I'm a pretty good mechanic but after studying the FSM for a tranny rebuild, I've decided to leave it to the pros. What kind of cash outlay am I in for on a full rebuild? I know that there are a lot of factors involved but I'm looking at the "standard" new seals, bushings, bearings, etc.

 

I guess it depends on what you mean by a pretty good mechanic. I've been a certified master auto tech since 1975. I've got about 25 years experience building and diagnosing automatic trans and manual trans for automobiles. That being said the first four speed Harley trans that I tried worked the first time after I went through it, and as far as I know it still works. That was about ten years ago. I've built 2 more since then.
If you feel comfortable building automobile stick shifts, then you might be alright with a Harley 4 speed.
The ratchet top and shifter take a little studying to figure out how they work, but it's no big deal.
If my Harley 4 speed ever starts acting up, then I will pull it and fix as needed.
You will need a good Harley manual and some time to study the way they work.

Just my .02, but it's not rocket science.

Scooter

 

As far as the original question, I have no idea on prices that they would charge.

Scooter

 

If you have a book. do it yourself, the only problem you may run into is shimming the shift forks, and thats not that hard if you go slow and watch what you are doing. Price, well whats wrong with it, jumping out of gear? making lots of odd noises? it really depends on what parts needed. 12 years ago when I was doing this stuff for a living, most 4 speed rebuilds would go for around $500-600 if the transmission was brought in. (not pulling the sucker) I have found that most folks will not have the transmission rebuilt unless there is a "problem" if you don't know the bike and are just looking to go thru it, I would pull the top and give a look inside. if you don't see really worn Dogs on first and third, and no bits in the bottom, run it.

 

Thanks for the info - the problems that I'm having are that it leaks from the mainshaft quite a bit and sometimes it doesn't want to go into third unless I tap down on the shifter before I shift up. The neutral light also stopped working.

 

I rebuilt one on an old panhead I used to own... it was a piece of cake.

 

On a 69 there may not be a seal (or a place for it ) on the final drive gear.(were the main shaft passes through)the best thing would be to replace this gear. I have cut the gear for a seal. also look at the main shaft and final drive bushing. some may not agree.....butI have found that use of 90 wt gear oil will cause main shaft, and bushing wear/damage. harley says to run engine oil. I use 15/50 moble one in mine, but a good sycromesh fluid works good too. take the ratchet drum apart, you are going to fine worn or broken springs, replace the springs and clean it up good. If I can be any further help let me know. Bob

 

I feel your pain. I am sitting here looking at my

4 speed trans. The only problem is, it leaks a lot of oil.

I have a lot of articles, and pics on how to rebuild.

From what I have read, if the mainshaft bushing inside

the case, is not replaced. It will probably leak again.

I don't know what year or type trans you have. If you

want any of the information I have, let me know. If I rebuild

it, I will be glad to send step by step pictures to help you out.

 

John - I'm in the same boat - any pics that you could send my way would be great. According to the service manual a special too li required to get cogs in the top and the gears in the case lined up. The tranny is a ractchet top 4spd form a '76. Thanks for any info that you might have.

 

here you are guys, merry Christmas from across the pond

http://www.ironcross.net/79flhtranny.htm

the author is **beyond question** as a four-speed expert. trust me.