Shim stock for front motor mounts

[knuckjunky]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to buy some shim stock for the front left motor mount on my knucklehead? I read the stories of guys using beer cans but I am sure someone out there is selling it specifically for this application. Thanks

[harleytoprock]

First use a feeler gauge to determine what shim thickness you need. This company has many shims available. They also have them in stainless steel.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-shims/=tjo8rg

[duffeycycles]

Stainless meeting aluminium can be dissimilar metal problem-corrosion results
when used that way on aircraft barrier cream is used between the metals

[wideglide38]

I agree dissimilar metals can have a galvanic reaction and have experienced it within the electrical industry. However, I wondered with steel frames and sand cast aluminum cases, did the MoCo treat or coat hardware/shims/frames/cases to prevent a galvanic reaction? My concern coating parts is the potential reduction or elimination of ground continuity which is needed for circuit breakers, etc. Just my 2 cents and wondered what others have experienced.

[Steve Slocombe]

I use a feeler gauge to find the required thickness, then cut off that piece of feeler gauge and use it as a shim. OK, I have a couple of incomplete sets of thickness gauges now...

[Hollywood]

There are premade kits like this available on EBAY. I did the same thing with beer cans. Now I use steel shims...round washer type.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Motor...-/251442449525

[wideglide38]

I've seen that set on ebay. I didn't like all the colors! I've ordered varying thickness stainless feeler gage stock (0.002 to 0.025 x 1" wide x 12" long) from Eastern Industries Corp (http://www.easterngage.com/) in Berlin, CT. Great product and good customer service!

[Hollywood]

yeah the colors threw me too. It appears they use them to indicate different thicknesses. I've never used them but the original comment was "someone out there is selling it specifically for this application". I would imagine you could trim them so the colors were not visible.

[wideglide38]

Agreed and that set will work. I think the colored set would have more appeal if left plain stainless with the thickness printed (similar to craftsman newer sockets) on the shims. Just my 2 cents!

[Rollo]

Those look like front end alignment shims to me but just color coded. You should be able to get them at an auto parts store that supplies the local alignment shop or at the alignment shop itself and not colored coded.

Tom (Rollo) Hardy
AMCA # 12766

[Kozy]

Millwrights have been using the shim type shown in the ebay listing to align coupled shafts for years. They're available from industrial suppliers like McMaster-Carr for about a buck apiece.

[knuckjunky]

Another quick question. My guage indicates a gap of .021. I want to make sure that is a "normal" gap for a front motor mount on a knucklehead.

[iiggii]

Thats in the ball park.

[Chris Haynes]

I have never seen a bike come from the factory with shims. Nor have I have ever used them. Shims under the generator is another story.

[Rollo]

I'm with Chris on this one. There is a "shim" under the motor for the BT flat heads but it goes under both front motor mounts and is more like a strap # 24795 for fitment in 48 and up frames. As I recall it is about 1/8 " thick. I have never used shims on any knuckle motors. You do need to make sure that the motor mounts and frame are "decked" to make sure they do sit on each other flat and true and that the hoes are not wallowed out and line up.

Tom (Rollo) Hardy
AMCA #12766