Part 2 The Chain is Installed On the Shovelhead, Now Alignment!

Now that the final drive chain is installed now on this Harley Davidson Shovelhead. It's time to align it. It's time well spent. The chain will last longer, the sprockets will last longer, and the entire assembly will operate smoothly.

[@vince4005]

I don't know where me and my Shovel would be without you Mike! Thank you again for sharing your time and knowledge!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help

[@charlieroloff7545]

"FOR MY MOTORCYCLE I WILL TAKE THE TIME NECESSARY". Excellent quote and advice for a smoother, safer, more reliable and just plain more enjoyable riding experience. And that my friend is why we ride, at least why I ride. Another nice video sir!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And "well said." Interestingly, I hope everyone got it. The emphasis was intended for the word "motorcycle," not "my." In other words, I don't care who it's for, do the the best you can. Make it a fun experience. We are in total agreement.

[@petemk79]

Hey Mike, thanks again for the good tips. Makes maintaining our old Shovels much easy.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. That is nice to hear.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy Mike, Aligning the CHAIN on the two Sprockets COOP ...

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep, thank you.

[@rcanoli99]

What a smart, simple "trick" to look for daylight on both sides of the sprocket - and I never would've thought of it. When I shined the flashlight my chain was obviously not centered - now it is. Thank you Mike for all the great info - if my drive chain could talk it would thank you too!

[@pacificmike9501]

They last longer that way. They're much smoother running. It's a win,win. I thank you and your chain.

[@calvinhamm3748]

"For my motorcycle I'll spend the time that is necessary" 👍

[@pacificmike9501]

You know, I have the same feeling toward other people's motorcycles. Thank you.

[@darrell3368]

Mike love your shows and learning a lot it great to see a master at work and Gods blessings for Mike and Mike

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow. Thank you.

[@edwardlynch9032]

Another excellent tutorial on professional expertise. And you're right, no investment, time or whatever is wasted.

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet. We get better and better by stretching ourselves further.

[@terrywalsh2349]

Your a gentleman & a mechanical scholar Mike , another great narritive & very clear camera angles too Cameraman Mike !

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. We try.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@therealrobertbirchall]

Nice Mike sound advice and I could listen to your mellow voice all day.

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow, thanks

[@vernegibb621]

Mike & Mike always teaching us ty.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@frankmarquet4275]

Best video I've ever seen on adjusting mousetraps. Now I'm an expert at it. Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it helped

[@nancymooney6226]

Pacific Mike I really appreciate your shovelhead videos. Thank you, Dave

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them! I generally work on my own Shovel. That is my main road bike. You'll be seeing more of her soon.

[@pastorbobncc365]

Mission accomplished. Have a blessed week my friends.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you! You too!

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Attention to detail. Watched and very much enjoyed.👍👀

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@flashgordon2816]

Adjusting a chain with some miles on it = rotate rear wheel & find tightest spot in chain for locating point of adjustment...large variant between measurement = past point of adjustment & time to replace chain... Instruction is in service manuals but checking for chain / sprocket wear & when to replace would be a good video idea in this series... > Noticed it in previous vid...I have the same vintage "gooseneck" floor lamp at my "ink installation" station....

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@billmillar7234]

Thank you ,Mike.....always a pleasure!!

[@pacificmike9501]

My pleasure!

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

Ya, it took 3 or 4 trie's to get a little less than 1/16 on both side's of the belt drive cog. I used a good washer behind or in-between the swingarm. That helped, for tightening the axle. ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND, PACIFIC MIKE and Family. NICE OUT.

[@pacificmike9501]

A belt has a bunch of different science to it. But, however you achieve good alignment and proper tension, is cool.

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

@@pacificmike9501 I still want my SPOCKET and a NEW143. 😜🤪👍

[@loddude5706]

Well hung chains are truly amazing, one good long pull often flushes all the tarmac straight out from under the seat : )

[@pacificmike9501]

It's true. This latest incarnation of my Shovelhead seems to make it launch itself, totally frightening this old guy and makes me wonder what might fail first; probably me. But first comes the aforementioned "tarmac." Stay warm.

