Part 5 of 4 Speed Harley Davidson Transmission Rebuild, Timing The Shifting Forks

[@kenjohansen781]

Hey Mike. I am an Airline Pilot for the last 31Years. Previously i was a machinist. 4year apprintership. Laith an mill stuff. Bought a basket case Harley. Its a mess. Only with your videos I am able to figure it all out. Tranny was full of something not oil. I have re-done it with a Jims kit. Cases needed repair.I did the AC aluminium weld. I figure 1940th. Its coming along good. Parts here in Europe are expensive....... Ohhh, on a note. You might not want to hear this. But I figured out a repetitive video from you and your calm voice puts me to sleep, hahahah. Its there truth!!!!I try to do a youtube at bedtime. Lights out!... Thanks.... Ken, Cathay Pacific Airways.....

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm flattered. That's great. Glad you're making progress. Pleasant dreams.

[@90FF1]

I'm just a curious old man. I'm but an arm-chair gear head. Not a mechanic, not a motorcyclist. Not even sure how I got here. But I'll say this, you are The Man in mechanical How-To videos. Your voice, your pace, and your laid back demeanor, (that cranky snap ring) and your attention to the view to the camera. To top it off, I can be comfortable in letting my youngest grand kids watch your instructions without "parental controls". Thanks more than you know - for that. I watched all 5 out of 4 episodes and enjoyed every minute. Wishing you continued success.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. You sir, have given me the feeling of real success. You described what I've been trying to accomplish. If you go to KZbin and type in "pacific mike," you'll see, we have over ninety videos up. Some are good, some could be a lot better, but, we're getting there.

[@JamesCarter-ii4up]

Thanks to Mike we all can keep our old scooters in the wind.... Thank you Mike and friends... Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@lawnboyfromhell]

Thanks again working on a ratchet top and had to stop and watch your video to make sure I got it right!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad I could help!

[@walterperrault]

I love learning from you and watching how you do it thanks so much

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@terrystevens9740]

Absolutely great video thanks for all your wonderful help. I have watched just about all of your videos I appreciate your love for the shovelhead I too am a shovelhead owner.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool, thank you.

[@kevjer8466]

@@pacificmike9501 SFFS :)

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Thank you for taking the time to make this video series on the trans. Gary

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@Shovel1978]

Will be tackling my first 4 speed rebuild soon. This has been a great way to get familiar and calm my nerves...lol. Thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. Enjoy.

[@phillipmonroy]

Thank you for the excellent, instructional video!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@kevinc.9360]

Thanks for this series on the 4-speed trannys. You've given me the confidence to dive into mine (76 ratchet top). I happened across a video from someone who has a very clever way he claims will completely stop the mainshaft leak permanently. He has an o-ring groove machined into the inside of the spacer (spacer that is just behind the chain sprocket), such that the o-ring seals between the spacer ID and the mainshaft. Then the normal seal goes on, then the sprocket. He sourced the correct sized vinton o-ring from McMaster-Carr. I'm going to give it a try - I don't see any harm in it.

[@pacificmike9501]

I've seen that video. Very impressive. Tell me how well it works.

[@dwightjemtrud8072]

Tinkering on my 79 cowpie. Got it working real good sticky gears, thanx

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@popken6979]

I love the 45s transmission, working on one now ..All I have to say is woah...chipping away at it and currently on shifting drum correctly with shifter forks..not for the faint of heart.

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool. They're just different. Annd they have to be approached accordingly. Have fun.

[@dkelley1959]

Hey Mike thanks for taking your time to make these videos. I can tell that you do high quality work and work clean, I like that. If I could just say though It would be helpful to more people, IMO if you could show how this is done if you didn't have that special alignment tool. I know there are some things that absolutely has to have the proper specialty tool, but I knew a old gray beard that used to do this without that gauge, sadly he has passed on and it's been so long ago that I messed with one of these old 4 speeds I can't remember. Thanks again for your time! LLH&R

[@pacificmike9501]

It's not hard to do, without the tool, just much better with it. I've done it, but, don't like it as much. You just set the lid on and off carefully, so the forks don't move, and make your adjustments until you're satisfied with them. Prop the trans so you're not fighting gravity. You might even make up long studs to slide the lid on straight.

[@pugloverg6671]

Great lesson extremely valuable info

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@Axen5986]

Great video. At some point in the 80’s did Harley start manufacturing bikes that not only had a kick start but, also a battery. This kind of blows my mind.

[@pacificmike9501]

Most manufacturers had kick and electric starters. If a Harley was made with an electric starter, a kick starter was an option. This started in the late sixties. The first electric starter on a Big Twin was 1965. 45's had their first electric starter in 1964.

[@Axen5986]

Pacific Mike That is interesting. I did not know that electric starters went that far back. I would think that the bikes would have been manufactured with a kick starter and having the electric starter would have been an option for those that would rather have that. Thank you very much for the information.

