tranny hits nuetral between gears

Asylumcycle · #1 06-03-2008, 11:09 PM

building motor on inlaws 00 road king and he wants me to look @ tranny also(I dont normally do trannys). It hits nuetral between gears alot. you can watch shifter drum not always make it to next gear(it stops short). Have adjusted shifter pawl,replaced thrust washer as it had .004 to much slop, so bigger installed, it is right now per feeler gauge.shifter forks are not bent and mic out more than thick enough.What else should I look for? 2 dealers and 2 techs that are buddys of mine said they have never heard of or dealt with this problem. any help greatly apreciated!!!! should shifter pawl be sharp bend on both sides or only one?? what else to do.......

KBFXDLI · #2 06-04-2008, 08:51 AM

Did you replace the springs on the pawl? Also, did you disassemble the trans? If you do make sure you return the shifter forks to their original position as they all wear differently and if you move them around this can cause shift issues. How many miles on this bike? How long has it been doing this? Has anyone else been inside this trans?

From an earlier post:

Youwill probablyhave topull the trans apart, the shift drumspring may be worn or broken, this is the most likely cause. the shifter pawlitself only starts the trans into gear, the spring and wheel pull it the rest of the way.You should probablyreplace all the shifter springs. the 5 speeds, by way of gears, bearings,are virtuallyindestructable, but the springsare weak and wear out then causing the trans not to slip into complete gear contact. Just make sure you label the forks and put them back in their original position or you will create another headache. You might want to use a digital camera to photo your work for reference. Definitely get a service manual if you don't have one. While you are in there replace any worn bushings, bearingsand ALL the springs etc. I would seek the advice of a HD dealer master tech as well before you tear into it. It may be easier to upgrade to a 6 speed (just a thought).

Asylumcycle · #3 06-04-2008, 09:53 AM

ok, I had measured forks, they are straight and well within wear limits. I was wondering about the Pawl as one end looks a little worn. the big spring right below the pawl did not seem as strong as one would think a spring that big would be. Why would I have to pull trans all the way out? is there more springs inside of case that a guy cant get @ without pulling guts completely out. I do not have trap door tool. I do motors and porting and odds and ends. only tranny I have had completely apart was on a 69. I really apreciate your help and guidance on this situation, just wondering if i really have to pull everything out and why i cant change both springs on pawl with tranny parts still in case, or can I???? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, about 40,000 miles I believe/nobody has worked on as far as i know(its inlaws bike and they get HUGE DISCOUNT from me), but they dont fix anything till its broke/he says its just been doing this for awhile/ and I took one fork out @ a time so they couldnt get mixed up and also took pics, but did not need them. Only looking @ this for him because i am in the middle of gear cams,big bore, and head porting on this bike for him.

Thanks again!