[@garystratton4125]

Good job on explaining the chain alignment with the chain riding exactly down the middle of the sprocket. I am not as fussy as you are about chain tension when the chain is new because you are right ... you will be adjusting it very soon as a new chain will stretch and I don't bother re-adjusting a chain that is a little too tight ... But if I was to choose between you and I ...working on my motorcycle.. I would choose your way... I just don't have quite the patience .

[@pacificmike9501]

That motorcycle is being prepared for you. You sir, are certainly worth the time and effort.

[@arthurleino]

Great video again Mike! I do my chain that way too! Thanks for the post!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@LonesomeNomad137]

Good stuff Mike, as usual.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks again!

[@markb3129]

Yep, getting in a hurry is not a good thing when working on motorcycles.... ✌

[@pacificmike9501]

I swear, sometimes I do it just to make myself slow down and do something I like.

[@swn7440]

Mike, It would be nice to see a video on lowering a shovel using stock shocks and keeping a nice ride. Another good video. Thanks Mike and Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

We used to simply weld the lower mounts through the swingarm.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@everettcalhoun8197]

@@pacificmike9501 Having fusion experience for almost 30 years I have lengthened the swing arm in front of the shock block on a square swing arm. To me just using the old round swing arm shocks is the easiest. The effect of dropping the rear increases the neck rake. Just an FYI.

[@leetownsend4946]

Good start to the weekend thanks man

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep, if it just quits raining now. Thank you.

[@sasquatch1985]

Nice CENTERLINE wheel Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@caseykelso1]

Thanks for sharing 🍸

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for watching!

[@ct895]

Mike thanks for all the lessons there always great see you on the road someday C.T of WV

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. I'll look forward to that.

[@dejonsmall9886]

Bravo Mike, Thanks mucho for the Class, We never quit learning!!

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet!

[@maddutchman9218]

Great video as usual!!! How is the flathead project going?

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It's waiting while I catch up on other things. Then, back on it.

[@gregoryhumphrey2831]

I'd love to know what the public can see on that derby cover that we can't see because it is covered. LOL.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not a big deal. Just didn't want to be "in bad taste."

[@eddier9380]

Another good video Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

Precision.

[@pacificmike9501]

You work on it a little longer to achieve the best job you can.

[@rustymacneil3227]

And way is easier to change than a belt. Chain breaks out on the road, local John Deere or old hardware will usually have what you need to get home!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

That's true.

[@johnjames9799]

Sorry Mike but me again. Chain noise Hmmm There was a Time when Well I know your a bit younger and what you showed in this video..is PERFIC ..Man I bet ya work for a Shop that was a. Grade 10..Man this channel is cool.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. I retired from my own shop in 2010.

[@johnjames9799]

@@pacificmike9501 I reck'n the good Lord has blessed us. If not we wouldn't have grey hair. Haha

[@dilo777]

My uncle broke his belt on his 03 fatboy. He went to get a new belt and figured out that new sprockets and a chain were cheaper. So he switched.

[@pacificmike9501]

A lot less labor.

[@ralphtieleman4950]

Thank you for this video. How are you this fine afternoon ?

[@pacificmike9501]

You're quite welcome. Sonia and I are hangin' out making plans for Spring. It's raining out there. How you doin'?

[@ralphtieleman4950]

@@pacificmike9501 I am well , thank you . Sunny here and a balmy 50 degrees

[@orthodox9509]

Hello Mike’s Garage I acquired a 1975 Flh Shovelhead. It’s a work in progress. I appreciate you and your channel, I am learning from you about the Shovelhead. My wiring is in need of help. I am buying parts, when I have extra money. I have a problem with the chain guard, the tab on swing arm is missing and the weld job looks terrible. Do you know where I can get a tab for swing arm ?

