I just put a new rear belt on my 1985 FXWG.
I am aware of the common problem with the transmission mainshaft seal leaking. Mine appears to be perfectly dry. Would I be wise to leave it alone, or go ahead and replace it anyway? It hasn't been apart in decades. I don't want to create a problem.

It seems that I may have a leaking oil tank that is causing that annoying tiny drip under the bike. Not the trans seal I had suspected.

 

I have a simple philosophy "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

 

If I recall there is a bearing race puller that is needed to get the sprocket off the main shaft. I didn't have that puller when I was replacing the primary seal so I left the tranny seal alone. If your tranny seal ever does leak it will give you a good excuse to pull the primary all apart again. We early bike owners know what great fun that is!!!!!!!
Just promise us you'll upgrade the charging system to 32 amps while you're in there. The 22 amp pins are too frail for my liking. Mine got loose and burned up. I went with a Spyke system because the rotor is real beefy and doesn't need spacers like the stock one.
Have fun kicking her over in front of all the twinkies.

 

I've read all about the charging system upgrades. Frankly mine seems to be perfectly fine. I did replace a voltage regulator years ago, but never any other problems.
what exactly would I have to replace for the upgrade? what advantages would I see?

 

sometime in the 80's I got a solid rear wheel off a Softail Custom, had it polished smooth and chromed. I've used it ever since, but now I'm more into the old school look. I bought a spoked rear wheel (I sold the original long ago). The original wheel had a spacer between the pulley and the hub, which I still have. I used it when I installed the pulley, but it has the pulley almost touching the swingarm and the belt is tracking on the outer edge of the transmission pulley. It looks like removing the spacer will make it perfect.

 

Take a look at the difference in size between the 22 amp pins and the 32 amp pins. I was constantly cleaning and re-seating the connector and fooling with the little hold-down clamp. Then the stator burned up and I had to pull the inner primary again. The regulator didn't fail, only the stator. The 32 amp stator uses thicker wire so it can handle a heavier current as well.

I'm just pissed that I didn't upgrade when I had it apart the first time.

 

I just noticed your in Southern MD.
I'm in Waldorf.

 

You're late for work.

Let me know when you want to go for a ride. I'm in southern Anne Arundle Co. I'd love to see another 85.