Primary Chain Adjust - Harley Forum

2mchchrome · #1 07-28-2009, 02:37 PM

Is there a secret to the primay chain adjustment. I've done this adjust several times and most of the time I'll drop the loose adjuster and have a real problem digging it out of the bottom of the primary cover, not an easy feat.

I spent 34 years as a machine repairman so I do have some mechanical aptitude

Bigincher · #2 07-28-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2mchchrome

Is there a secret to the primay chain adjustment. I've done this adjust several times and most of the time I'll drop the loose adjuster and have a real problem digging it out of the bottom of the primary cover, not an easy feat.

I spent 34 years as a machine repairman so I do have some mechanical aptitude

What kind of motorcycle? I don't know crap about the 'new' ones, but I think since they have automatic adjusters, you must talking about one with the manual adjustment shoe.
They say that all primary chains have a little stretch spot in them, so you have to get the rear wheel off the ground, remove the spark plugs, put the bike in high gear, and bump the wheel around until you find the tight spot on the chain, then adjust it there according to the specs in the manual. Then you should roll it around to find the loosest spot on the chain, and if the difference is greater than is spec'd, you'd could need a new chain.
But really, instead of fussing around with all that, a Hayden M-6 is an automatic adjuster that eliminates the need to ever adjust the chain again! One of the best upgrades I ever did to my motorcycles that still have the chain primary drive.

2mchchrome · #3 07-29-2009, 10:40 AM

Thanks big..Forgot to mention I have an '04 Fat Boy.. My problem is my Fat Fingers..Can,t seem to hold on to the adjustment shoe..But I think I'll take the advice on the auto (constant) adjuster. Something to do this winter

Bigincher · #4 07-29-2009, 11:37 AM

In the meantime, it would be a good thing to get your chain adjusted properly.

evoKENevo · #5 07-29-2009, 01:20 PM

Yo,Big
It seems to me you're missing 2mch's point/question here.
I mean it sounds to me like our fat-fingered friend is O.K. with the adjust-ing part

and just looking for advise as to how not to lose the adjust-er in the meantime..

Sorry,2mch...I got nuthin' for you on this one

'cept sympathy and to 2'nd Big's notion (a good one) for the next time...which should be relatively E-Z in that you'd have to remove your whole primary cover (one time) to do that and never have to contend with the small inspection hole again...other than to inspect vs adjust the chain tension when you change fluid,etc...very

!!!

Bigincher · #6 07-29-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evoKENevo

Yo,Big
It seems to me you're missing 2mch's point/question here.
I mean it sounds to me like our fat-fingered friend is O.K. with the adjust-ing part

and just looking for advise as to how not to lose the adjust-er in the meantime..

Yes, I guess you're right...!

My mistake.....

2mch, next time you need to change the primary oil (every 5,000 miles by my book), just go ahead and remove the outer cover, and adjust it then, when you can get both hands on the dang thing! BTW, I have reused the (expensive) primary cover gasket 2, 3, even 4 times without a leak. The "inspection cover" is just that; I don't know if I've ever tried to make an adjustment throught the inspection hole....!

2mchchrome · #7 07-30-2009, 10:45 AM

Looks like evo got my point. Dang thing is slippery as hell and easy to lose. I'll be going to the auto adjuster this winter (just so I can keep my hands on the bike).
Thanks for the advice guys. I did the adj and seems well, outside of a few four letter words. I rode it to the WV Mountainfest from NE Ohio and all seemed OK.

BCJ · #8 07-30-2009, 02:15 PM

I had the same problem on my Deuce with the little inspection cover it has. Got tired of it, so I now pull the primary cover off. The new gaskets they came out with are a little pricy, but you are able to reuse them they say. This past winter I went ahead and put a HB125 tensioner in mine very pleased with it.

Bigincher · #9 07-30-2009, 02:37 PM

Bingo. That's what I was saying, there's a reason that it's called an "inspection cover" rather than an "access panel".

2mchchrome · #10 08-01-2009, 09:36 AM

Looks like the general contention is the auto adjuster, as long as I don't get lazy and forget to check for wear.. I went to gear driven cams so I won't have to worry about the wear on the tensioners in that area. Very happy with the performance by the way.