Hi all

 Hope for some help.

I am about to replace primary chain on 2002 fatboy stock 88B motor.I have removed the primary cover becauce it sound like shit .In side there is now obvious  signs of wear no metal in the oil but the chain has around 8 - 10mm side movement in it .Is there a kit and who should I get it from or do I just pull it apart and replace anything thats worn. Once I do the primary I'll do the cams it,s done around 25000 klm

The noise might be the inner primary bearing. Do you have the HD workshop manual?? - the detail in the manual is brilliant. Make sure you replace anything that has any sign of wear. While you are at it there are a few things to do - having gone to so much trouble so far its a good idea to replace the inner primary bearing and seal (& there is an upgrade kit that is cheaper than using HD bearing) - in my bike we tracked down the noise to being wear in the inner primary bearing. Make certain you do absolutely everything in the HD workshop manual as it tells you exact torque settings and tolerances. Check the alignment of the primary chain using the technique in manual and make certain the correct size spacer goes in behind the compensating sprocket. Check the starter pinion and starter ring gear and replace the jackshaft bushing if worn. Good idea to replace the bearing inner race from the mainshaft unless you are 10% certain that it has been recently replaced - you will need special tool - new inner race (on my wide glide) needed 100 thou clearance on refitting. If you are doing it yourself you with need a 1 1/2" impact socket for the compensating sprocket nut and you will need an impact wrench (rattle gun) to get it & clutch nut off. Good idea if you can do all of that with a mate who knows what to do - i am grateful to a good friend who knew a heap about it all; otherwise, be meticulous and take the inner primary cover to someone who has a press so you can get new the new inner primary bearing replaced without damage. Good luck with it - i enjoyed doing the fix and learnt a heap in the process.

Thanks Numbers

I was hoping that I could buy a kit that would have all the bits I might need, but it looks like I will need to strip it first then source the parts.

I do have a HD service manual .I have contacted Rollies and Harley Heaven re: suplying parts or should I source them somewhere else.

I do have access to a great workshop. 

hopefully you won't need to replace much

I like to shop on internet - but i wanted parts same-day or overnight and apart from the clutch shell it is all inexpensive - the inner primary bearing upgrade is a few bucks cheaper and supposed to be better but i bought the HD bearing and seal - next time i will buy the upgrade bearing

For this job i think you are better shopping locally and you might also get tips and advice when you are there

Go by the service manual carefully so that you don't need to touch it again for a long while - be diligent with tolerances and torque settings - triple check the alignment of the primary chain according to the manual otherwise you've wasted all your time and the correctly sized spacer will get it lined up within tolerance

When you have the primary chain off, spin the back wheel (in neutral) and you will quickly hear if the bearing in the inner primary (or maybe transmission) is fucked - if you then replace inner primary bearing with new one then spin it again and if noise is sweet then you are OK but if noise is bad then it might be a bearing in the tranny

Let us know how it goes

We have a pretty good private bike shop in town I will go through him for parts.  I will let you know how it goes. 

Hi Numbers

I think I have found why it was making a noise it seems like the inner primary bearing is not good I am having a prick of a time trying to remove the starter I think I will need some better alen key but that will be tomorrow.

I used long Allen key to remove bolts from starter and you need to get a heap of tension on it

when putting all back together make sure you don't over-tension the bolts when replacing inner primary case otherwise you will strip the thread; and use sealant on those bolts

use red locktite on the bolt for compensator and clutch bolt - tension with rattle gun

if starter ring gear is broken then you can replace the ring with an upgrade kit for $200

I ended up buying a 1/4" round head allan key cutting a inch off the end and useing a 3/8 drive socket set with a 1/4 socket it means I can use a tension wrench when bolting it back up

nice idea - that tool will be handy to keep

you will need to buy a special tool to replace the inner race from the gearbox mainshaft - good idea to replace it while you have the inner primary off

All done but could not find any damaged on anything I still replaced everything but  I don't know if i've fixed it  I will wait till Monday. I thought I would charge my Battery while I was working on the motor but now it won't hold a charge .I have triple checked the conections but will get a load test done on Monday before buying a new one.this one is at least 3 years old

The inner primary bearing might not look damaged - to check it you need to spin the rear wheel while the primary chain is disconnected and if the problem is the bearing then you will hear it - after replacing the inner primary bearing and seal, and while the primary chain is still off, spin the wheel again and if noise is still there then unfortunately the problem is probably in the transmission

Make sure you check the inner primary alignment using the spacer according to manual and make sure you use enough red locktite when you torque up the nuts for compensator and clutch basket

I get it done but Fu#k I make it hard. Finaly all together no noise and no flat battery .Must give Bundy Motorcycles a big rap ordered parts on Tuesday they needed to order in the Primary chain and  had it delivered to my door Friday morning

Talk to Dallas not the girls