Clutch Question???
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Clutch Question???
74shovelhead, Welcome to the shovel realm. Just got a 78 FLH from Santa. Have run pans and shovels most of my career. (40+ yrs) All advise has been good. One thing I do, and it works well for certain conditions. OnceI have pulled the discs, I not only scuff them with sandpaper, but clean the faces thoroughly, and I mean, thoroughly, with brake cleaner. Make sure yoursteels are clean and true. There are numerous fixes on the market. I have had my best luck with this setup. I switched to the 5 finger hub, (5 pull straighter than 3)I get rid of the old clutch hub bearing set up and go with the long roller bearing (hub rolls straighter)I also install the clutch tamer ( the complete set) They are for sale thru J&P and others and are a snap to install.I have this set up in my pan and shovel, and we ride parades, etc, so clutch use is a premium. The ultimate fix is the new pro clutch for these, but it is a $550-600 fix, but, I have never ridden a shovel that shifted as nice as this kit shifts. Easy to find neutral, easier pull on lever, etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
RE: Clutch Question???
I ALSO USE THE "tAMER" iT IS THE BEST HOLDS THE CLUTCH BASKET FROM MOVING IN AND OUT AT THE STOP SIGNS THEREFORE NO MORE JERKING OR PULSATING AT THE STOP SIGNS DURING THOSE HOT SUMMER DAYS tHE "RAM JETT" IS OK BUT NOT LIKE THE TAMER
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
RE: Clutch Question???
Hi All,
I run a 1978 FLH which also has been sitting in storage for a while. Took it on the maiden run today after agood cleanup and fluid refresh, same issue with slipping clutch under load. However, when releasing the lever, it 'bites' only at the very end, yet when sitting in front of the light with the lever fully pulled in, the bike still rocks and feels as if the clutch is not released. This seems contradictory... Also, neutral is a b*tch to find and gearchanges seem 'jerky' compared to my '74 sportster.
Same advice as for 74shovelhead or does this lead to conclusion of worn plates?
cheers
Paul
P.s how do I know if my clutchis wet or dry (without opening it up of course!)?
I run a 1978 FLH which also has been sitting in storage for a while. Took it on the maiden run today after agood cleanup and fluid refresh, same issue with slipping clutch under load. However, when releasing the lever, it 'bites' only at the very end, yet when sitting in front of the light with the lever fully pulled in, the bike still rocks and feels as if the clutch is not released. This seems contradictory... Also, neutral is a b*tch to find and gearchanges seem 'jerky' compared to my '74 sportster.
Same advice as for 74shovelhead or does this lead to conclusion of worn plates?
cheers
Paul
P.s how do I know if my clutchis wet or dry (without opening it up of course!)?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
RE: Clutch Question???
Stock 1978 shovel has a dry clutch system meaning the clutch plates do not need lub Are there hoses coming off the back of the inner primary? Is the primary chain drive or has a belt system been installed?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Clutch Question???
ORIGINAL: McBoney
Hi All,
I run a 1978 FLH which also has been sitting in storage for a while. Took it on the maiden run today after agood cleanup and fluid refresh, same issue with slipping clutch under load. However, when releasing the lever, it 'bites' only at the very end, yet when sitting in front of the light with the lever fully pulled in, the bike still rocks and feels as if the clutch is not released. This seems contradictory... Also, neutral is a b*tch to find and gearchanges seem 'jerky' compared to my '74 sportster.
Same advice as for 74shovelhead or does this lead to conclusion of worn plates?
cheers
Paul
P.s how do I know if my clutchis wet or dry (without opening it up of course!)?
Hi All,
I run a 1978 FLH which also has been sitting in storage for a while. Took it on the maiden run today after agood cleanup and fluid refresh, same issue with slipping clutch under load. However, when releasing the lever, it 'bites' only at the very end, yet when sitting in front of the light with the lever fully pulled in, the bike still rocks and feels as if the clutch is not released. This seems contradictory... Also, neutral is a b*tch to find and gearchanges seem 'jerky' compared to my '74 sportster.
Same advice as for 74shovelhead or does this lead to conclusion of worn plates?
cheers
Paul
P.s how do I know if my clutchis wet or dry (without opening it up of course!)?
GOOD LUCK with the shovel.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
RE: Clutch Question???
Thanks for the advice gents.
It is a stock machine and there are no pipes, so a dry clutch.
I shall investigate if I can get a Tamer in UK (I am in London) and see where I get (can anyone perhaps send me a link?). I guess when installing the Tamer,I can ascertain whether plates are worn or not, and when putting back together, clean/degrease everything and get the whole thing adjusted properly.
Might take a while!
Cheers
Paul
It is a stock machine and there are no pipes, so a dry clutch.
I shall investigate if I can get a Tamer in UK (I am in London) and see where I get (can anyone perhaps send me a link?). I guess when installing the Tamer,I can ascertain whether plates are worn or not, and when putting back together, clean/degrease everything and get the whole thing adjusted properly.
Might take a while!
Cheers
Paul
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Clutch Question???