[@pacificmike9501]

It's just a piece of steel with a hole frilled and tapped in it. Whoever is your welder, can easily fab up a tab like that. If not, try V-Twin. They supply a lot of frame tabs in their catalog.

[@dray1842]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@bradfisher5680]

Mike, have been enjoying your content for over a year and greatly appreciate what you and Camera Man Mike are doing. I have a random question regarding cylinder heads for the Shovelhead motor. Will the cylinder heads from a 1981 80" FLH Shovelhead work on a 1976 74" FX Shovelhead? I'm in the process of rebuilding a 1976 74" shovelhead, but the original 74" cylinder heads have fins missing, and so I thought if the 1981 FLH 80" heads would work that it would make for a nicer looking engine when finished. I live in the Cayman Islands so cooling is obviously very important. Take care and I'll be watching.

[@pacificmike9501]

If you are going to utilize those heads as stockers, they'll be fine. A high lift cam will require some work (check with cam mfgr. and ask about the use of 81 cylinder heads). If you're staying stock or "mild cam," you're okay. There are minor changes in rocker boxes. Same thing. You may also need to change a rocker box stud on the rear head. I hope this helps. Just be careful if changing cams.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@clarkandviolettye7847]

Hey Mike do you use grease or oil on the chain keep up the good work mike your the best

[@pacificmike9501]

Currently. chain wax. We've shown this servicing the Panhead, quite recently. Go to our KZbin homepage and click on "videos."

[@willsmith8576]

Mike, awesome video, thanks for putting out this informative and inspiring content. I have a 2002 Indian Spirit (made in Gilroy, CA), and it is in desperate need of an alignment. It has belt drive, and I can see the belt pressed to the left side of the sprocket, and I can hear the belt “squeak “ as I ride. My question, are there big or specific differences when aligning a belt driven motorcycle?

[@pacificmike9501]

Actually, they are quite. With "misalignment," belts have a tendency to "climb." If you don't have the appropriate service manual, an HD Softail, like 91-99 Evolution will suffice in most instances. The engine, of course, is an S&S 88 cu. inch unit and you can get that information from SScycle.com. But the final drive belt can easily be adjusted and aligned as per those instructions for a late Evo Softail. Not too difficult.

[@mikaelpersson2273]

Hello Mike, how are you doing. I`m not so good at writing in english so i'll keep it short. I own a 1975 Harley Super Glide with a Shovelhead motor, were the threads in the timing hole have gone bad.I havent seen how bad it is,becuse some former owner have used a somekind of metallic bondo body filler to keep the timinghole plug in place and keeping it from leaking oli. My question to you sir is; Do you know if its posible to exicute a threadrepair job WITHOUT having to rip the whole engine apart and split the crankhousing? Have you by any chance done a video about this kind of problem? Sincerly. Mikael Persson Sweden

[@pacificmike9501]

I've had this problem and eventually, you will probably open the cases for a rebuild. Then, you can do a proper repair, either helicoil or weld and retap the threads. Until then, go to your local auto parts store and buy a "repair plug" for the oil pan on a car. They come in all different sizes, but I've had to grind them to fit before. It is a rubber plug with a bolt through it that you tighten to seal the hole. Not pretty, but very affective.

[@mikaelpersson2273]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you very much for your answer sir, have a good day!

[@chrisrestifo7010]

They say the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. That being said, I am on my first bike rebuild, a 76 Sportster XLH . By the time I'm done, the only old parts will be the frame and myself! My question, with new parts, chain, sprockets, etc.. what should be the starting point for the adjusters themselves? Surely not " backed off" all the way? I purchased a chain ( deliberately) a few links too long ,planning on cutting to correct length. But was not sure where, what position the adjusters should be in initially when measuring/ sizing the chain.? As always I truly appreciate your time, effort and knowledge! Your videos are the " Mikipedia" of Harley knowledge !

