Depending on the bike, I would suggest a cardboard cut out for the primary bolts because they can all be different lengths. I also know there is good thread for chain tightening somewhere in case there is a tool to help tighten.
Primary Cover Removal
I think my primary chain may be loose as it sounds like it is slapping around. I took the inspection cover off and it seems like you can't actually measure the chain from that. So now I plan to remove the primary Cover and check it all out.
Is there anything I'm going to need other than formula +? Seals gaskets etc? I'd like to do it this weekend. I'm also going to check the clutch for rivet wear while I'm in there.
PS I do have the shop manual.
Is there anything I'm going to need other than formula +? Seals gaskets etc? I'd like to do it this weekend. I'm also going to check the clutch for rivet wear while I'm in there.
PS I do have the shop manual.
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Thanks for the heads up on the bolts I'll definitely pay attention to their positions.Depending on the bike, I would suggest a cardboard cut out for the primary bolts because they can all be different lengths. I also know there is good thread for chain tightening somewhere in case there is a tool to help tighten.
From what I've read it should just be an Allen key and a box wrench to adjust it.
I don't understand why you say you can't check the primary chain tension from the inspection cover. Unless it's so lose that it pushed up passed the opening. As far as taking off the primary cover, the only issue I ever ran into was the o-ring. It popped off when I removed the cover then I couldn't get it to stay on when I put the cover back on. It has a thin slot to fit in but it just kept falling out. Someone suggested using a little petroleum jelly on the ring. I tried it and voila it gave it just enough stickiness to keep it in place.
I can only see about half the thickness of the chain. If not being able to see it because it is above the top of the inspection window then it is definitely loose.I don't understand why you say you can't check the primary chain tension from the inspection cover. Unless it's so lose that it pushed up passed the opening. As far as taking off the primary cover, the only issue I ever ran into was the o-ring. It popped off when I removed the cover then I couldn't get it to stay on when I put the cover back on. It has a thin slot to fit in but it just kept falling out. Someone suggested using a little petroleum jelly on the ring. I tried it and voila it gave it just enough stickiness to keep it in place.
I can stick my finger in and move it but it makes that I can't measure the free play.
use a ruler and poke it up the inspection cover an use that cover hole to adjust from the ruler. hope that made sense...no need to pull the primary cover off unless you just want to look around in there. me my self i reuse the gasket. never had a leak yet. just be sure to wipe the oil off the gasket before you reinstall it.
I'm assuming a Sportster, since you posted in the Sportser section. If you take the side cover off, you can't adjust the chain, because the adjuster is in the side cover. If you want to look around in there great, but if your real purpose is to adjust the chain, follow the directions in the service manual, it only takes about 5 min or less to do and no need to disassemble anything except the two screws in the inspection cover.
Like Ciscokid said there really is no need to remove the cover. Just tighten the chain until you get the 1/2" play. A 1/2" play will not go passed the top of the inspection window. Personally unless you want to check the fluid level I wouldn't remove it. Hope it works out for you.
Are we talking about the "derby" cover or are we talking about the side cover?
In either case there's no advantage in removing them to adjust the chain. The derby cover allows absolutely NO ACCESS to the chain. And like I said you can't adjust the chain with the side cover off.
In either case there's no advantage in removing them to adjust the chain. The derby cover allows absolutely NO ACCESS to the chain. And like I said you can't adjust the chain with the side cover off.
We were talking about the whole cover not the derby cover. The manual makes it look like you need to take the full free play both up and down which is why I was asking.Are we talking about the "derby" cover or are we talking about the side cover?
In either case there's no advantage in removing them to adjust the chain. The derby cover allows absolutely NO ACCESS to the chain. And like I said you can't adjust the chain with the side cover off.
Yeah I just use a quick dab of good ole engine grease around the o-ring and fugget about it!I don't understand why you say you can't check the primary chain tension from the inspection cover. Unless it's so lose that it pushed up passed the opening. As far as taking off the primary cover, the only issue I ever ran into was the o-ring. It popped off when I removed the cover then I couldn't get it to stay on when I put the cover back on. It has a thin slot to fit in but it just kept falling out. Someone suggested using a little petroleum jelly on the ring. I tried it and voila it gave it just enough stickiness to keep it in place.
The chain HAS to be visible through the inspection hole. Even if it were very, very loose it would still be visible. Make sure you have the bike on a jack or stand holing it upright or it's very hard to see. The adjustment is the total movement of the chain. It pretty well sits at the lower point, and you push it to the high point.
+1 on what Bob said, no need to remove anything but the inspection cover "2 screws".....read your manual. put the bike on a stand or roll it to tighten chain as per manual, then measure an adjust as per specs. it's a 10 minute job.I think my primary chain may be loose as it sounds like it is slapping around. I took the inspection cover off and it seems like you can't actually measure the chain from that. So now I plan to remove the primary Cover and check it all out.
Is there anything I'm going to need other than formula +? Seals gaskets etc? I'd like to do it this weekend. I'm also going to check the clutch for rivet wear while I'm in there.
PS I do have the shop manual.
So I need to have it on my jack to do this? Damn manual doesn't mention that I'll do that this weekend before I rip it open. I need to do my 15k mile service as well so I gotta throw it on the jack.+1 on what Bob said, no need to remove anything but the inspection cover "2 screws".....read your manual. put the bike on a stand or roll it to tighten chain as per manual, then measure an adjust as per specs. it's a 10 minute job.
Does'nt have to be on a jack, just makes it easier to roll back tire. You have to take the slack out'a the primary chain. If i remember correctly.So I need to have it on my jack to do this? Damn manual doesn't mention that I'll do that this weekend before I rip it open. I need to do my 15k mile service as well so I gotta throw it on the jack.
You want to find the tightest point in the chain. You roll it back and forth to find the tightest spot and adjust it there. Being on a lift or jack not only makes it easier but allows you to see whats going on without standing on your head, as with the bike on the silly side stand, it's at the wrong angle to see easily.
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