Hello everyone this is my first post, its also my first harley, ive just updated my 1941 bmw with a 2009 sportster 1200l, anyway i was just removing the derby cover to change the oil in the primary and noticed there wasnt a spring behind there, ive looked inside the primary to make sure it isnt hiding, everywhere on the internet is saying i should have one, what does the spring do?

cheers spice

 

It keeps the clutch adjustment well nut lock plate (has two flats that hold the clutch adjustment screw stationary) from backing off the well nut.

Number 15 the well nut lock plate, number 5 the well nut.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TCH%20ASSEMBLY

 

Thanks for your reply, as im new to playing with harleys can i ask if not having this spring couldve done any harm, or is it just a case of getting another one, installing it and getting back on my bike?

cheers spice

 

As long as the spring isn't inside the primary now and you still have the well nut lock plate in place. It is what actually locks the clutch adjustment.

It isn't in the clutch cover is it? Sometimes they stick in there.

 

No need to remove that derby cover just to change gear oil. Just drain from the plug and refill through the chain inspection cover.

From the photo posted, it does not look like that spring could migrate into the clutch/primary chain area without some work. Some PO probably forgot it.

John

 

Yeah next time im thinking I wont remove the derby cover, now that ill have worked how much oil to put in. Just thinking if a previous owner left it out does that mean it is ok to take on a club ride if i cant get my hands on one in the next couple days?

cheers spice

 

I don't think you need to worry about it being in the primary, it can't get in there with the derby cover installed. The PO probably forgot to put it back on.

What can get in there maybe is the lock plate. It's thin enough to slip into the primary I bet.

What I wonder is, do you even have a lock plate on yours? If the PO forgot to put the spring back on, he may have forgotten the lock plate as well. You probably wouldn't notice it for awhile until the clutch started getting sloppy.

 

This is exactly how it was behind the derby cover

Cheers spice

 

Have you ridden it yet?

I'd go down to the local HD and get a spring before buttoning it back up. Better safe than sorry, and at a few bucks, it is cheap insurance.

 

Yeah ive put about 1500kms on it without any problems, actually its a bloody nice bike big difference from my old side valve bmw, yeah im of the impression i will be getting that spring asap but itd be nice to know i can still take it on a club ride on wednesday if i cant get one

cheers spice