Trans shifting problem
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
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From: New Hampshire
Trans shifting problem
ok so whats happening is about every 5 time or so I upshift or downshift into 3rd gear (and sometimes 5th) I pull the clutch in and the shifter doesn't move. Only way to get it to move is to rev the engine a few time and then it will shift. This all started last year after changing all my fluids. The same fluids I have used every year. Never ever done it before that. Not once. I rechecked the fluid amounts bike warm and straight up - trany dip stick not screwed in. Same as I always have. Read that maybe my primary was a litte to full so a drained off a few oz. same , drained a few more oz. no change. Also checked the clutch cable adjustment. Left about a 1/16" play. Over the riding season last year I noticed every once in a while if I started the bike in gear It would want to lunge forward just slightly even though I had the clutch depressed all the way. Over the winter I changed the clutch cable since its original 55k miles thinking maybe it was hanging up. Made no difference. This year I have adjusted the cable 3 times now. Seams to keep changing. When I had the trany side cover off while changing the cable I disassembled the inner and outer ramp and ball bearings, cleaned it all greased and reassembled. I did find there was some metal particals or shaving in thise ramps so I thought I found my problem but same thing after reassemblly.
why just 3rd gear and sometimes 5th
why did it start acting up all of a sudden
what should I check next?
why just 3rd gear and sometimes 5th
why did it start acting up all of a sudden
what should I check next?
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
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From: Haslet Texas
Your FSM will have the tolerances in it (I remember reading them but I don't remember what they are right now.)
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 46
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From: New Hampshire
I have not adjusted the clutch yet. I'm not sure why I need to. It's a 96 Road King with 55k miles
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Last edited by Anthony Paul; May 30, 2017 at 08:00 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Let's start simple. The shift lever not moving is not oil. What type of joints are on the ends of your shift rod. The typical side loaded ball or a hemispherical type aftermarket?
Sounds like you are actually getting it to shift by getting it close and letting transmission pull its self into gear.
If your adjustment is really changing, the throw out bearing is broken.
Most people who have never adjusted a clutch don't get it to the no play before the back off.. However, most any Harley after it sets a little will lug fwd if started in gear with the clutch pulled in. A wet clutch sticks.
Make sure you get the clutch adjusted correctly.
Sounds like you are actually getting it to shift by getting it close and letting transmission pull its self into gear.
If your adjustment is really changing, the throw out bearing is broken.
Most people who have never adjusted a clutch don't get it to the no play before the back off.. However, most any Harley after it sets a little will lug fwd if started in gear with the clutch pulled in. A wet clutch sticks.
Make sure you get the clutch adjusted correctly.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 07:47 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
The reason you need to adjust the clutch is because you are having a shifting problem.