1989 Springer Softail
The inner primary doesn't look bad at all. Apparently someone was able to turn the motor over enough to get the rusty part of the chain to the top.
The clutch diaphragm was hiding this crud, but it washed off easily with soap and water.
I didn't measure them, but the clutch plates look reusable after some cleanup. I don't think that's a stock aluminum plate holding it, so maybe the clutch was recently replaced?
The stator looks pretty good too. The rotor wasn't rusted to it, even though a little water made its way in.
I know these years were known to have problems with the bearing carrier. How does this one look?
Saltwater does a number on steel, doesn't it? I'll leave the transmission together until I open it up and flush it.
Feel free to comment, thanks!
[edit to add] the nuts under the rocker covers were easier to break free than the ones out in the open. IDK if that means those studs need attention, or just the nature of the location?
Rear head and cylinder. This is the one that had an open intake valve.
Front head and cylinder.
I did find evidence of the water level on the intake manifold, so I know it was mostly submerged. Fortunately not as high as the wiring harness and dash.
I'm soaking the pistons in PB Blaster overnight before I attempt removal. If they don't come off fairly easily, which I expect they won't, I will have to resort to stronger potions. I seem to recall a mixture of ATF and something else works well. Anyone know the other ingredient?
If I can get the cylinders off without too much damage, I'm encouraged that they can be saved. No telling what the lower end looks like, but my friend the shop owner says it should be OK after filling and flushing with ATF for a while.
Feel free to comment.
Last edited by Joe12RK; Mar 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
Anyone have one or two of these turn signals they want to part with?
Last edited by Rains2much; Mar 5, 2025 at 03:20 PM.
Last edited by Rains2much; Mar 6, 2025 at 06:12 AM.
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