The 1988 FXSTC, unlike the '89 and later, requires removing the inner primary in order to replace the stator. The service manual instructions to do the job reads like a horror story. Can anyone offer some advice to make the job easier?

 

Use a light coat of dawn dish detergent or Vaseline on the stator plug to get it through the engine case. Clean all of the bolt holes thoroughly so that the bolts thread in easy and use blue locktite. Other people say red but trust me and use blue. Buy new stator bolts you will be happy you did and get a couple of extra locktabs for your inner primary bolts and new gaskets. Other than that follow the fsm

 

What makes you say that?

When you do the job make sure you replace the inner primary seal and the starter jackshaft seal as well as get a new o-ring for the inner to motor.

A 1/4" extension will help you push the stator plug into place.

Other than that follow Jason's advise.

 

I appreciate these hints very much. My main concern lies with getting the starter off since the bolts are behind the oil tank. Or maybe I can just let the starter stay attached to the primary when I pull it off?

 

Personally I would just take the oil tank out as that gives you more room.

That said a friend of mine took his out by loosening the oil tank and taking off the rear wheel to give him access to the bolts.

It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

 

Not sure if yours is 5/16" Allen drive bolts or not. If so like mine, I use a 6" Allen wrench with 3/8 drive extension and ratchet. Never have to move the oil tank at all...

 

I coat the stator plug hole with black RTV silicone and some on the plug too. Slides in like it's greased. Seals better too.

Griz

 

That's a good idea^. Gonna be a bitch to get out though.

And no you can't leave the starter attached. Just remove the oil tank but leave the lines attached. You can kind of move it to the side

 

Take lots of pictures so you remember how to reassemble.

Put the bolts and fasteners back in their holes as each part is removed or drop them in labelled sandwich bags.

The clutch nut is left hand thread. You may need a hub puller to remove it.

Bribe a buddy with beer and BBQ to help you.

Plan on the entire weekend being shot. If something doesn't go right don't force it, ask for help and/or get the proper tool to make it work.

Plan on replacing the inner primary bearings and seal.

Use a quality regulator, you don't want to do this again. Compufire's series style regulator draws fewer amps from the stator so it should last longer.

Get a 32 amp system rather than 22 amp. The stator connector will be much more sturdy.

 

A few years ago I was talking to cycle electric about up grading my stator,rotor and regulator and they told me that since a softail keeps it's battery in the middle of the oil tank the battery is subject to a lot of heat and a high amperage system would be a bad idea as it would cause the battery to overheat.