Hello, Longtime listener. first time caller here. I have a 1949 panhead that I have been getting on the road, recently had some trans issues. I am learning how these old bikes work and loving it. My 49 is my 6th Harley and never had the old 4 speed before. I am wondering if someone can educate me on how third gear engagement is supposed to work. I am having issues getting into 3rd and I notice that in my gearbox it seems third gear moves. Is this normal? Should 3rd and 4th function the same as 1st and 3rd? It seems like I have to move 3rd gear over into the dogs rather than just move the dogs into 3rd. Is something off here? I have attached a video to see what I mean.
Thank you kindly for any insights.

 

I had my FX 4-speed apart and there should be a clip and washer holding the main shaft 3rd gear in place. I think yours is the same. Do you have a parts manual?

 

It'll have a clip like the later boxes.

How do you know the gear is moving around? Whats the symptom you're feeling?

 

Yep, it's the snap ring - thank y'all for pointing me in the right direction

 

Third gear original to a 1949 would have a bushing under the gear for the main shaft - later on they went to a all steel gear and for went the bushing

usually in third they become noisy when worn past the spec - they also wear right out when using todays gear oil - dont care what so baboon said - the bushing are not in the newer transmissions for many years

the factory book tells you to use the same oil your using in the engine for the 4 speed trans - and 30,000 miles its worn out and needs a total overhaul

usually hi gear is leaking on the drive sprocket - its time