Hello fellas, in my lifelong pursuit to drive myself nuts, I continue to build a “correct” 1939 knucklehead. I’m getting there but one of my biggest issues is the transmission. A while back you guys gave me some great input on the correct gear pattern for my “E” motor. Now I want to pick your brains on the proper transmission case.
Palmer’s book indicates that from 36’ to 39’ the transmission cases on big twins were not vented. Instead the kicker covers had the vent hole. However, I have recently seen a few cases for sale with December 1938 date bosses (L 8) which are vented. Now, my motor case is 39E3*** and the date boss on the motor case is L8.
I know that a lot of what went on back in 1939 was based on what was left over from the prior year and when the new years’ components were shipped. However, Palmer’s book, the cases I have seen lately, and the date boss on my motor have left me a bit confused. Palmer seems to say that vented transmissions didn't come out until 1940.
At this point, I am under the assumption that any transmission case made in a late 1938 (even if to be used in a 1939) should be vented. Please give me your thoughts on what case would be correct in my bike? Is there any particular month in 1938 when the venting switched? Should a L8 transmission be vented? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Eric Hitzel
Palmer’s book indicates that from 36’ to 39’ the transmission cases on big twins were not vented. Instead the kicker covers had the vent hole. However, I have recently seen a few cases for sale with December 1938 date bosses (L 8) which are vented. Now, my motor case is 39E3*** and the date boss on the motor case is L8.
I know that a lot of what went on back in 1939 was based on what was left over from the prior year and when the new years’ components were shipped. However, Palmer’s book, the cases I have seen lately, and the date boss on my motor have left me a bit confused. Palmer seems to say that vented transmissions didn't come out until 1940.
At this point, I am under the assumption that any transmission case made in a late 1938 (even if to be used in a 1939) should be vented. Please give me your thoughts on what case would be correct in my bike? Is there any particular month in 1938 when the venting switched? Should a L8 transmission be vented? Any help is greatly appreciated!
Eric Hitzel
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