Fantastic work and videos Mike. I wished I had a local mechanic that knows and takes care EVERYTHING like you do. I would gladly let him work on my all stock 1981 FXS. Thank you for your videos!
I'm currently working on a late 70s transmission. Its been abit of a headache so far.... it had sat for many years. Looking forward to your next video!
This is the subject ive been waiting for, Ive got this far before for an inspection then put it all back and did not go any further. Next time with the aid of this series i may finish the job and get her done.
Awesome video as always Mike. I’m getting ready to take apart the 4 speed in my 62, it’s currently taking a lot of effort to get it to shift going from 1st to 2nd gear and when it does shift into 2nd I’m getting a loud clunk. Any tips on what to look for when I get inside? Everything else works fine with the transmission and clutch is adjust properly and shifts easily into neutral. Thanks for all the awesome info
The 59-69 FL Harley Davidson service manual is the best. Once your trans is out, you check everything as per the book. It might be miner, or it may need everything. The ratchet lid is the best piece Harley ever made. It may be what needs servicing.
thanks mike really learning a lot my kick start wont work on 79 electraglide wont to rebuild my kiker cover lots of slop on starter clutch gear what all needs replaced? please alabama steve
As always, great videos. Question: the 3rd gear whine is well known on the 4speed. What’s your take on it? Normal or needing repair? If not normal, at what point is it something to address? I’ll try to see if this is touched on in any of your other videos.
Do you have recommendations on upgrading to electronic ignition in a motor with a nose cone? Mine worked fine, but now it is over heating and not firing the rear cylinder.
Newbie here, love your videos even though I’ll probably never get to own an older Harley..... my question though is this.... This Harley I own, being my first, 2018 road king, I’m assuming some things never really change.... like the “all to familiar clunk during shifting?”... I’m used to Japanese bikes that don’t have this feature, (to put it nicely).... can you explain what’s up with the loud clunk? And why it does that? (Yes, I know it’s normal with Harley’s)😊
You answered your own question. It's just the design of how it works and the size of the parts. Make sure the clutch is releasing well. The old 4 speeds are quite different than the newer transmissions.
Mike first all love the panhead videos keep it up...question I have a 57 pan with a open BDL 1 1/2 drive I can't stop the output shaft seal from leaking considerable amout!!amount!!! Help
I know what you mean about that chain link fence! My friend recently cut off his ear while using a chain saw near a fence. We all searched until I was able to find it. When I called out "Is this your ear?" He yelled back. "NO! Mine had a pencil behind it!" We never did find his ear.
I have a question I would like top swap my rotary top for a baker 6 in 4 do you think I would have enough room. the bikes an 85 fxwg any info would help
Sure. I put a Baker 6 in a 4 in my 77 FLH about 25 years ago. It was one of Baker's first ten 6 speed units they built for Shovelheads. We showed bolting it into the frame in one of our videos.
A Knucklehead, Flathead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, Twin Cam, or what? Who's gonna ride it? Who's gonna maintain it? Thank you, but I couldn't begin to answer that question.
Don’t worry Mike I feel face down on a concrete sidewalk two years ago and snapped my picky finger yup you heard right Compound break in half pins hurt like a mrFucker coming out Peace Brother see ya on the road
Hey Mike very good video I have a question I have an 85FXST that I just picked up beautiful bike 30000 km on it there wasn't much maintenance done to this thing but all in all it's a very low mileage bike my question isIs the shifter shaft out of the transmission looks to be stripped out From the shifter linkage being loose for so long. I noticed you popped off that top cover fairly easily would I be able to pop that cover off off with the transmission still on the bike.
Not easy on a Softail. You'll have to remove the oil tank. It's a bit of a pain. I'm assuming you have a four speed with a "rotary top trans." That linkage is always loose. After doctoring it all up, it's still usually loose. But, it continues to work.
That's pretty much it. If you go all the way through and replace all of the shifting mechanism, it will get a little better for a while. I don't mean to sound negative, but it wasn't one of Harley's best ideas.
