1925 clutch install problem

[Doc-54]

There doesn't seem to be enough room on the mainshaft to install the clutch with a thrust washer. There is 0.00" space for the washer when the 2489-19 drive disc is installed and tightened up. I did install a new mainshaft, but the dimensions of the new one are the same as the old one. Is the lack of space due to wear on the taper of the drive disc, or am I missing something else? I could remove 0.100" from the inner surface of the drive disc (see the picture) and I think this would allow for a thrust washer.

[Steve Slocombe]

The 2500-19 thrust washer goes on the inside of the clutch assembly, not the outside as in the photo. If you've changed the 2280-15 kicker side ball bearing for a sealed one, this does not have the offset of the original and throws out the mainshaft about 0.050". Also check the mainshaft end float, usually by tightening up the ball bearing holder until the mainshaft locks up, and then backing off about half a turn. Maybe also check the drive sprocket is not installed back to front.

[Doc-54]

Thank you. I'll check all those things. Which way should the drive sprocket face? Flat side out or in? I did change to sealed bearings on both sides. Will the mainshaft be shifted 0.050" toward the kicker side? If so, is there a 0.050 spacer available ?

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Doc, the sprocket fits with the flat side out. I can usually find a hardened spacer washer around 0.050" thick to fit next to the smaller sealed bearing. Don't forget you need to leave the 2288-17 bearing plate under the larger ball bearing, as this will also alter the mainshaft position. Harley made the 2500-19 spacer washer in 0.006" increments so must have thought it important. The idea is to set it up so that the clutch basket does not drag, but there is also not lost motion in the clutch pull rod.

[Doc-54]

IMG_2110.jpeg I removed the new mainshaft and found that the taper is off, which allows the drive disc to slide onto the shaft too far, so there is no room for the thrust washer. The original shaft fits fine but is badly worn. I may try to freshen up the bearing surface on the old shaft and go to oversize roller bearings. Thanks for your help.

[Steve Slocombe]

If that's the Eastern Parts new mainshaft, they also made the VL shaft with the wrong tapers at both ends and I had to have a couple of batches made myself. You should return this for refund as it is clearly not fit for purpose, otherwise we'll continue to get poor parts for our old bikes.

[aumick10]

I had the same issue with a shovel mainshaft a while ago,