[@pacificmike9501]

Shorten the chain enough to have some adjustment made. You can always make it shorter, much easier than longer. Realize, the swingarm goes up and down. There will be an initial stretch as the chain wears in a bit.

[@chrisrestifo7010]

Thank you kindly!!

[@pacificmike9501]

You're quite welcome. Always leave yourself room for error.

[@RajivGolla69]

Might've missed it, but how do you get the chain aligned in the first place? Is it a matter of getting the adjusters lined up, or is it to do with the axle spacers? Thanks, Mike. Building a shovel chopper and honestly could never have done it without you! Making the dream come true for me.

[@omnivore2220]

If the spacers were right before replacing the chain, then it’s all about getting the adjusters such that the sprocket is aligned with the chain, meaning both sprockets and the oval loop of the chain are all on one plane.

[@pacificmike9501]

I think you're asking about how to get it in place for your build. If such is the case. You're starting out in mid air. You'll have to find the place you wish to start at. Normally (on a rigid) the placement of the engine is the beginning. Then you have to locate your centerline. How well this thing eventually works is dependent on alignment all the way through. Wheel spacers, axles, all of these things are how you get there. The placement of the pulley or sprocket on the wheel. Then, you will have the rear brake to set up whether it is a drum or disc. We don't just bolt them together, everything must be fitted and aligned. When building a chopper, you have to figure it all out. Approach it with all of the systems in mind so you get the things that will work together. I'm with you though. Plan it well and you'll get through it. Figure it out so you can get the most for your money. Start with, which motor in which frame.

[@pacificmike9501]

I like that. It paints a clear picture in one's mind.

[@RajivGolla69]

​@@pacificmike9501 between some spacers, my girlfriend's iphone compass, some cut up beer can shims, and more math than I've done since highschool, I got the whole drivetrain straight as an arrow! Can't thank you enough for all the work you do to share your knowledge.

[@koltmerren1989]

Thank you Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

I hope it helps you.

[@artmace6717]

Where is that bike that you got I like to know what year it is I don't think they make shovelhead back in the day I'm from Athens worry where you from

[@pacificmike9501]

That is my Personal Shovelhead. Shovelheads were manufactured from 1966-1984. This one is a 1977, I bought new in 1978. It has been modified extensively over the years.

[@thomasprendergast2770]

Mike don't you have too adjust the belt drive the same 2012 heritage 103

[@pacificmike9501]

Pretty much, but tension is quite critical. Consult your service manual. It really will educate you.

[@miker7798]

Mike. Is that a custom swing arm? I would have expected the square tube swingarm. Yet what you have looks like the geometry if the older round tube. But not really.

[@pacificmike9501]

It is an earlier Harley Swingarm. It is round with castings at all of the joints. Very strong, also easily lowers the bike when used in conjunction with later shocks. Strength is the major issue with me. Of course this necessitated fabrication of some stuff to fit the disc brake and late model Centerline Spun aluminum wheel.

[@miker7798]

@@pacificmike9501 Ok thanks Mike. I thought so. Rebuilding my 78 Superglide. I lowered it years ago with the too short shocks. Looks cool. Not so good for my 66 year old back. Always looking for ways to lower it and maintain a reasonable ride. Jeff Cochran was building customs looking like they were based on the round tube geometry. Doesnt seem to be selling them any more.

[@pacificmike9501]

If you lower your bike with some careful engineering on your stock swingarm, using stock length shocks, you can have it low and still ride well.