@@pacificmike9501 Oh I totally understand what you're saying. It's just the nature of the beast other than upgrading transmissions, just live with it. Really enjoying the bike though, seems way more of a machine than my Honda does. Thanks again for all your information Mike. I hope your channel continues to grow. 👍
Thank You. That 85 is an interesting bike, being at the beginning of both Evos and Softails. It's loads of fun. I got to know them when they first came out. Very cool machine.
Hello Mike, Great videos! I am seeking some advise. I have a 96 Heritage Special. The thrust washer on the push rod end (looks like a cogwheel) broke into pieces. I replaced it and put the clutch release cover. After tightening down the last bolt I had an oh Sh*t moment. I found some roller pins and debris when I drained the fluid, but not all from the original thrust bearing. Should I pull the bearing housing (trap door) and look for and remove the debris? Thanks. - Bert
That is not a thrust washer. It is an "oil slinger" that keeps the throwout bearing lubed well. It souds like you replaced part of this stuff. Remove the cover, clean it out, refer to the service manual, and replace the throwout bearing, both races and the circlip that holds it in place. Again, consult your SERVICE MANUAL.
Hi, Mike. Great videos, thanks. How much clearance should the shift fork have within the shift clutch? My first second shift fork seems to allow too much side to side movement of the shift clutch. I have the forks lock down with the Harley Davison special gauge. The shift fork Shows where but nothing you can feel with your finger nail. Thank you
When you say, "within the shift clutch," I'm not sure what you mean. Is this the clearance that the fork can wiggle side to side in? This is something you can do nothing about, unless these parts have just worn thin and need to be replaced.
Thanks for responding, I mean the amount of side to side movement of the shift clutch when the shift fork is held stationary. First second is.023 and third forth shift clutch is .015. The shifter clutch nor fork seem excessively worn. I’m wonder If these are after market parts.
MIke (or anyone who knows the answer), what is the size of the socket needed for the sprocket nut? Preparing to go through the 4 speed on my 1981 before reassembly of the bike and I know it needs some love. Thanks!
I assume you mean the trans sprocket nut. It takes a special super deep socket made for the job. You'll find it in the catalog of every major aftermarket Harley parts supplier.
Mike, finally got my chopper together with a lot of advice form you, my 4 speed transmission it is hard to up shift from 1st to 2nd gear, 3rd to 4th no problem, down shifting all gears no problem, any thoughts?
👍Mike, a fence? So ,if it ain't a harley,it don't fit your hand.i get it! If it don't have a kicker, I don't want it,will keep lookin though.old hd's gettin harder to find,new ones to high tech
Mike, can you give me an idea why my kicker is locked up on my kick only 4 speed transmission? It is a new reproduction and it worked fine when installing new push rods. It will kick in neutral with clutch lever pulled, but not if clutch lever is not pulled. Tranny is new and has not been in service yet. Worked when installing push rods but went to set timing and now it is locked.
Transmission is locked up (jammed). When you pull in the clutch, in neutral, the mainshaft is turning, but the gears are not. Possibly the forks are not set properly. Better remove the trans and take off the lid. It sounds like it's not shifting right.
Another question for you Mike. My 83 has belt drive. I removed the belt off the transmission pulley and have alot of backlash on the pulley and main shaft of the transmission. Is this right? Should there be no backlash? Thanks again.
Backlash? Not sure what you're describing. Is there too much movement forward and back? Do the shafts move in and out? Are the teeth on the belt too small for the teeth on the pulley. I'm unclear.
