Engine Removal

[jdenick]

I want to remove the engine from my '73 superglide, but I don't want to purchase a bunch of tools to do it. (Hopefully this will be the only time I need to do this)

Do I have to remove the primary chain, housing and clutch assembly to get the crankcase out?

Also, which specialty tools are mandatory and which ones can be fabricated to get the job done?

[atrick]

Some of the old original HD shop manuels would tell you how to make some or all of the special tools you might need. My 78 manuel is that way. But you won't need a lot. You'll need to make a socket to take the nut off the clutch, but you take two sockets cut the top off of one and weld them together for the extra depth to get to the nut. Just made one and I don't think you can take complete engine and tranny out as unit, not positive but I always split them cause it made it easier to get out. But what ever you do find a HD shop manuel not a clymers or other brand, cause you'll use it a lot!!!!

[dog155]

Getting the motor sprocket nut off is the most difficult part,should not use an impact.There is a tool to wedge into primary chain for sprocket nut removal.The clutch can stay as well as inner primary,

[atrick]

Roll up a rag and wedge it between sprocket and chain, Always used a impact on my 78 and never caused any problems. If you need to take the clutch nut off, cut the top part of a socket off and weld it to a regular socket to get the extra depth needed to take the nut off. I'm sure someone will say not to use the impact, got 75,000 miles on the motor and had the nut on and off 3 or 4 times in that period and never a problem with it.

[dog155]

Originally Posted by atrick

Roll up a rag and wedge it between sprocket and chain, Always used a impact on my 78 and never caused any problems. If you need to take the clutch nut off, cut the top part of a socket off and weld it to a regular socket to get the extra depth needed to take the nut off. I'm sure someone will say not to use the impact, got 75,000 miles on the motor and had the nut on and off 3 or 4 times in that period and never a problem with it.

Okay,I will say it.Don't use an impact on comp sprocket.Sometimes your the windshield,other times you could be the bug.Chances are you will never move the sprocket shaft or throw the wheels out of true with an impact,but trust me it has been done.Then you the bug! The tool is very cheap that wedges into the chain,or a rolled up rag,whatever works.Over the years I have learned the hard way there is a tool for most jobs.Also have a wall full of tools I have made.However you choose to take things apart Good Luck.

[LADave]

Originally Posted by dog155

Okay,I will say it.Don't use an impact on comp sprocket.Sometimes your the windshield,other times you could be the bug.Chances are you will never move the sprocket shaft or throw the wheels out of true with an impact,but trust me it has been done.Then you the bug! The tool is very cheap that wedges into the chain,or a rolled up rag,whatever works.Over the years I have learned the hard way there is a tool for most jobs.Also have a wall full of tools I have made.However you choose to take things apart Good Luck.

I'll second that...

There's also an issue of losing the magnets from the rotor. Sometimes, the hammering from an impact will bust them lose. They're held on with glue.

Jamming the primary chain is easy enough with a piece of aluminum or even steel. I use a piece of 3/8ths round stock and jamb it in between the chain and compensator sprocket. The bolt that holds the compensator to the sprocket shaft is left-handed thread too. Meaning, you don't use the normal "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosy" technique...