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That's likely your problem. Most use a steel bar between the chain sprockets to lock them for torquing and the nut should have Loctite 262. Correct torque for that year is 100 ft/lb
I agree with 86glider. With that amount of shims, your primary chain is worn out. You can see the chain is almost hitting the top cross bar. They'll stretch forever, but when badly worn, they also have lateral flex and all that adds up to bad vibes. The compensating sprocket nut being loose is the biggest issue.
Have the shop replace the primary chain and they'll get everything torqued during the process. Be sure to tell them 1/2" - 5/8" between top shim and bottom of shoe. Not every shop is familiar with the Hayden adjuster.
Just to clarify I didn't tighten the nut with my fingers. It felt tight with my fingers. I didn't put a wrench on it.
It's already open and I have some direction so I think I may postpone my appointment and attempt to replace the chain myself. I'll read the FSM tonight, watch a few videos, and decide tomorrow. Thanks guys!
Just to clarify I didn't tighten the nut with my fingers. It felt tight with my fingers. I didn't put a wrench on it.
It's already open and I have some direction so I think I may postpone my appointment and attempt to replace the chain myself. I'll read the FSM tonight, watch a few videos, and decide tomorrow. Thanks guys!
While you're at the chain, count how many teeth are on both sprocket's (front and rear) and if you wouldn't mind posting up a good picture of both the compensator and clutch basket sprocket's...
IMO, best device to lock out the crankshaft and transmission shaft to remove and install the nuts is a flat bar locking tool. I believe it's 7 3/8" Long by 1/4" thick by 1" inch wide (measure your to confirm).. Don't forget to round the ends to fit the sprockets better.. You can buy them or make them like most of us..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 4, 2022 at 12:17 PM.
I stopped by an Indy today. Have an appointment to drop it off next week. Think I'll fill the primary, mount the old fender, and drop it off.
It might not make a hill of beans difference but if your gonna ride the bike to your Indy ya might consider tightening the comp at least close to spec.
With where your at on this a trailer trip to the Indy might be a good idea.
While you're at the chain, count how many teeth are on both sprocket's (front and rear) and if you wouldn't mind posting up a good picture of both the compensator and clutch basket sprocket's...
It might not make a hill of beans difference but if your gonna ride the bike to your Indy ya might consider tightening the comp at least close to spec.
With where your at on this a trailer trip to the Indy might be a good idea.
WP
I dont believe the compensator is loose. There is no movement by hand or sound when running but I havent checked torque yet. Plan is to replace the chain, torque, test ride, and go from there. I would prefer to tackle this myself at home with the amazing amount of knowledge and assistance of everyone here. If the chain and torque doesnt straighten it out I'll take it to the Indy.
Stock gearing, that's good..The comp sprocket is showing some wear, the clutch sprocket looks great.. If your going to do the chain then replace the comp sprocket as well.. ..
I have a "barn find" 87 FXRC. Last season while riding, I noticed, what I thought were excessive vibrations through the chassis. When the bike idled, it looked like the engine wasn't moving around. This winter, I've replaced the front motor mount with an OEM Harley one. Feels smoother now. The original one wasn't cracked but it was dry. Might look at that.
Greg
Originally Posted by mike131
Setting for 20 years, Id check the engine mounts, the rubber does give up after awhile
I believe an FLST of that vintage is a Softail with solid motor mounts and being an Evo no counterbalancer like the TC Softails.
They do vibrate a lot like an old Shovel and if it's stroker expect even more.
Unfortunately all I have to offer are baby steps. Got a locking bar. Removed compensating sprocket, chain, and clutch basket. For some reason I thought I wouldn't need to remove the clutch but here we are once again beyond my comfort zone. Still waiting on the chain to ship. Should have been here last week but it's looking like the first week of June best case scenario. JB welded the cracks on the old fender and mounted it up. Got an overhead shop light so I can see what I'm doing on the left side of the bike. Now I wait...
Chain finally arrived late last week and I was able to get everything in last night. Busy week but I hope to be able to ride and report by this weekend.
New chain is shorter but not as much as I had expected.
Old compensator spacer on the left. New spacers on the right. Chain was properly aligned prior to removal but I wonder if this big *** spacer could have been a factor in the vibration?
Looks much better! Old chain had 6 spacers new one has 2. I've got to test ride sooner than later. The anticipation is killing me.