@@pacificmike9501 The output shaft on the transmission has no axial movement that I can feel and when I rotate it by hand, there is a very slight backlash that I feel on the internal gears. No oil leaks. However, the sprocket attached to the output shaft has a lot of radial forward and rearward movement. I haven't removed the sprocket and do not know whether it is splined to the shaft or some keyway setup. From your earlier videos, the nut securing the sprocket to the shaft is left hand threads. It doesn't seem right that there is that much play between the sprocket and the shaft, that's why I am asking before attempting to remove it. Thank you
Sorry, I meant pulley. I removed the pulley and the then I could see the wear. The pulley splines are shot. Time for another pulley. The transmission shaft looks ok. I am not sure how you measure the splines on a shaft to determine its if its in tolerance. Thanks
The clutch on my ‘77 FXE 4 speed does not engage when cold. So I need a clear strip of road every time I put it in gear and have to warm it up a few times around the block before it loosens up. Any idea why this is happening? I adjusted the clutch cable correctly and still nothing.
Sounds like something is hanging up. Could the plates be hanging up on the hub? Could the plates be oily and sticking together? Sounds like time to look at it.
mine for no reason locks up in gear while riding ..it will shift when stopped and after i free the shifting up it runs fine im perplexed why it shits off the bike and locks while riding??? could itbe heat ?? not sure..linkage a little sloppy and not tight ....checked that when it happens for biding and nothing..I went thru it when i got it replaced the usual worn out part and main drive spindle..just not sure yet might have to take it out and recheck some things,,,,
Pacific Mike The case has 79 stamped it has caged bearings , I don’t have pics because I put back together guess that’s why they had silicone and why it was not leaking
Hi Mike, I have a curious question for ya. I have an 81 Sturgis have had it for over 25 years, what are the chances that you can recommend a qualified mechanic in the Tucson area?I took only my trans to Tucson Harley for a transmission rebuild and now it won't shift into 3 or 4th gear. Really made me sick after paying them just over $1000 to do it. I normally do all of my own work on it but I prefer to have the trans professionally done.
Most dealerships won't work on a bike that old. However, after spending that much money, and you experiencing a problem, unless there's something I'm not supposed to know here, I would think Tucson Harley would want to at least figure out what went wrong. I have no one to recommend to you.
Pacific Mike I’m just really afraid to let them touch it again cause you know how much work is involved in taking it in and out. What area are you located in? Would you be interested in working on it? I really enjoy watching your videos, and all of that knowledge that you have on the old Hogs.
@@pacificmike9501 I dunno for sure, seems like everything I read there's a mid year change between loose and caged. I need to rebuild mine but dont want to open it up then wait for the kit to show up, lol.
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Fantastic work and videos Mike.
I wished I had a local mechanic that knows and takes care EVERYTHING like you do. I would gladly let him work on my all stock 1981 FXS.
Thank you for your videos!
Thank you.
Yes! THANK YOU MIKE! I will be following along with my 4 speed ratchet top rebuild.
Thank you.
really enjoy your videos its a great learning experience thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience
Thank you.
Another good video Mike,,glad you're doing a 4 speed,,man I know I have been waiting for this,,
Cool.
I'm currently working on a late 70s transmission. Its been abit of a headache so far.... it had sat for many years. Looking forward to your next video!
Cool.
This is the subject ive been waiting for, Ive got this far before for an inspection then put it all back and did not go any further. Next time with the aid of this series i may finish the job and get her done.
Cool.
Mike love your vids and thanks for the reply
Thank you.
thanks mike. cant wait for the next video!
Thank you.
THANK YOU...for sharing. Fantastic.
Thank you.
I need to do it too … thanks for posting
Go for it!
Thank you sir.
Most welcome
Got a 4 speed on my Ironhead just no kicker, lol! Sometimes I wish I did in case the electric start quit! But great video Mike!
Thank you.
Awesome video as always Mike. I’m getting ready to take apart the 4 speed in my 62, it’s currently taking a lot of effort to get it to shift going from 1st to 2nd gear and when it does shift into 2nd I’m getting a loud clunk. Any tips on what to look for when I get inside? Everything else works fine with the transmission and clutch is adjust properly and shifts easily into neutral. Thanks for all the awesome info
The 59-69 FL Harley Davidson service manual is the best. Once your trans is out, you check everything as per the book. It might be miner, or it may need everything. The ratchet lid is the best piece Harley ever made. It may be what needs servicing.
