Help, Over my head - Page 3 - Harley Forum

shovelmike · #21 06-16-2009, 10:01 PM

I see what you're talking about, Frisco, the 5 bottom points are still loose at this point. I will do the feeler guage check, thanks for the pointer.

unclepsycho · #22 06-16-2009, 11:26 PM

Wow! that was great detail Frisco...

I think I will print this thread and stick it in the back of my Shovelhead book.....

shovelmike · #23 07-07-2009, 04:04 PM

Time for an update on the status of the project. I installed the Ultima tranny, everything went together very nicely. I filled the tranny with lube and backed the old Shovel out in the driveway looking forward to a test ride.
The tranny has some serious issues, the kicker worked a few times then manfunctioned...not good on a purely kick start bike.
Long story short...Jireh Cycles was quite helpful and apologetic...said there have been many issues with the 4 speeds. I sent it back and getting a credit issued on my credit card.
I found a local wrench with whom I have talked at great length...he seems to really know his stuff...he has the old original tranny with orders to do a rebuild..has a 2-3 month backlog of work so it will be a while.

Hammerhead Pat · #24 07-07-2009, 05:33 PM

Never fails, does it? At least you've got the sporty to play on

shovelmike · #25 07-07-2009, 07:12 PM

That's for sure Pat, seems like anything that remotely could go wrong is.

frisco-rigid · #26 07-07-2009, 11:09 PM

Hi Mike

Got your message..

I was going to get back & ask what the probs were but you explained here..
More unfortunate news,, dang-it all..

Hang-in buddy

shovelmike · #27 07-08-2009, 10:31 AM

Thanks Frisco. Yes it was a disappointment. I just have to be patient at this point, the wrench who will be rebuilding the original tranny has a 2-3 month backlog of work (a good sign..I think). I left it with him and just have to give him time to get to it. Hopefully it will get fixed right this time..each time before I emphasized that I wanted it right, no cutting corners...they would change the seal...the second time it was the spacer too..and throw on a Supernut, which I think is a band-aid fix (for years it was oil tight with the regular nut on there). For what it's worth the paperwork with the Ultima warned against use of the Supernut...that it would mess up the end play of the main shaft and cause damage.
I do know that I'm tired of removing and installing the trans in the Shovel. Good practice I guess.

shovelmike · #28 11-07-2009, 03:59 PM

I got the Shovelhead tranny back from the shop yesterday, had a complete rebuild done. The bill was just a bit over $650, only $140 was labor. The main drive gear bushing was shot as I figured it was, mainshaft was scored enough to catch your fingernail in (replaced with new Sifton shaft). Gears with somewhat worn dogs he showed me and gave me the option of replacing or reuse….went with new Andrews. All new rollers, shift mechanisms, rachet top parts etc.
It’s now sitting back in the frame.
Now I’m waiting on welding and machine work on the inner primary to be finished, was farmed out to a local welding shop:
The rear chain had rubbed a hole in the inner primary, got it welded. The bore for the bearing that supports the mainshaft in the inner primary was worn oversize the welder just welded in 4 spots (3, 6, 9, 12 o’clock positions…being sent back to be welded around the entire circumference, then it goes to the machine shop to be machined to size.
In due time the old girl out to be in very good shape. The wrench doing the work has a ’71 FX as his personal ride, doesn’t even like the Twin-Cams. He seems to have real respect for the old bikes.
Hey, I’ve rattled on quite long enough here, I’ll keep you posted as things progress. Ride safe and GOD bless, Sincerely: Shovelmike.

unclepsycho · #29 11-07-2009, 04:18 PM

Nice!!! that seems like a reasonable price for a good rebuild!!!!
Sure will be nice to maybe get in one ride before the weather turns too bad....

shovelmike · #30 11-07-2009, 08:36 PM

It's sure to take a few more weeks to get everything in shape, so Thanksgiving or later. It's a good thing I have several motorcycles.
Even if it is pretty cold when I get her going I will just put on a few more layers an do the test ride. I have been known to ride in some very cold weather, when the roads get slick though forget it.