I seem to be having an issue wi my clutch push rod. My book says the rod should be 10.375" I didn't have that length so I bought one and it is to short to fit between my rod ends inside the trans. I had one that is 10 7/8" and it works but my adjuster is almost all the way in and I have no way of adjusting my clutch any further. My clutch seems to be working but I don't like how the adjuster is so far on to make it work.

Any suggestions? My book says 85 should have an 11 1/8" rod which would be perfect but my trans is an 84 not an 85 does this make any sense to anyone?

 

5 speed transmission, correct?

What clutch do you have, early or late `84?

 

What length was the original? If it's a 5 speed it should be the 10 7/8" if it is a four speed it is probably the late 84 which was a longer mainshaft hence the 11 1/8". I have an 11 3/8" I could chop down for you if you need it.

 

The length of the stock should be 10.375. The one that is in it now is a 90and up pushrod.

It is a wet clutch later 84 in a 5 speed touring trans. I ordered an 85 pushrod which is 11 1/8 hoping that works. I am guessing being that my bike was made in November they had 84 and 85 trans on the shelf and they pulled an 85 for my bike.

I will update this when I get my new rod and let you know if it worked.

 

`84 model year has a 5 speed transmission, the same as an `85, that is not where the difference is.

Early `84 has dry clutch.

Late `84 has diaphragm spring clutch.

You have already found out that a `90 and later pushrod will not work for `89 and earlier clutch.

 

I understand what your saying completely. However I have te spring diaphragm wet clutch and the rod should be 10.375" based on year. Being that a 90+ is 10 7/8" and 85-86 is 11 1/8" that being said an 84 and an 85 trans are different in some respect or they would all take the same clutch pod right?

I hope this don't sound like I am being a dick because I am not trying to I am simply just talking it out and trying to understand why a part made for my year doesn't fit is all.

I am still leaning towards there was a shelf full of transmissions and being that it was late year they prolly had 84 and 85 on the shelf and mine got an 85 trans lol.

 

There are several differences between the `84 and `85 5 speed transmissions.

They used a different P/N case, also a different mainshaft (although they are the same length), the difference between these shafts is the woodruff key.

The Clutch outer shell is also different between 84 and 85, although these two parts look almost identical (I think this is why the pushrod length is different).

As an owner of an `84 Harley, you are going to become a detective, especially when it comes to drivetrain components.

Your bike is 30 years old, who knows what has already been changed in your transmission or clutch?

A part changed by a previous owner could be the reason the pushrod seems to be for the wrong year...

Keep a good record of this stuff as you work on the bike, you may need to go back and replace some of these parts some day, your own what parts fit record will be as important as the factory parts manual.

 

That makes sense. I guess it is hard to say what has been changed over the years. I guess all that matter really is that it works when I put it together right.

I have found several "customizing" treats in this one already. Thanks for your help man.

 

Better late than never, lol: If ya think about it, it doesn't really matter as long as you have enough length (+ or -)to bring it into adjustment correctly - the amount of throw is not affected by the length of the rod. I.e. Assuming correct adj. a longer or shorter rod will not give you more or less engagement/disengagement of the clutch.

You'll find more issues arise with the late 84 diaphragm spring wet clutch due to incorrect adj. weak release fork, and rarely a batch of incorrectly manufactured drive plates that bind on the inner clutch hub and cause drag, poor shifting, and an impossible neutral from a stand-still. Personally I've remedied these on the cheap by: a) modifying an older shovel style release fork with a steel shim (and optional weld), b) coating the inner clutch hub splines with a dry graphite based lube that sprays on like paint, dries hard, and creates a slippery surface for the steel drive plates. Alternatively, you could replace the inner clutch hub.

I've always wanted to convert mine to the older dry-clutch but have never been able to determine just how many components would need to be changed (i.e. main shaft et.al.) and have not had the opportunity to juxtapose the two.

-Q

* Reff: https://books.google.com/books?id=Tk...090-84&f=false

 

I have an 84 flhtc, late model. 5 speed wet clutch. Ordered new pushrod and it's too long. Dennis Kirk said exact fit. New rod is 10 11/16, old is 10 3/16. I know I haven't a clue what was done to this bike previous to me but any idea what I can order one that size?