Last summer I purchased my 1980 FXE and removed the inner primary to repair stripped bolt holes that hold the primary to the engine case. The manual I used then was a Clymer that came with the bike. It said in that manual that the two washers that fall off when the inner primary is removed go on the front two transmission studs. I didn’t have any washers that fell off and to check things put a .002” feeler gauge between the trans and inner primary and very lightly snugged up the nuts and bolts. The feeler gauge was tight and couldn’t be removed. I just blew it off as being a mistake in the manual. Now I just purchased an official Harley manual from 78 and a half to 1984 and it says the same thing about the washers. I’ve looked at the online parts manual and haven’t seen them either. Anyone have any information on this. It’s on page 6-29 of the manual.

 

You are misinterpreting what is being said. The inner primary goes up aganst the transmission case. So you are correct...no washers between the back of the inner primary and tranny case.

The manuals are referring to the washers that are on the transmssion studs themselves. You pull the inner and the washers come off with it.




In the pic you can see the washers behind the ny-loc nuts on the front studs. One the rear studs there are also washer behind the ny-loc washers on the studs. The FX manual shows bolts and washers for the rear inner primary to transmission case. My 78-1/2 is 99% stock and that is the way it came, studs and not bolts on the rear.

 

they also say to loosen the trans before tightening the inner primary

 

we make loose the engine as well so the inner is not influenced at all - once the inner is correctly in place and tight we tighten the engine and trans -

this way you do not have to look for another inner

 

I tried to upload a picture out of the Clymer manual but for some reason it doesn’t work.
Here is what it says
“Lightly tap the primary case with a plastic hammer and remove it. The 2 washers that fall behind the primary case when it is removed belong on the 2 front transmission case to primary case studs. Reinstall the washers at this time”.
I just threw the Clymer manual in the garbage can.
Thanks everyone for clearing this up.

 

I will add the real Harley manual did not say to reinstall at this time

 

Clymer manuals are good in the shithouse in case you run out of paper

 

when i first bought my shovel over 35 yrs ago it had a hairline crack on top of the inner primary below the timing plug that was seeping oil. had it welded re installed it and re cracked straight away didnt that **** me off

 

And to add... a good time to check if your Engine Needs Shimmed, especially in front... would be Now..