Good stuff!
Thank you.
Mike, I'm just wondering, how do you walk into a chain link fence, and scrape the top of your head? Love the videos.
Okay, so I wasn't paying attention. I opened the gate and bent over to attach a leash on my dog all at the same time.
thanks mike really learning a lot my kick start wont work on 79 electraglide wont to rebuild my kiker cover lots of slop on starter clutch gear what all needs replaced? please alabama steve
There'isn't much there. Just replace whatever is worn. Look at your service manual. We'll show one when it comes up.
As always, great videos. Question: the 3rd gear whine is well known on the 4speed. What’s your take on it? Normal or needing repair? If not normal, at what point is it something to address? I’ll try to see if this is touched on in any of your other videos.
It is the 3rd gear bushing that wears out first. They'll run a long time like that, but it's irritating. 3rd gear gets used a lot.
Do you have recommendations on upgrading to electronic ignition in a motor with a nose cone? Mine worked fine, but now it is over heating and not firing the rear cylinder.
Not supposed to recommend brands. Be sure it's an ignition problem and I'm using a Dynatech 2000 i.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks! And please keep up the excellent work!
Much appreciated
Thank You.
Newbie here, love your videos even though I’ll probably never get to own an older Harley..... my question though is this....
This Harley I own, being my first, 2018 road king, I’m assuming some things never really change.... like the “all to familiar clunk during shifting?”... I’m used to Japanese bikes that don’t have this feature, (to put it nicely).... can you explain what’s up with the loud clunk? And why it does that? (Yes, I know it’s normal with Harley’s)😊
You answered your own question. It's just the design of how it works and the size of the parts. Make sure the clutch is releasing well. The old 4 speeds are quite different than the newer transmissions.
Mike first all love the panhead videos keep it up...question I have a 57 pan with a open BDL 1 1/2 drive I can't stop the output shaft seal from leaking considerable amout!!amount!!! Help
I don't know what you've tried. Colony makes a seal in "standard," "oversize," and "undersize." V-Twin and Drag Specialties both carry it.
The above mentioned part is made for a 55-65 Big Twin.
I know what you mean about that chain link fence! My friend recently cut off his ear while using a chain saw near a fence. We all searched until I was able to find it. When I called out "Is this your ear?" He yelled back. "NO! Mine had a pencil behind it!" We never did find his ear.
But, if you'd found the pencil, you could have gotten a job writing for Saturday Night Live.
ADIOS
I have a question I would like top swap my rotary top for a baker 6 in 4 do you think I would have enough room. the bikes an 85 fxwg any info would help
Sure. I put a Baker 6 in a 4 in my 77 FLH about 25 years ago. It was one of Baker's first ten 6 speed units they built for Shovelheads. We showed bolting it into the frame in one of our videos.
just like you in this video, i have to do it twice haha
Or more if needed. Once it's done well, it doesn't matter how long it took.
@@pacificmike9501 thats true, thanks for the wisdom, my youtube Grandpa haha
Mike I enjoy your videos... How much mileage can you truely expect to get on a Harley big twin engine
A Knucklehead, Flathead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evo, Twin Cam, or what? Who's gonna ride it? Who's gonna maintain it? Thank you, but I couldn't begin to answer that question.
Don’t worry Mike I feel face down on a concrete sidewalk two years ago and snapped my picky finger yup you heard right Compound break in half pins hurt like a mrFucker coming out Peace Brother see ya on the road
Yes. Lets have fun.
Hey Mike very good video I have a question I have an 85FXST that I just picked up beautiful bike 30000 km on it there wasn't much maintenance done to this thing but all in all it's a very low mileage bike my question isIs the shifter shaft out of the transmission looks to be stripped out From the shifter linkage being loose for so long. I noticed you popped off that top cover fairly easily would I be able to pop that cover off off with the transmission still on the bike.
