I have a 1988 Sportster. Chain drive 4 spd. I just put new handlebars on and I needed to replace the clutch cable with a longer one. The job went smooth but I can't figure out how to adjust the clutch adjustment screw. There are lots of posts here on this topic. I have read them all. Here are my questions.

I have the Climer book for the bike but it doesn't address a few things.

#1. Is there a specific measurementamount I should be screwing the clutch cable into the primary cover?
#2. Regarding the clutch adjustment screw...am I supposed totighten it until it is no longer sloppy and loose and then back it off 1/4 turn? When I do this is the clutch cable adjustment under the rubber bood supposed to be set up with as much slack as possible?

Here are the steps I think I am supposed to do. Let me know if I am missing something:
1. Slacken the clutch cable by tightening the 2 long nuts so that they are drawn completely together. This creates a ton of freeplay in theh clutch lever.
2. Turn the clutch adjustment screw until the sloppyness in it is gone and it has positive resistance and then back it off 1/4 of a turn.
3. Eliminate the freeplay at the clutch lever by spreading apart the 2 long nuts on the clutch cable.

If this is correct.. the only thing I need to know is if there is a measurement regarding how far to screw the clutch cable into the primary cover.

 

The 3 steps you outlined are correct. As for screwing the cable end into the case, just enough to hold it there, you don't want it so far in that the threaded end is sticking into the case area. Did you look to see how far it was screwed in when you removed the old cable?

 

Screw the cable all the way in the case and there should be a rubber o-ring that seals it so oil does not leak out of the case. all else is allright.
John Therrien