Mechanical Gear box

[Iron Andy]

Hi all,

after taking off the rear exhaust etc. from the right side of the bike, found I still could not get the box out. Them I noticed there was one bolt still in place, very well camouflaged. Removed bolt, gear box them came out. If I had removed all the bolts in the first place, would I not have had to strip down the right side?

Lesson learned?

Also, should there be any back and forth movement in the shiter shaft when the box is fully installed. Moves about 1/4".

Thanks in advance,

Andy.

[kevscrivener]

Lesson..... get factory manual if you haven't already got one, and do it by the book!

By "back and forth movement" do you mean rotation or endplay?

[Iron Andy]

Hi all,

Kev, indeed, your right, end play.

State of play. When checking the gear engagement by hand with the box supported in a vice, there is resistance when selecting, feels tight. Is this right?

When I put the box back on the bike and tighten up the trap door, I can't rotate the the main shaft, is this right? Also gear selection doesn't feel positive.

The first gear cog on the counter shaft, how many thrust washers should there be, mine has two, and there is this other washer that is like a flat spring. The picture in the FM shows one washer and not this flat spring washer.

Please help, what do I need to do?

Thanking you all in advance,

Andy

[Phil]

Age old question..............Year & model of Gearbox?






Oh, as Kev says....Get a Manual. I have been working on Harley Four & Five Speed gearboxes for twenty years & still use the manual for reference.

[Iron Andy]

Hi,

81 Ironhead.

[spinlondon]

Is it a 3 speed or 4 speed box?
What does the shift mechanisim look like?
When you replace the gear box, are you shimming it?
If you don't shim it correctly, the case can warp causing thr gears and shafts to bind and the gaskets to leak.

[Limey_Dave]

Think an '81 is going to be a 4 speed.
I believe Andy has 3 manuals inc the MoCo one.

He just doesn't read them before taking gearboxes out.

[Iron Andy]

Hi all,

in my defence I want to say I have been building and riding bikes for 30 years. I have found out that manuals do not give the true advice. This is why I love forums, bikers, we who bulid and ride motorcycles.

We should be sharing, passing on all we know to the all those who keep motor cycling what it is, riding, maintaining our bikes.

Just because we own Harleys does not make us better or greater than other two wheel users.

Harleys are a pile of crap, it is what we do to make them into rideable, usable bikes.

Just check all the Harley stuff you have ditch for better performance parts?

Just remember, you where once a new Harley owner.

Andy.