[@Rob_1776]

I will probably never have to rebuild one I enjoyed the videos Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@Rob_1776]

You're welcome!

[@deadheadlights]

My favourite transmission to work on is the HD 4 speed (not cowpie). Thanks for the video!

[@pacificmike9501]

I understand, and, thank you.

[@chrisgarland1401]

Thank you sir for another good one.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@travisthornton8148]

Thanks for this series, very helpful! Question: My 1948 4 speed is missing the breather "screw" located in the top cover near the kicker. The photos I find show a hex head bolt with a hole in it. Yet all the aftermarket parts are round cheese head screws with a hole. Can you tell me a) should it be a round or hex head for that year, and b) if hex head any idea where I can find one?

[@pacificmike9501]

I use an aftermarket one with a hose attached to it. It keeps the water out. Don't know where to find one. I believe the 48 is hex. Try V-Twin (Tedd Cycle) out of New York. Anyone with an aftermarket shop does business with them.

[@scottbreckenridge6509]

Hi Mike, could you do a Video on this Trans on the timing & adjustment of the ratchet shifting mechanism, pauls, springs, shift lever arm, screws on the dust cover. I just had most of mine apart. Except the timing part & I had a hell of time with the pauls. Thanks, I know you must have some tricks up your sleeve on this.

[@pacificmike9501]

We'll do it next time it comes up.

[@MikeFLHT]

Good stuff once again!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@docholiday1034]

👍👍👍👍 thanks Mike....

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@GaryBeaudoin-e7q]

Greetings Mike. I just rebuilt the transmission on my '81 FLHS and used your videos as a guide. You have some great information in them. I have a question though. How long would you recommend for a break-in period before changing out the oil and do you have a preferred oil for the tranny. Thanks in advance.

[@pacificmike9501]

I just use a good name brand trans lube, 85/140 and change it when I feel like it, probably oftener than I need 5-7m miles.

[@billvandyne4685]

Thanks again for an informative and well laid out presentation. You are such an excellent teacher. Q--What gear oil would you recommend for a shovel tranny and how much of it should one fill with? I've had some mechanics recommend 85x140 or 80x90 gear oil and to install less than the original manual calls for given the wt of the oils. I've been told that using the manual-recommended 1 1/2 pints is too much to use with heavy gear oil--that too much will cause too much internal pressure and cause a leak. What is your take on this? Thank you .

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't recommend brands, but, I like 85/140. Trans shifts smoothly. Modern, name brand stuff seems pretty good. Amount varies a little. With the modern throwout bearing, you want to keep the level a little high. Depending on what kicker cover (or throwout cover) you have, Harley tells you how to fill it. Motorcycle upright. Now fill through the fill hole to the bottom of the fill hole thread, if it's an early type. If it's a late type, there is a plug in the cover. It is an allen plug, and, you fill the trans through the fill hole until it runs out of the plug hole in the cover. Again, with the motorcycle upright. Now we have different length front ends and different length kickstands. Picture in your mind, the translube leaning against the seal, sitting still in your garage, living room, or whatever. It's not a matter of "if" it will leak, just a matter of "when." Also, the earlier 4-speeds are all vented. I hope this helps a little. Thanks for the compliments.

[@georgejanz1313]

Hi Mike, good video question my ratchet top leaks on the right side, at the end of the shaft that goes through the top. Been looking for documentation on how to disassemble and reassemble that. Are you aware of any? Thank you appreciate your videos very much

[@pacificmike9501]

It is in the service manual. There is a small seal at the end of that shaft. Haven't done a ratchet lid in a while. When one comes up, we'll do it.

[@georgejanz1313]

@@pacificmike9501 yes

[@georgejanz1313]

@@pacificmike9501 yep. Read it. And cautious about the spring-loaded aspect of the left side where the shifter linkage attaches to. I have two 75 Super glides. I will take the one that is having its engine rebuilt, and take that one out and try my hand at it. Slowly, cautiously, taking plenty of pictures along the way. Cautious neophyte in Connecticut..

[@flagstamp]

Hi again, Mike. I haven't dug into my transmission yet, but can you confirm that the shaft that the shifter forks ride on should NOT move after assembly is complete? I'm leaking oil out of that shaft hole on the sprocket side of the case and noticed that it slides in and out. Thanks as always, Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

There is a seal that goes on that shaft. Look it up. Again, what year is that trans? The shaft is kept from moving back and forth by a circlip on the late four speeds and a screw in the case on the earlier four speeds.

[@flagstamp]

Hey Mike, the trans is 1971. I see the screw in the service manual blowup, but I have to pull the trans yet to open the cover. I'll report my findings!

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. I normally can't remember who has what, so every time, you gotta say what you're working on to keep me from making unnecessary mistakes.