[@douglas9607]

So, do you have to decide which takes priority. . . chain alignment or wheel alignment? When you're tweaking the chain alignment aren't you changing the vehicles wheel alignment? With my Harleys I've always had to throw wheel alignment out of wack to compensate for the bikes to track straight. Maybe the clutch case adds weight off the center line of the engine/frame combination. In other words my Harleys usually pull to the left idling down the road. Sorry for the long windedness =)=

[@pacificmike9501]

Not at all. I got it. Truth of the matter is, unless you really do some measuring, you really don't know what's off. I've ridden one for years that I always thought was a really crooked frame. I just lived with it. I finally noticed one day that I had a completely cut wrong, way out of line, HD factory solo saddle. And I'm a little off plumb too. It boils down to, "How far off is it?" Start by running string lines. Do you have a disc or drum brake. The disc can easily be shimmed. So can the rear sprocket. Do you have a bent swingarm? Don't know what you've got or how far off it is. Maybe it's in your front end. If you look into any of the rubber mounted Harley Service manuals, you can see how to align (or at least check) the wheels with each other. My friend made me a pair of alignment bars. When we were building bikes in the early eighties, we used fluorescent tubes because they're straight.

[@ajkylen]

Hello great advice my question is in regards to sprockets on your bike how much rpm are you running at 80 mph. Please tell Sonia my wife and I say hello what a beautiful dog

[@pacificmike9501]

It won't make much sense unless I explain. I run stock sprockets for a 77 FLH. That is, the stock number of teeth, 23 on the trans and 51 on the rear wheel. I also run a 140/90 rear tire and a Baker six speed transmission. Sixth gear is a .86 overdrive. I think she's turning about 2800-2850 at 80mph. With my old 4 speed, quite a while back, I usually ran 24 and 49 and a 140/90 rear tire. That was almost as high. Sonia just blushed when I read your comment out loud.

[@kevinc.9360]

@@pacificmike9501 "Baker six speed". Maybe just a bit jealous. But I am putting in significant attention rebuilding my 4-speed to get it 100% right (and as leak-free as possible). Besides, at my age I don't need to go that fast anymore...

[@kangaryaofficial1740]

woow krennn

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@robertbdees9913]

What's a good chain ? Really don't like o ring. I installed a new chain about 1000 miles ago . I have oiled and adjusted 3:times now

[@pacificmike9501]

You know, I don't push brands. But, when you find what you like it's all good. I don't like dealing with the added size of 0-ring chains. Try different lubes. Find one you like. I'm currently playing with chain wax. I showed on a video where I did some maintenance on my Panhead and I show how to do it with heat. May help you.

[@robertbdees9913]

@@pacificmike9501 thank you Mike. I know that me being 280;lbs don't help. But I am not giving up. Love my old girl . She is a 69 generator shovel head

[@pacificmike9501]

And she'll love you no matter what. I always figure, without beefing anything up, a good old Harley, completely loaded down, should be able to haul 400 lbs. all in. Other than that, she may need a little help here and there, but then they do anyway. I always said in the shop (I fitted a lot of people to their bikes), Harleys are built to fit the "average man." Of course, none of us, have ever met him.

[@davidwaskiewicz3289]

Wondering why your derby cover is covered?😬

[@pacificmike9501]

It's engraved with her name. It may not be considered "in good taste."

[@summitDan]

Looks like Aeroglide solid wheels ?

[@pacificmike9501]

That is a spun aluminum, polished Centerline wheel. It was supplied by Centerline to Harley Davidson and it came, from the factory, on a 2003 Screamin' Eagle Roadking.

[@puan-evocvo2727]

I want to consult evo 1997. I have a problem with engine oil. push out of the machine

[@pacificmike9501]

If the bike has been sitting too long, gravity takes over and fills the crankcase. That is probably the problem. If nothing has been damaged and the bike has just not been run in a while, put a pan under it and run it until it balances out again. The oil level will be low in the tank. After it calms down and balances its system, be sure the oil tank is not too low on oil.

[@puan-evocvo2727]

@@pacificmike9501 I've replaced the oil pump and it's not gone. I opened the cam and saw that the crankshaft drive sprocket was damaged, had scratches, and the tooth was dropped.

[@puan-evocvo2727]

I want a way to contact and can solve the problem 100% I've repaired it several times, but it's not gone.