Not easy on a Softail. You'll have to remove the oil tank. It's a bit of a pain. I'm assuming you have a four speed with a "rotary top trans." That linkage is always loose. After doctoring it all up, it's still usually loose. But, it continues to work.
@@pacificmike9501 Okay I will keep an eye on it so it doesn't fall off at least.
That's pretty much it. If you go all the way through and replace all of the shifting mechanism, it will get a little better for a while. I don't mean to sound negative, but it wasn't one of Harley's best ideas.
@@pacificmike9501 Oh I totally understand what you're saying. It's just the nature of the beast other than upgrading transmissions, just live with it. Really enjoying the bike though, seems way more of a machine than my Honda does. Thanks again for all your information Mike. I hope your channel continues to grow. 👍
Thank You. That 85 is an interesting bike, being at the beginning of both Evos and Softails. It's loads of fun. I got to know them when they first came out. Very cool machine.
Hello Mike, Great videos! I am seeking some advise. I have a 96 Heritage Special. The thrust washer on the push rod end (looks like a cogwheel) broke into pieces. I replaced it and put the clutch release cover. After tightening down the last bolt I had an oh Sh*t moment. I found some roller pins and debris when I drained the fluid, but not all from the original thrust bearing. Should I pull the bearing housing (trap door) and look for and remove the debris? Thanks. - Bert
That is not a thrust washer. It is an "oil slinger" that keeps the throwout bearing lubed well. It souds like you replaced part of this stuff. Remove the cover, clean it out, refer to the service manual, and replace the throwout bearing, both races and the circlip that holds it in place. Again, consult your SERVICE MANUAL.
@@pacificmike9501 , apologies the part number is 37312-75 , its a small thin bearing, thrust bearing or others call it throw out bearing...
Hi, Mike. Great videos, thanks. How much clearance should the shift fork have within the shift clutch? My first second shift fork seems to allow too much side to side movement of the shift clutch. I have the forks lock down with the Harley Davison special gauge. The shift fork Shows where but nothing you can feel with your finger nail. Thank you
First second clearance is .023 and third fourth is .015.
When you say, "within the shift clutch," I'm not sure what you mean. Is this the clearance that the fork can wiggle side to side in? This is something you can do nothing about, unless these parts have just worn thin and need to be replaced.
Thanks for responding, I mean the amount of side to side movement of the shift clutch when the shift fork is held stationary. First second is.023 and third forth shift clutch is .015. The shifter clutch nor fork seem excessively worn. I’m wonder If these are after market parts.
I’m measuring at the gap between the fork and shift clutch. Where the fork rides in the middle of the shift clutch.
Thank you
MIke (or anyone who knows the answer), what is the size of the socket needed for the sprocket nut? Preparing to go through the 4 speed on my 1981 before reassembly of the bike and I know it needs some love. Thanks!
I assume you mean the trans sprocket nut. It takes a special super deep socket made for the job. You'll find it in the catalog of every major aftermarket Harley parts supplier.
Mike, finally got my chopper together with a lot of advice form you, my 4 speed transmission it is hard to up shift from 1st to 2nd gear, 3rd to 4th no problem, down shifting all gears no problem, any thoughts?
What is it? Ratchet lid, jockey lid, rotary top? This stuff all plays a part. Shifting by hand, foot, stock linkage?
@@pacificmike9501 it's a rachet lid, shifting by foot, linkage straight from foot shifter to rachet, don't know if it's stock linkage or not
Mike , what's your opinion on those throw out bearings ? I think those are junk , I would use the old style .
I prefer the old style. Sometimes you can use it and sometimes you can't.
👍Mike, a fence? So ,if it ain't a harley,it don't fit your hand.i get it!
If it don't have a kicker, I don't want it,will keep lookin though.old hd's gettin harder to find,new ones to high tech
Everyone should do what they do and enjoy it. We all have our preferences.
Mike, can you give me an idea why my kicker is locked up on my kick only 4 speed transmission? It is a new reproduction and it worked fine when installing new push rods. It will kick in neutral with clutch lever pulled, but not if clutch lever is not pulled. Tranny is new and has not been in service yet. Worked when installing push rods but went to set timing and now it is locked.
