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Harley 4 speed tranny is hard to find neutral

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by Tommyc, Apr 19, 2011.

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  1. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    On my 1983 FXE 4 speed tranny it's hard to find N when the bike is running.
    Any ideas why?
    The linkage and fluid levels are fine. I checked those.
    Thanks guys!
    Tommyc, Apr 19, 2011
    #1
  3. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I had that issue on a newer bike once and re-adjusted the clutch set up, much better. Also, sometimes a little burp on the throttle will help to.
    FLHTbiker, Apr 19, 2011
    #2
  4. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Thanks FLHT. Did you adjust the clutch to make it tighter or looser?
    First gear is wierd also, it doesn't clunk into first. Maybe I have a bent shift fork. Are first and nuetral on the same shift fork?
    Tommyc, Apr 19, 2011
    #3
  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I adjusted the clutch according to the HD service manual.
    FLHTbiker, Apr 19, 2011
    #4
  6. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    You did? Why would you want to do that??
    Just kidding.
    It makes sense if the clutch is not adjusted correctly it will not function properly.
    I will readjust mine also. Maybe that will work. I have a primo rivera clutch so it works differently but it's worth a try. Maybe I have it adjusted too tight and it's not releasing the friction plates enough.
    Thanks.
    Tommyc, Apr 19, 2011
    #5
  7. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    If it is adjusted to tight it could do that. Worth a try.
    FLHTbiker, Apr 19, 2011
    #6
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Generally the primary chain is too tight pulls harder on the main shaft and
    makes it difficult to engage N

    Try setting up the primary chain again, cold, to the HD spec...

    Run it too tight and forget N....
    hotroadking, Apr 19, 2011
    #7
  9. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I took the chain off and put a belt on but thanks for the input hotroadking.
    Could the belt be too tight?
    Could low fluid cause my prob? How much fluid should my tranny hold anyway?
    Tommyc, Apr 19, 2011
    #8
  10. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    I expect that is your clutch is adjusted properly and it's releasing the plates, the problem will most likely be the belt primary. The belts don't have that little bit of slop that the chain is supposed to. Did your problem start AFTER you installed the belt primary?
    Fatboy128, Apr 19, 2011
    #9
  11. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    tommy, i believe ya got a good bunch of tools in your tool box.......but you are missing the most important one......a factory service manual. yes the are a bit pricey, but the first time you use it you will pay for it. dont stop asking the questions, just trying to help ya out with your cool vintage machine. the dealer may be able to order one for you.....doubtful, but i know ya can get em on ebay or amazon...........
    chucktx, Apr 19, 2011
    #10
  12. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    wht chuck said & you if you fluid is a tad low it will cause this also so will a bent second gear shifting fork been there & wore out the T shirt
    cowboy, Apr 19, 2011
    #11
  13. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yes the belt being installed off
    or too tight could cause it as well as
    fluid, not sure on the 4 speed the new ones
    take a full qt, but I doubt the oil is the problem
    unless it's really low.

    Try this when you can't get N with it running
    kill the engine with the kill switch on the bars
    then try and get N, if you can it's the primary
    belt tension...
    hotroadking, Apr 19, 2011
    #12
  14. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Hotroadking, that's exactly what happens. Must be the belt tention.
    I added fluid and yes I do have manuals for both my bikes. Sometimes the manual does not come right out and say exactly how much fluid to add. I know it does not for the primary fluid. Tranny fluid amount is prolly stated somewhere, I just have not looked for it yet. I thought you guys would know off the top of you heads. There's a little hole in the side of the tranny with a set screw that is removable. I think that is the fluid level height indicator, is it not? I usually remove the screw and fill the tranny till it runs out the hole. Anyway, I have always had this problem with the transie so it's prolly just a typical HD tranny problem. It's old, it leaks and doesn't go to N easily. Maybe it's time for a new one or.... will a rebuild fix it?
    Tommyc, Apr 20, 2011
    #13
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the fluid check is to have the bike upright, not on the jiffy....looking into the fill hole it should just cover the gears........
    chucktx, Apr 20, 2011
    #14
  16. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    That's the way I do it. Thanks~!
    I think it's time for a tranny rebuild.
    Anybody know any good guy to do it for me or should I attempt it myself???
    Tommyc, Apr 20, 2011
    #15
  17. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Send it to Chuck :D
    FLHTbiker, Apr 20, 2011
    #16
  18. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Chuck, you rebuild trannies??
    about how much +/- $ to rebuild my 1983 FXE transi?
    It works ok just leaks a little and cant find N.
    Tommyc, Apr 20, 2011
    #17
  19. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Transmissions are easy to work on,
    daunting when you look in, but other than a few gears and cogs that
    slide back and forth they are not difficult to grasp if you turn wrenches.

    You'd need the tools to remove seals and bearings, and you'd want to check
    the run out on the mainshaft to be sure it's in spec.

    Can you change the tension on the belt, if not, it's possible the mainshaft
    bearings are giving way and allowing the shaft to move forward under pressure
    and thus hard to shift.

    new trap door bearings etc...
    hotroadking, Apr 20, 2011
    #18
  20. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I think I might do the rebuild myself. I usually learn that way. I will buy the tools required. Are there books to buy on the 4 speed rebuild?
    No way to adjust the belt except maybe moving the tranny forward. Is that possible? Can the tranny move forward or backward on the mounting plate? or is it fixed. Does the tranny mounting plate have holes or slots?
    Tommyc, Apr 20, 2011
    #19
  21. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    If it has holes they can be made into slots

    Look under the tranny and see whats there, might be slots
    already
    hotroadking, Apr 20, 2011
    #20
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