I'm not a mechanic but I like to tinker with things a bit. I have a 1988 XLH 883 that has had some problems downshifting into second & first (any troubleshooting ideas on that problem would be greatly appreciated!). I decided this weekend to dust off my trusty Clymer book, pull it apart & see what the issue could be. After getting the primary cover off, I am now trying to get the clutch off (as a whole) to get to the gears. I'm now stuck trying to get the clutch adjusting screw snap ring off. I've been using a pair of snap ring pliers but I can never get the ring closed enough to pull it out.... is there a trick? Should I be using a different tool? Is there another way to get to the gears? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

First, throw the Clymers manual into the trash...

Second, get a proper shop manual from Harley-Davidson.

Third, adjust the clutch, not just the cable.

There is no reason to gut the transmission, especially if you don`t know why you are doing it.

 

I would agree that there could be some adjustment problem and the problem will not be in your clutch. It's been years since I have pulled a Sporty transmission apart (bent shift fork), but maybe I can help with the snap ring, if you want to get on with it. Get it open enough to stick a thin bladed screwdriver between it and the case and then "work it off" using the screwdriver along with your pliers. You may bend it up a little bit and I know the "book" would tell you to install a new one, but you can bend them back into shape and reuse them if you don't want to purchase a new one.

 

Thanks for all of the insight! Although my weekend is already over, I'll let you guys know what happens.