Newly acquired 1985 FXWG with Evo engine and 4 speed, belt drive rear wheel.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. This is how I believe this works.
The primary (wet) breaths through the hollow tranny shaft where the clutch push rod goes through. Then both primary and tranny vent through a small hole in the top at the back of the tranny. Is this how it works? Thanks.

 

As stock?? The oil in the primary is Recycled by the oiling system... needs to put a vacuum on the Primary..
the tranny does indeed breathe thru the hollow stud on the cover...
If Modfied such that you want the Primary to breath... you can pull the small seal around the clutch pushrod... or Use the "feed" line [if not utilized due to modification]
HTH

BTW to better understand the drivetrain of that particular model [minus engine] you need to go to the Shovelhead forums...

 

As stock my bike has a WET primary. 1985 I think was first year of a wet clutch. So the oil recycling does not apply to my bike. the older ones you are correct.

 

If you don't have one I strongly recommend getting yourself the correct FSM. That (usually) has a comprehensive description of the lubrication system (and so much more!).

 

And... Do you have a 4-speed EVO????
Be very careful of Generalizations... again... the Shovelhead forums have the proper information concerning the 4-speed Evo...

 

www.shovelhead.us

Evo Section

 

Yes I have a 4 speed EVOLUTION bike. 1985 FXWG was a EVO, 4 Speed, Kicker and rear belt drive. So I believe i am posting in the correct section.

 

He is correct. The 85 FXWG does not have the shovelhead type system oiling the primary, it is separate.
I've never thought about primary venting though, have to look into it. Would it require venting?

 

And I thought '86 was the year the Clutch Changed... to the Diaphragm type.. Could be wrong tho... may have been '85... Regardless I do Not consider those a "wet clutch".. Haven't seen a truly "wet clutch" since the Early Sportster.. There is just enough oil in the Primary to reach the Chain... not intended to oil the Clutch... just like an Isolated primary on any 4-speed...

BTW... there is one in the Shop right now... so if ya need to "see" something.... LMK

and again... more knowledge of the 4-speed in the Shovel section... while the EVO engine, and later components belong here... but... you'll figger it out..


Yes they must be vented..
I will check, but, I assume they vented thru the Mainshaft. as they were Not equipped to oil the Chain externally..

 

The clutch configuration changed mid 1985 from the shovelhead dry type clutch to the wet diaphragm clutch.