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool. Sounds like you've got it. My only issue would be, "What caused it to break?" Usually, it's something that got jammed in there. I hope you can get it all clean enough to repair and go again. We're contacting fine through this "comment section." You are apparently knowledgeable and my responses are based on guessing what you have. But, you seem to be doing okay.

[@pacificmike9501]

Installing an oil pump on that motor is difficult without removing the cam cover. You usually end up dropping the "key" from the oil pump drive shaft.

[@timothyhenneman5731]

mike i have 91 heritage with original belt .. is it normal for belt to last that long ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure. If it isn't subjected to things that can harm it. But, I don't know anyone who can really say how long it should or could last. The real enemy (other than sticks, stones, hunks of flying metal and crazy people popping clutches), is the atmosphere which does in fact, deteriorate Kevlar belts. Whatever you and/or the previous owner have done, you've obviously not abused the drivetrain.

[@timothyhenneman5731]

@@pacificmike9501 no i bought new and I can count the times I laid some rubber /// thanks ///

[@pacificmike9501]

There's nothing like a "well loved" motorcycle.

[@timmix331]

👍🖖

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@happymark1805]

I always have a problem, sometimes I ride alone and sometimes with the fat ol lady as passenger, I know switch to a lighter ol lady, but I have seen some chain tensioners I think from powelperralta or something like that wondering if that would solve the problem

[@pacificmike9501]

Your guess is as good as mine. Hopefully, it will make you both more comfortable.

[@charlottesantafe1709]

Hi There my friend Mike! Want to start a new old shovel project?....... I'm serious.

[@pacificmike9501]

Seriously? No. How are you Charlotte?

[@charlottesantafe1709]

@@pacificmike9501 Doing well thanks. Short winter rides on the Dyna, my Shovelhead is machined w new flywheels. Younger builder didn't want to put my " troublhead" :( together. One of the pushrods wasn't matched. New lifters and rods..... it's the Never ending story.... Too much work. No fun. I can't find your #

[@getoffmygrass6974]

Good morning Mr Pacific, cameraman Mike, hope all is well. Nothing like a hot cup of Joe and watching my favorite dude on this fine, brisk Saturday morning. Quick mechanical question Mike and here is my present build 2002 FXSTB Night Train Mikuni hsr42 70 nozzle 25 pilot 162.5 main K&N hi flo AC Daytona Twin Tech ignition Accel wires Accel coil NGK's iridium Fueling cam plate fueling oil pump fueling lifter's S&S 510 cams S&S pushrods S&S 79cc heads .030 mls head gasket S&S rockers Trask breathers Zipper's blueprinted piston / jugs 95" forged flat top 9.5:1 R&B LSR 2 into 1 or Thunderheader ( which I'm presently running ) 100/100 Static 9.95:1 corrected 9.22:1 I'm thinking of doing a 106" stroker and my question pertains to my jugs. I have my original 88" jugs and pistons, do I ship these out to be honed to match the stroker piston or can I reuse my 95" jugs from zippers and possible clean up the hone myself then gap my wrings and set the pistons? They have at least 15k miles on them and purr like a kitten. I didn't know if maybe they have a multi wire tool that is hooked to a hand drill and cleans the hones up but i'm not looking for short cuts, if I have to spend the extra so there is a better chance of reliability than I'm ok with that but I enjoy doing everything myself. Thanks again Mike and take care of yourself.

[@pacificmike9501]

With all due respect: This is a question for the people doing your machine work. What the piston clearances should be and what the finish on the bores should be? Sounds like quite an investment here. Everything should play together as well as is possible. I don't mean to be vague, but I don't have all the specs and I'm not doing the work. You take care of yourself.

[@getoffmygrass6974]

@@pacificmike9501 I completely understand Mike, I didn’t expect an exact answer and to be honest my original plan is to have them matched and machined professionally.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sounds like a fun motor. Enjoy it.