[@flagstamp]

Ok Mike, I found the culprit. The shifter fork shaft set screw is sheared off at the section that holds the shaft in place. As a result, the shaft walked out, exposing the rubber seal, and allowing oil to escape out of the case. That screw's part number is 34050-36 is anyone else may have a need for it. Mike I'd just like to add that aside from the answers you have, you also give me confidence to do the work, so thank you! If you're ever in Florida, I hope to see you out on the road! Anthony

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool. Thank You.

[@stevengriffin258]

Hey Mike I have a question I m currently rebuilding my Rachet top can’t seem to figure out why after assembly I can’t shift into 3rd and 4th gear the lid itself shifts fine through all gears ant help would be greatly appreciated 👍🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

"Bench" shifting is sometimes a little difficult on the four speeds. Have someone turn the mainshaft while you shift.

[@stevengriffin258]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike your the man I will try that its now shifting through all gears I had to adjust my forks but when I go to use the impact to simulate it actually going through the gears it shouldn’t lock up at all while going through each gear correct? Also thanks for always taking the time to help out a first timer you’ve inspired me to do it on my own and the knowledge I’ve learned makes me want to learn even more thanks again

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. You can turn the mainshaft slowly, just turn it while you shift.

[@bryanjh73]

Great video's. Ive seen most of them now. I have a question, if I want to replace just the outer gaskets while I have the bike torn down. Will the ratchet top stay in place if I want to replace just the gasket, Also with the kickside gasket? TIA

[@pacificmike9501]

You can lift off the entire lid and the ratchet assembly stays connected to it. The kicker cover comes off with the kickstart assembly still attached to it. Use the manual here.

[@bryanjh73]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the input. I was just wondering about the ratchet assembly since, in the video you were setting it with a tool.

[@MuddyTempleProjects]

Good to know!! Are you Mike who use to work for H.E.S.?

[@pacificmike9501]

No, but Andy was certainly an old friend of mine.

[@lightning334-]

Thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@ironearl69]

Hi Mike, you have helped me before and I appreciate your thoughts. With regards to the shovel 4 spd transmissions; do you ever experience them popping out of gear...in particular 3rd gear while under power? I know on a handshift transmission lid that the detent ball spring can lose its strength and in turn allow the shifter drum to move while under power, so sometimes a new spring will solve the problem. I would assume that a ratchet top lid would occasionally experience similar with the cam plunger and spring? Have you in your time seen shifter drum detents wear to the point of causing a slippage issue? How much do shifter forks play a part? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@pacificmike9501]

Good question. Shifter forks are usually the issue. Nice new, properly timed forks, with new top hats? It goes with everything else, properly shimmed and spaced gears, and it all lives "happily ever after." Seriously, any one or all of those issues will make it work well or bad.

[@batsy74]

Do we get to see the trans you are going to put in the bike where this one was?

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry, has nothing to do with me. The guy is a "friend of a friend."

[@mattb994]

Hey does anyone know if you can time the forks in the bike? If you were to remove the oil tank.

[@pacificmike9501]

Pretty rough, not impossible, but rough.

[@jerryloftis6366]

Hey there mike! New here to your channel. Haven’t worked much on these older model harleys at all. My moms boyfriend has a 65 pan head and he’s wanting to restore it this year. I have a couple questions for you. How do you know if the case is bad? Where do you find your replacement parts? If all else fails, do you take on customers for rebuilds? Thanks in an advance!

[@pacificmike9501]

You should probably have things inspected by someone with experience, if you don't know. There are many suppliers of parts advertised all over the magazines and the internet. Original parts take some searching, swap meets and shops that deal in early stuff. Again, the internet. Thank you, but, I am retired. I help out a few where I live, but most is my own stuff. 65 Panhead is a way cool motorcycle.

[@roberth2836]

I am looking for a replacement 4 speed case and can't find a good used one. I found a Cal- Product case may be a good alternative, what do you know ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure. They're used a lot. Go for it.

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm of course, assuming, the case you found is in good condition.

[@roberth2836]

@@pacificmike9501 It is brand new , thanks for the advice.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sounds like a score to me.

[@davidson2004fatboy]

VERY NICE INDEED👍🙏

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@neilo.hislop950]

These videos are a whole lot like one on one with my buddy Smokin' Sam Henderson.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. I don't know the man, but I know that was a compliment.

[@leibstandartejager8582]

🇨🇦

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@richardgrognard6394]

Mike I don't understand English, you should put the subtitle in French

[@pacificmike9501]

Look up "Google Translate" on your computer.

[@richardgrognard6394]

@@pacificmike9501 I know translate for the translations of the comments but not for the videos. I am retired too Mike, must not ask too much to me. :o)))))

[@markmcsheffreysr6890]

To much over my head lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Just look at it a few times. It will make sense.

[@markmcsheffreysr6890]

@@pacificmike9501 yea that’s what I did 3 times on top end but I got it back just need your refresh class 5 speed please lol