Transmission is locked up (jammed). When you pull in the clutch, in neutral, the mainshaft is turning, but the gears are not. Possibly the forks are not set properly. Better remove the trans and take off the lid. It sounds like it's not shifting right.
Another question for you Mike. My 83 has belt drive. I removed the belt off the transmission pulley and have alot of backlash on the pulley and main shaft of the transmission. Is this right? Should there be no backlash? Thanks again.
Backlash? Not sure what you're describing. Is there too much movement forward and back? Do the shafts move in and out? Are the teeth on the belt too small for the teeth on the pulley. I'm unclear.
@@pacificmike9501 The output shaft on the transmission has no axial movement that I can feel and when I rotate it by hand, there is a very slight backlash that I feel on the internal gears. No oil leaks. However, the sprocket attached to the output shaft has a lot of radial forward and rearward movement. I haven't removed the sprocket and do not know whether it is splined to the shaft or some keyway setup. From your earlier videos, the nut securing the sprocket to the shaft is left hand threads. It doesn't seem right that there is that much play between the sprocket and the shaft, that's why I am asking before attempting to remove it. Thank you
Sorry, I meant pulley. I removed the pulley and the then I could see the wear. The pulley splines are shot. Time for another pulley. The transmission shaft looks ok. I am not sure how you measure the splines on a shaft to determine its if its in tolerance. Thanks
👍👍👍
Thank you.
The clutch on my ‘77 FXE 4 speed does not engage when cold. So I need a clear strip of road every time I put it in gear and have to warm it up a few times around the block before it loosens up.
Any idea why this is happening? I adjusted the clutch cable correctly and still nothing.
Sounds like something is hanging up. Could the plates be hanging up on the hub? Could the plates be oily and sticking together? Sounds like time to look at it.
Pacific Mike thanks!!!
mine for no reason locks up in gear while riding ..it will shift when stopped and after i free the shifting up it runs fine im perplexed why it shits off the bike and locks while riding??? could itbe heat ?? not sure..linkage a little sloppy and not tight ....checked that when it happens for biding and nothing..I went thru it when i got it replaced the usual worn out part and main drive spindle..just not sure yet might have to take it out and recheck some things,,,,
First off, what is it? Does it have a model or year?
Hey Mike my main shaft spacer chewed up case and leaks, what’s the repair, just install a new spacer?
I'd have to see the damage. Too hard to advise. Also, what is the bike, year and model?
Pacific Mike The case has 79 stamped it has caged bearings , I don’t have pics because I put back together guess that’s why they had silicone and why it was not leaking
Hi Mike, I have a curious question for ya. I have an 81 Sturgis have had it for over 25 years, what are the chances that you can recommend a qualified mechanic in the Tucson area?I took only my trans to Tucson Harley for a transmission rebuild and now it won't shift into 3 or 4th gear. Really made me sick after paying them just over $1000 to do it. I normally do all of my own work on it but I prefer to have the trans professionally done.
Most dealerships won't work on a bike that old. However, after spending that much money, and you experiencing a problem, unless there's something I'm not supposed to know here, I would think Tucson Harley would want to at least figure out what went wrong. I have no one to recommend to you.
Pacific Mike I’m just really afraid to let them touch it again cause you know how much work is involved in taking it in and out. What area are you located in? Would you be interested in working on it? I really enjoy watching your videos, and all of that knowledge that you have on the old Hogs.
🇨🇦
Thanx for stopping by.
No one will prob see this but, is there an easy way to ID a early vs late 76 without opening it up?
I don't know. 76 did have loose roller bearings and 77 had caged roller bearings. I don't know the numbers on the castings.
@@pacificmike9501 I dunno for sure, seems like everything I read there's a mid year change between loose and caged. I need to rebuild mine but dont want to open it up then wait for the kit to show up, lol.