Hard to Shift
I know this wouldn't have anything to do with your 5th gear pushrod adjustment, but I had a 96 Heritage that 1 day just wouldn't downshift. I did a clutch adjustment, primary chain adjustment, shift pawl adjustment, and the problem went away. Pretty sure the shift pawl was the trick.
3 inexpensive adjustments that can't hurt to do.
3 inexpensive adjustments that can't hurt to do.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 32
From: Ft.Worth, Texas
I know this wouldn't have anything to do with your 5th gear pushrod adjustment, but I had a 96 Heritage that 1 day just wouldn't downshift. I did a clutch adjustment, primary chain adjustment, shift pawl adjustment, and the problem went away. Pretty sure the shift pawl was the trick.
3 inexpensive adjustments that can't hurt to do.
3 inexpensive adjustments that can't hurt to do.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...g-problem.html
I'll check to see if I have the procedure.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...problem-2.html
Procedure for 95-96 ST
Shift trans into 3rd gear - be sure it is fully engaged in 3rd.
Move shifter lever and feel for free play and spring pressure in both directions.
Use pawl adjustment tool H-D 39618 (I bent a wrench to fit) and loosen the locknut. Adjust the allen screw in 1/4" turn or less increments (either clockwise or counterclockwise) until spring pressure and free play is equal on both sides of the shift lever travel.
Recheck adjustment and tighten locknut.
This procedure is right after shift linkage adjustment in my manual.
I'll check to see if I have the procedure.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...problem-2.html
Procedure for 95-96 ST
Shift trans into 3rd gear - be sure it is fully engaged in 3rd.
Move shifter lever and feel for free play and spring pressure in both directions.
Use pawl adjustment tool H-D 39618 (I bent a wrench to fit) and loosen the locknut. Adjust the allen screw in 1/4" turn or less increments (either clockwise or counterclockwise) until spring pressure and free play is equal on both sides of the shift lever travel.
Recheck adjustment and tighten locknut.
This procedure is right after shift linkage adjustment in my manual.
Last edited by TSheff; Apr 23, 2016 at 10:12 PM.
Thread Starter
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Supporter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 32
From: Ft.Worth, Texas
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...g-problem.html
I'll check to see if I have the procedure.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...problem-2.html
Procedure for 95-96 ST
Shift trans into 3rd gear - be sure it is fully engaged in 3rd.
Move shifter lever and feel for free play and spring pressure in both directions.
Use pawl adjustment tool H-D 39618 (I bent a wrench to fit) and loosen the locknut. Adjust the allen screw in 1/4" turn or less increments (either clockwise or counterclockwise) until spring pressure and free play is equal on both sides of the shift lever travel.
Recheck adjustment and tighten locknut.
This procedure is right after shift linkage adjustment in my manual.
I'll check to see if I have the procedure.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...problem-2.html
Procedure for 95-96 ST
Shift trans into 3rd gear - be sure it is fully engaged in 3rd.
Move shifter lever and feel for free play and spring pressure in both directions.
Use pawl adjustment tool H-D 39618 (I bent a wrench to fit) and loosen the locknut. Adjust the allen screw in 1/4" turn or less increments (either clockwise or counterclockwise) until spring pressure and free play is equal on both sides of the shift lever travel.
Recheck adjustment and tighten locknut.
This procedure is right after shift linkage adjustment in my manual.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
Harley found that filling to the derby cover opening was causing hard shifts so they changed the required level to just touching the bottom of the clutch hub pressure plate.
Me personally I just throw in a quart and call it good.
Also some people have said that the Formula+ causes clunky shifts.
You might want to change what you put in there.
BTW tranny should have a good sever gear 75 - 140 fluid in it.
Thread Starter
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Supporter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 32
From: Ft.Worth, Texas
That is part of the problem right there.
Harley found that filling to the derby cover opening was causing hard shifts so they changed the required level to just touching the bottom of the clutch hub pressure plate.
Me personally I just throw in a quart and call it good.
Also some people have said that the Formula+ causes clunky shifts.
You might want to change what you put in there.
BTW tranny should have a good sever gear 75 - 140 fluid in it.
Harley found that filling to the derby cover opening was causing hard shifts so they changed the required level to just touching the bottom of the clutch hub pressure plate.
Me personally I just throw in a quart and call it good.
Also some people have said that the Formula+ causes clunky shifts.
You might want to change what you put in there.
BTW tranny should have a good sever gear 75 - 140 fluid in it.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 339
From: Northeastern Indiana
I have a '96 E-Glide and had trouble shifting, felt stiff and at times did not want to go in gear. Found the spacer plate in the center of the clutch pack went bad. Replacing the clutch and spacer plate fixed the problem. I have used Formula + in the primary since it came out with no problems.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
Likes: 4,547
From: Haslet Texas
Well heck..I had no idea. The Formula + bottle says transmission and primary so, thats why I used it. Ive definitely got the primary overfilled. Dr. Hess said he uses ATF in his primary. What are you using in yours THC ? Ive got some Royal Purple 75w-140 gear oil that I could put in the tranny.
I think that Royal Purple would be a better choice for your tranny.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
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From: South Carolina
I have a 1989 gearset on the bench with 115k on it (all it got was 85w90 conventional), and the gears look excellent.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 24, 2016 at 07:17 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
i use atf also. derby cover off and the bike leaning on it's kickstand how it normally sits, i'll fill the primary until it's just below the derby cover opening. i have no idea how much goes in there. if you filled with the bike level, you have too much in there.