After replacing the main transmission shaft on my 86 fxr the pinion gear is spinning fast before it gets to the ring gear. Because it's spinning so fast, it doesn't engage the ring gear (I cut a "window" in an old primary cover so I could see what's going on). I have replaced the pinion gear with a known good one, still won't engage. Starter solenoid and ring gear have also been replaced. With battery disconnected I can manually engage the pinion/ring gear no problem. I'm thinking the bearing in the inner primary is either too thick or not properly seated resulting in too much space between the pinion gear and ring gear. Space between the gears measures 3/16". Does anybody know what it should be?

 

The compu fire ring gear kit says that the clearance should be under 0.125 inches. It appears you are a little over. Primary bearing won't cause the issue. Clutch spaces on the tranny main shaft shoulder or shaft taper (depending on year). Other issues could include issues with the starter, possibly the the solenoid if you have been messing with that.

 

Thanks for the input. If spec is under .125 and I'm 3/16th seems like it has to do with the spacing. The shop that put the tranny shaft in has gone away. I'll take a close look at the tranny shaft and get some measurements for comparison. Maybe the wrong shaft or it's not installed right... Good news is the 2010 FLHTC works well. Great ride today!