79 ironhead trans question
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
79 ironhead trans question
as im sure this is most likely not an issue specific to the 79 or the sporty i've also heard that specific year/model tend to have lots of trans issues... my shifter is sitting all the way down... it got stuck in 2nd (if memory serves) and trying to put it down into neutral or first it pushed all the way down... the trans feels like its stuck right in between n and 1st... every time i make an attempt to ride it a little it starts to take off then die... any insight?
I do not know much about the transmissions so others will have to chime in on this one.
For any apparent trans problem the first step is always to re-do the clutch adjustment to eliminate any contribution that may be making to the problem. It must be adjusted as in the service manual. There are 5 or 6 steps in the procedure, some with 2 or 3 parts, and they must be done precisely as laid out in the manual. It cannot be adjusted at the hand lever like on other bikes.
The shifter is on the end of the shifter shaft. The inner end of the shaft has a ball that can come out of its proper place. Based on other threads i have read this may be the problem. Fixing it requires removing the transmission. This is just an idea, i am not saying this is the problem.
I strongly suspect that solving this will require pulling the trans. If you do not yet have the factory service manual now would be a good time to get one. The part number is 99484-85. You will also need the factory parts catalog 99451-85A.
For any apparent trans problem the first step is always to re-do the clutch adjustment to eliminate any contribution that may be making to the problem. It must be adjusted as in the service manual. There are 5 or 6 steps in the procedure, some with 2 or 3 parts, and they must be done precisely as laid out in the manual. It cannot be adjusted at the hand lever like on other bikes.
The shifter is on the end of the shifter shaft. The inner end of the shaft has a ball that can come out of its proper place. Based on other threads i have read this may be the problem. Fixing it requires removing the transmission. This is just an idea, i am not saying this is the problem.
I strongly suspect that solving this will require pulling the trans. If you do not yet have the factory service manual now would be a good time to get one. The part number is 99484-85. You will also need the factory parts catalog 99451-85A.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: rural ontario
I agree with everything Mick said and I will add before you try and open it up put it on a stand with the back wheel off the ground and; first check that the shifter has not just slipped on the shifter shaft and stuck where it sits holding you in gear. Then second: with the back wheel still off the ground try and manually free the shifter and work through the gears.
This will just help confirm if the problem is on the outside or inside.
If it is determined that pulling the tranny is neccessary you might as well check all the internals for wear while you are in there. Once something fails there will be other parts that are not far behind.
This will just help confirm if the problem is on the outside or inside.
If it is determined that pulling the tranny is neccessary you might as well check all the internals for wear while you are in there. Once something fails there will be other parts that are not far behind.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
Usually clutch adjustment and new transmission fluid helps... I would use RevTech sportster transmission fluid instead of Harley Formula + transmission fluid... IMO it works better with that.
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
Sounds like either the shift lever race on the inner side of the primary cover is seized (unlikely?), the shift arm has jumped the receiver on the pawl assembly (ify? at best), the shift lever is binding on the primary cover (most simple fix), shift assembly twisted (broken rollpins, loose mounting bolt), or the return spring has failed in the shift assembly, causing the shift plate to keep the forks in second? I think the first thing I would check would be the clutch clearance, because if you're not getting enough lift, everything will bind up a little.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
How did you get to this situation? Was it shifting good the last time you rode it and now, sometime later, it's seized up?
When you say that when you attempt to ride it, you start it then it dies when you put it in gear. That may not be the trans at all. Could be the clutch is stuck.
When my sporty has been sitting for too long, the clutch gets sticky. I start it up, hold the front brake REAL tight, rev it up, then drop it in first. The bike will lurch forward then the clutch loosens up. 5 minutes down the road and it's as good as new.
Note: DONT force it into gear. If you start banging on the shifter to try to get it into first, you will damage the trans.
When you say that when you attempt to ride it, you start it then it dies when you put it in gear. That may not be the trans at all. Could be the clutch is stuck.
When my sporty has been sitting for too long, the clutch gets sticky. I start it up, hold the front brake REAL tight, rev it up, then drop it in first. The bike will lurch forward then the clutch loosens up. 5 minutes down the road and it's as good as new.
Note: DONT force it into gear. If you start banging on the shifter to try to get it into first, you will damage the trans.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
UNCLE SAMMY
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
9
Dec 5, 2012 05:32 AM
