the swingarm, and then lays on the lower hemisphere of the rear sprocket just above the passing chain links.

I like this wise and neat set up you chose. Is this reservoir bolted directly to the plastic chain guard?
I love doing my own maintenance, but I may copy your solution due to set up above, unless your copy right applies?

[GoldOxide_imp]

GO how about a close up pic of the unit mounted on your bike?

I elected to mount externally, however, the alternative was in my under seat "storage" cubicle near the battery. But my cubicle was full of stuff and at the time I was unsure how well the Tutoro would perform, so I mounted it externally thinking I could easily remove it if I didn't like it. It has been in place for four years.



And the close-up ...



The drip tube basically runs down, then along the swingarm, and then lays on the lower hemisphere of the rear sprocket just above the passing chain links.

I like this wise and neat set up you chose. Is this reservoir bolted directly to the plastic chain guard?
I love doing my own maintenance, but I may copy your solution due to set up above, unless your copy right applies?

Hey PB: I have commented on this in the past on the Forum. I just didn't supply images ... I don't think? We are all here at the Forum to help make life easier (and sometimes cheaper) for everybody. If you want to wish your chain maintenance away (or reduced significantly), something like this could be it.

This apparatus is attached with black tie-wraps to the bike frame. You can see in the image, just below the yellow arrow. If you have room, you should be able to hide it in the storage cubicle under the seat.

[peterbaron]

aha, now can see, no room in storage = like your outside idea better

[Cormanus]

Does the tube get bounced around by the movement of the chain? Is there a risk it could be damaged? Or is that part of the deal?

[peterbaron]

If I go ahead with this project - love manual maintenance, I will incorporate the container into plastic chain guard with reenforcement and mini tube, we'll see..

[the Ferret]

If I go ahead with this project - love manual maintenance, I will incorporate the container into plastic chain guard with reenforcement and mini tube, we'll see..

cool keep us up to date on the project pb

[GoldOxide_imp]

Does the tube get bounced around by the movement of the chain? Is there a risk it could be damaged? Or is that part of the deal?

Good question Cormanus.

In my case, no.

The line is affixed to the bottom of the swingarm, as shown in the close-up image



using tie-wraps through tie-wrap stick-on pads. Enough slack is left in the tube line to allow motion in the swingarm without straining the tube.

In terms of the endpoint "nozzle", it is attached to the tube line that is reinforced internally with an aluminum wire to allow for alignment and tension against the sprocket. The oil drips out of the end of the plastic nozzle.

The plastic nozzle rests against the sprocket, lower hemisphere, just above the teeth. In the image you can see the black paint worn off the sprocket edge in the image. A ring around the sprocket sort-of-speak. Oil is immediately flung into the chain as you ride.

There is an optional fitment (or included in the next package above "Standard"?) that allows a second nozzle to be placed on the other side of the rear sprocket. I don't have that option, but would have considered it if not enough oil was being distributed on the chain. In my case, this appears to not be an issue.

I have not adjusted the plastic nozzle since installation. Looks to be holding up well. The only side-effect, as mentioned, is the black paint wears off on the area of the sprocket where the plastic nozzle touches.