So I'm starting to tear down my 87 flhs. Base gasket leak intake leaks I also have a chunk missing out of my primary seal and the shift linkage wiggles real bad so the primary is coming off. I'm changing out the cam and bearing as well. Would it be worth just splitting everything down from the frame? It would make it easier to make sure everything looks good and if I need to get anything replaced or machined it's ready to go. Plus if I do that then I can paint everything as well to clean it up some. To me it seems easier, but I could be wrong. It doesnt look like there a lot holding it all together. Looks like 2 bolts for the trans to split it from the engine after the primary is off. I will be ordering a service manual for it on during the week.

 

To each one's own, but I'd never pull an inner primary to do shift shaft bushings (unless you gonna do full length bronze). The bushings are short enough to r&r without pulling the inner. Pulling the engine is a lot of extra work for a top end freshen-up and cam bearing service. It's very do-able in frame

But if you're determined to pull the engine, yes 2 bolts holding the engine to the transmission. Just be sure you leave the front motor mount loose and leave the two rear bolts loose until you have the inner primary aligned, bolted and torqued to spec before you tighten the engine-trans together, else you'll create more problems than you would ever could imagine. And you can pull the engine without totally removing the inner primary...

If you've never done it before and you ordered an aftermarket service manual, be prepared for a lot of ambiguity in the book. They cover too many years and often leave a lot to the imagination. But then, that's what this forum is for

 

I'm going to order one from harley. I used an aftermarket on for a truck once and it was more confusing then helpful lol. I figured for painting and cleaning off the oil sludge would be easier if it's out. Bike also sumps after about 2ish weeks. So I need to fix the check ball. I dont think it would be to hard to align every thing. But never know.

 

Good call on the Factory Service Manual
Money well spent if you actually do anything more than change oil. Yeah, it's not rocket science, by any stretch...

Have fun with you project !

 

i hope it's fun. I was a small engine mechanic for years and have always been a the type who doesnt like bringing my stuff to shops. Plus it always feels better when you ride something that you did the work on yourself.

 

Yea it apart, I just tore my dyna down to the frame.

 

In addition to having a machinist bore the cylinders, have him true the bottom surfaces also, this will prevent most base gasket leaks.