Paul, please bear with me. I'm not the most "puter" savvy guy, so I'll "try" to attach a link here.
http://www.jpcycles.com/search.aspx?...;store=Vintage
If it doesn't work, go to J&P Cycles, go to Vintage Section and type in "clutch tamer" in the search window. Should haul your butt right to the picture and description. Not sure 'bout shipping to the U.K. from J&P. But I buy over 50% of my parts from them. Not always the cheapest, but "wonderful" ppl and service. Another good sourde is ZOOM cycle. You can get a V Twin catalog from them for FREE, and it is a "candy" store for the HD enthusiast. Good luck, keep posting and keep asking. GUMBY
http://www.jpcycles.com/search.aspx?...;store=Vintage
If it doesn't work, go to J&P Cycles, go to Vintage Section and type in "clutch tamer" in the search window. Should haul your butt right to the picture and description. Not sure 'bout shipping to the U.K. from J&P. But I buy over 50% of my parts from them. Not always the cheapest, but "wonderful" ppl and service. Another good sourde is ZOOM cycle. You can get a V Twin catalog from them for FREE, and it is a "candy" store for the HD enthusiast. Good luck, keep posting and keep asking. GUMBY
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
RE: Clutch Question???
Hi all,
Tamer is on order, but had an afternoon off so decided to pick up the manual and see if simple adjustments would make it better.
It says that the lever and the starter motor should be3/8 - 5/8'apart. How do you measure that?? It is buried deep in the innards under seat, behind battery and oil tank! Anyway, took all that off, plus exhaust and coil covers to get at the cable adjuster, and also removed the clutch front plate..... garage littered with bits!
There was a little oil behind the clutch plate!? Is that normal? I suppose so as that is where the chain goes...
So I loosened the cable adjuster lock nut and screwed cable adjuster all the way in (Cable now very slack). I thenundid the clutch locknut and screwed the pushrod all the way out. Then adjusted cable until lever and the starter motorwere3/8 - 5/8'apart (more or less!) and locked the cable adjuster locknut.
For good measure I tightened all three clutch plate bolts a full turn and screwed the clutch pushrod in until resistance was met.I then unscrewed it half a turn and tightened the locknut.
As I did not have the Tamer, I stopped short of removing primary cover and the rest of the clutch (I have to undo the exhaust for that too! Shovels are really a pain to work on compared to sportsters I think).
Took it for a ride..... result:
Clutch bites at the very end of handle release, but doesn't seem to slip anymore and at the lights the 'pulling' is also less, so very happy!
However...this was a short ride in 3 degrees centigrade... will this get worse again when properly hot?
The fact that the clutch only bites at the very end seems to me to indicate that the clutch is worn... what do you guys think?
Cheers
Paul
Tamer is on order, but had an afternoon off so decided to pick up the manual and see if simple adjustments would make it better.
It says that the lever and the starter motor should be3/8 - 5/8'apart. How do you measure that?? It is buried deep in the innards under seat, behind battery and oil tank! Anyway, took all that off, plus exhaust and coil covers to get at the cable adjuster, and also removed the clutch front plate..... garage littered with bits!
There was a little oil behind the clutch plate!? Is that normal? I suppose so as that is where the chain goes...
So I loosened the cable adjuster lock nut and screwed cable adjuster all the way in (Cable now very slack). I thenundid the clutch locknut and screwed the pushrod all the way out. Then adjusted cable until lever and the starter motorwere3/8 - 5/8'apart (more or less!) and locked the cable adjuster locknut.
For good measure I tightened all three clutch plate bolts a full turn and screwed the clutch pushrod in until resistance was met.I then unscrewed it half a turn and tightened the locknut.
As I did not have the Tamer, I stopped short of removing primary cover and the rest of the clutch (I have to undo the exhaust for that too! Shovels are really a pain to work on compared to sportsters I think).
Took it for a ride..... result:
Clutch bites at the very end of handle release, but doesn't seem to slip anymore and at the lights the 'pulling' is also less, so very happy!
However...this was a short ride in 3 degrees centigrade... will this get worse again when properly hot?
The fact that the clutch only bites at the very end seems to me to indicate that the clutch is worn... what do you guys think?
Cheers
Paul
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
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: e-bay manic61
RE: Clutch Question???
one thing noone mentioned yet is the throwout bearing. this should be inspected and replaced if worn, also the clutch pushrod should be checked for mushrooming on the end.
if you have a clutch adj. screw with the ball bearing on the end of it throw it as far as you can. this adj. screw also should be inspected for mushrooming or wearinto the end.
when adjustiong your clutch adj. stud you need to make sure you have put full slack in your cable or the adjustment is no good.
the tamer is a great fix for 3 or 5 finger baskets. an aluminum pressure plate is recommended with the 5 finger hub.
the stock steel cage with the 20 small roller bearings is junk and should be replaced with The Big Fix.
if you need help with any of the adjustment or any tech tips ive learned just let me know.
good luck
if you have a clutch adj. screw with the ball bearing on the end of it throw it as far as you can. this adj. screw also should be inspected for mushrooming or wearinto the end.
when adjustiong your clutch adj. stud you need to make sure you have put full slack in your cable or the adjustment is no good.
the tamer is a great fix for 3 or 5 finger baskets. an aluminum pressure plate is recommended with the 5 finger hub.
the stock steel cage with the 20 small roller bearings is junk and should be replaced with The Big Fix.
if you need help with any of the adjustment or any tech tips ive learned just let me know.
good luck
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
RE: Clutch Question???
Hey guys, new to the sight and I am having the same problem with my 79 FXS. \\; \\;Just put new Barnett carbon plates and Barnett heavy duty springs in it, and it's still slipping. \\; One thing I haven't heard anyone say is why it gets worse when it heats up? \\; Mine will slip a little under power, but if I ride it for 20 minutes, and come to a stop with the cluth in it will walk right along. \\; I'm about ready to set fire to this damn thing. ( just kidding ) but it is \\; pi$$ing me off. \\; \\;I am supposed to be leaving for the Smoke out on Friday, and I can't get this thing right. \\; Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. \\;