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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. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    if ya have the inner primary on the trans wont move. it is bolted to it also. i dont know your belt setup. just a thought...........and as hrk said.....transmission building is pretty straight forward. the factory service manual and parts manual will get the job done for you....
    chucktx, Apr 20, 2011
    #21
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I would have thought a belt drive would come with
    its own inner primary
    hotroadking, Apr 20, 2011
    #22
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    some do, some dont...........just depends whos it is......some just take the outer off and put on the belt drive, leaving the inner in place........
    chucktx, Apr 20, 2011
    #23
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I bet it's tight. Might stretch in some miles. Check with manuf


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    hotroadking, Apr 20, 2011
    #24
  6. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    It's a BDL enclosed belt drive. I just took off the chain set-up and installed the belt set-up. It was a pain in the butt too, let me tell you. It was my first time that's why.
    Inner primary still there and yes the transie is bolted to it. The belt is designed to work as is, no adjustment required. I think it's kevlar, very strong. 1 1/2" wide. I saw a youtube video using the same belt 1/4" wide and the guy was doing burn-outs with it and it did not break. The tanny has also givin me probs since I got the bike. Time for a rebuild. I will attempt it myself. Thanks for the info guys!
    Tommyc, Apr 21, 2011
    #25
  7. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    A good friend of mine is running the BDL on his 1974 -74 in shovel & not one bit of trouble shifting
    cowboy, Apr 21, 2011
    #26
  8. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    It shifts fine!
    Just harf 2 find N!
    Tommyc, Apr 21, 2011
    #27
  9. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    What the heck do you need "N" for? In order to go forward all you need is 1-4?

    :roflmao:
    JohnnyBiker, Apr 21, 2011
    #28
  10. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Gotta put it in N when the cop stops me, haha.
    Tommyc, Apr 21, 2011
    #29
  11. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Cop shouldn't be able to catch you! :eek:
    JohnnyBiker, Apr 21, 2011
    #30
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    never under estimate the power of a motorola.....................
    chucktx, Apr 21, 2011
    #31
  13. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    It's not the motor that catches you, it's the motorola, haha!
    Tommyc, Apr 21, 2011
    #32
  14. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Okay guys I have decied to rebuild the ole 4speed myself, anyone got any pointers or good suggestions for me?
    I am gonna buy a rebuild dvd and or manual.
    Should I get the JIMs rebuild kit or just the harley one?
    What special tools will I need?
    Any upgrades I can do to it while it's a part?
    Tommyc, Apr 28, 2011
    #33
  15. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Go to the dealer, get them to make a copy of the trans parts diagram page
    with all the PN and how they go together.

    I'd also see if you can locate a Service Manual for your year bike, even though it's custom
    if it's a 74 4 speed, then any HD 1974 big twin manual should do...

    You'll need gaskets, seals, bearings, clips, fluid.

    It's not that hard to do...
    hotroadking, Apr 28, 2011
    #34
  16. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Thanks, what about special tools?
    Tommyc, Apr 28, 2011
    #35
  17. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Well not having worked on your bike, I can tell you on EVO 5 speed
    the only special tool you need is one to get the nut off the drive pulley.

    And if you have an inner race on the mainshaft for the inner primary bearing
    then you'll need a puller to get it off and a press to put it on.

    IMHO if they make one, Baker has a one piece bearing that
    goes into the inner primary to replace hd's two piece race.

    I have one in my heritage.
    hotroadking, Apr 28, 2011
    #36
  18. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    I don't think the 4 speed inner primary has a seal around the tranny shaft. It has a bearing, I know that. The tranny has a seal there, and it leaks, that's partly why I am rebuilding it.
    You can see the bearing clearly in this pic.

    Attached Files:

    Tommyc, Apr 28, 2011
    #37
  19. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    that pic is of the inner primary......you will find the seal in the transmission.....a bit deeper than the pic,,,,,:)
    chucktx, Apr 28, 2011
    #38
  20. Tommyc

    Tommyc Active Member

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    Yes Mr. Chuck, we were discussing the difference between 5 and 4 speed inner primary's. The 5 speed has a seal and the 4 speed does not.
    Why is that by the way?
    Must be so the primary fluid doesn't leak out thru the bearing like the 4 speed set-up's do, correct?
    Tommyc, Apr 28, 2011
    #39
  21. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    correct.........the older bikes had a total loss oiling system......they leaked by design. the first harley that wasnt a total loss oiling system was the 65 model....talking big twins here.
    chucktx, Apr 28, 2011
    #40
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