Scottoiler

[oggy]

Gents

First time I've ever had a Scottoiler fitted - came with the bike - and not entirely convinced of it's merits.

Personally cannot see much wrong with a spray of quality non-fling chain lube every now and then - as I have done with every other bike I've owned.

What are the practical advantages of these things over regular spraying with chain lube?

[davedixon]

Hi oggy, Scottoiler, as long as you keep it topped up you never forget to oil the chain. My last bike had one and when I sold it the chain looked like new, no visible sprocket wear at all. I never had to adjusted the chain in over 4000 miles! That was on a 865 Triumph T100. Setting the flow is easy and can be adjusted in seconds. I personaly will never own a bike without one. Safe riding Dave.

[T ALP]

Gents

First time I've ever had a Scottoiler fitted - came with the bike - and not entirely convinced of it's merits.

Personally cannot see much wrong with a spray of quality non-fling chain lube every now and then - as I have done with every other bike I've owned.

What are the practical advantages of these things over regular spraying with chain lube?

There is nothing wrong with a good spray on chain lube, but to me the biggest advantage of a scottoiler is the fact that it flings oil off the chain along with MOST OF THE GRIT ETC. thats busy trying to grind your chain and sprockets away! the down side is you have all this crap to clean off the bike and sometimes the floor every so often, Its not exactly the easiest thing to regulate spot on either for varying conditions.

[oggy]

the fact that it flings oil off the chain along with MOST OF THE GRIT ETC. thats busy trying to grind your chain and sprockets away!

How does it do that then? All I can see is a cut tube dropping oil onto the rear sprocket.

All I can see that doing is lubricating the chain roller/sprocket interface. This is fine, but what about the pins/links/sideplate interface where you need a decent spray of oil onto the side of the chain?

I agree that it's better than nowt, but better than a simple regular spray with lube?

jury's still out

[Lutin]

Scottoliers are well worth the effort of setting up properly.

The major lubrication for the chain is internal to the chain itself, and is kept there by the "O" or "X" rings (depending on your chain) that fit between the plates. One of the reasons for lubricating a chain is to ensure that these "O" rings do not dry out and crack, therefore losing the internal lubricant and causing the chain to wear excessively.

The application of the oil also lubricates the rest of the chain, particularly the rollers and the sprocket teeth, that the rollers bear on. There will always be some "fling" of lubricant off the chain whether you use a Scottoiler or spray / brush on lubrication. The oil that is flung off will also carry dirt with it - after oil is very sticky stuff, which is why it is used.

There is loads of information on the Scottoiler website -

Scottoiler - Automatic Chain Lubrication System

ranging from fitting instructions for particular models of bikes, the theory of the operation of the scottoiler, the chance to buy spares or additions (such as the dual injector).

Take some time to have a read of what they have to say.

Personally, I wouldn't be without mine.

[oggy]

The oil that is flung off will also carry dirt with it - after oil is very sticky stuff, which is why it is used.

Can't say I buy that - oil is a lubricant not a surfactant. It's inherent "sticky" qualities are much more likely to attract dirt and keep it on the chain, especially on a continuous feed such as a scottoiler. Oil flung off will only be oil which cannot adhere, and is therefore simply excess virgin oil - containing no dirt. To me, and indeed the scottoiler manual, - oil fling means you have too much flow.

Only sure way to remove dirt would be to clean the chain in a solvent or surfactant - taking care not to wreck the o-rings - scottoiler or no scottoiler.

Therefore I would suggest it is down to whether it lubricates the chain more successfully than regular application of a can of spray.

Can't say I would take much notice of what Scottoiler say on this issue either - they are not likely to be objective.

[Dogmatick]

Oggy, from what I've been told as well (I'm a riding newb so take advice wherever I can get it) is that the constant oiling keeps the O rings in as best shape as possible and also slow down chain strectch (if thats what it is called).

Anecdotal evidence from all those who have them say that it makes the chain last twice as long. Stumpyfingers fitted one to his 650 and sings its praise every time I see him at Ryka's. Guys down at my local Hein Gericke also gave me a load of advice on it (it was dealer fitted with the bike so they had no alterior interest)

You can still clean it every now and then to get rid of crud but you've got to admit it has to be doing a better job of lubrication than if you were carrying your spray can along and spraying at every traffic light !

Safe riding

[T ALP]

the fact that it flings oil off the chain along with MOST OF THE GRIT ETC. thats busy trying to grind your chain and sprockets away!

How does it do that then? All I can see is a cut tube dropping oil onto the rear sprocket.

All I can see that doing is lubricating the chain roller/sprocket interface. This is fine, but what about the pins/links/sideplate interface where you need a decent spray of oil onto the side of the chain?

I agree that it's better than nowt, but better than a simple regular spray with lube?

jury's still out

Oggy you have the oiler fitted make sure you regulate it correctly then come back and tell us what you think in a while when its had a chance,
Think it will be a yes vote!

[StumpyFingers]

My Transalp is the first bike I have had with a scottoiler, I recently had to replace the chain at 29,000 miles.
That was because it had stretched to its maximum limit.
On previous bikes I was lucky to get 10,000 out of a chain.

[Farky]

I used to lube my VFR chain every time I came back from a ride, only used it in the summer months too and it only got 8k miles at best from a chain set.

Tried the Scottoiler when I bought my Alp and I have had to change the chain at 19k which is actually fairly bad but most agree that the original chain Honda supply is crap. Been riding all year round including snow.

Wouldnt ride without one again but they do have their own issues.... excess oil fling, delivery tube falling out etc.

Ive added a Lube Tube to the standard tank so I have to top it up less, 2nd best buy next to the oiler itself.

Also ran the red oil in the summer as I was riding in France for 3500 miles in July, a lot less fling but had to change back on return.

As for the excess fling, Id rather have it than not as it coats the spokes and rear rim and therefore protects them from the crap we get on our roads in the winter.....and its a lot easier to get off than the so called no fling sprays I used to use.

Considering getting a dual jet next year but im happy so far.