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Harley primary chain adjustment

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by bigdaddy, May 20, 2008.

  1. bigdaddy

    bigdaddy New Member

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    Need help with adjusting procedures on the primary chain on a 1998 harley softail evo 1340.....anyone?? thanks
    bigdaddy, May 20, 2008
    #1
  3. mwelych

    mwelych Active Member

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    RTFM... If you don't own one, buy one...:)
    mwelych, May 20, 2008
    #2
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    big daddy, the procedure is to losen the shoe, and adjust the chain to factory specs. i believe it is around 1/2 inch, but check specs to be sure.
    the factory service manual will be the most important tool in your box!!!!:)
    chucktx, May 20, 2008
    #3
  5. bigdaddy

    bigdaddy New Member

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    thanks...yes i ordered a service manual just waiting for it to come in...
    bigdaddy, May 21, 2008
    #4
  6. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Turn off motor

    Remove inspection cover,

    put in N

    Push up on top chain, should move 5/8 cold max I believe

    If it's ok, leave it alone

    If it's off, loosen nut 9/16 I believe

    Lift adjuster/tensioner assembly

    Tighten nut, check chain

    If correct

    Put cover back on.
    hotroadking, May 21, 2008
    #5
  7. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    You're all wrong.

    Buy a self adjuster like the M60 and install that as per the instructions and you never have to adjust it again for the rest of your life.:D
    Tomflhrci98, May 21, 2008
    #6
  8. SPORSTERBOY

    SPORSTERBOY New Member

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    Didn't We Have That Link To The Vidieo's In A Past Post, Remember Posting About The Primary Chain Adjustment One.
    SPORSTERBOY, May 21, 2008
    #7
  9. VYBR8ER

    VYBR8ER New Member

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    The adjustment spec is 5/8 to 3/4 inch deflection at the tightest point in the chain when cold.
    VYBR8ER, May 21, 2008
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    OK if you do that add

    1) Buy all the primary cover gaskets
    2) Drain Primary
    3) remove floorboards
    4) remove shifters
    5) Remove cover and inspection cover
    6) Clean all bolts of any debris or locktite
    7) Loosen and remove bolts on existing tensioner
    8) Remove Tensioner from primary
    9) Install new tensioner (Hope you can get it around primary chain without having to remove comp nut or clutch basket)
    10) Reverse disassembly of primary cover
    11) cuss at primary gasket for costing $40 and not staying in place as you try to put cover on.
    12 Fill with fluid (hopefuly you put the drain plug back in with teflon tape)

    Done
    hotroadking, May 22, 2008
    #9
  11. CD

    CD Guest

    Don't forget the dings in the chrome and bloody knuckles...
    Still, I like the M6 but I really, really liked the HB125 hydraulic more.
    You can get either on without yanking the basket etc...
    CD, May 22, 2008
    #10
  12. bigdaddy

    bigdaddy New Member

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    ok good deal ...i'll check the adjustment tonight...thanks...by the way pics of the bike to come....it is a 98 softail with a harley custom paint from factory and marked on the tank 1/100..with the bar/shield logo....so I think it is the 1st one painted that year if i understand it right...
    bigdaddy, May 22, 2008
    #11

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