Downshifting Issue

Energy One
429CV23

429CV23

Member
Today the Dog started giving me problems downshifting. At times I'll have to push the shifter 4-5 times before it will drop into the next lower gear, a few times it shifted from 5th to neutral or 4th to neutral.
I changed the trans oil within the last 1200mi using Royal Purple; checked the level and she's still full and purple.
There are no issues with upshifting.
Is this a failing shift fork?

2000 Bulldog; 107" S&S; assuming an original Andrew's geared 5spd.
 
Mr. Wright

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
Check this nut and see if it is loose, it is the adjustment nut for your shift forks. Don't screw around with it, just check and see if it is loose. Then check the eyelets on the shift rod, and make sure that their not froze up. Then we can go from there.
 
cdogg556

cdogg556

Guru
Mr. Wright said:
Check this nut and see if it is loose, it is the adjustment nut for your shift forks. Don't screw around with it, just check and see if it is loose. Then check the eyelets on the shift rod, and make sure that their not froze up. Then we can go from there.
Click to expand...
See the allen bolt at the bottom of the shift lever, that was loose on my bike, I was having a hard time getting into neutral, tightened it up and it works great!:old2:
 
cdogg556

cdogg556

Guru
pknowles said:
Seems like anything that moves on these bikes will shake loose. So, while we clean we gotta check the fasteners. It's been said a hundred times or more. Hopefully his problem is something simple.
Click to expand...
:agree: dat's fur sur Paul! :yesnod::old2:Whenever I find something loose or broken usually it's when I am cleaning the bike !:old2::cheers:
 
Mr. Wright

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
429CV23 said:
Today the Dog started giving me problems downshifting. At times I'll have to push the shifter 4-5 times before it will drop into the next lower gear, a few times it shifted from 5th to neutral or 4th to neutral.
I changed the trans oil within the last 1200mi using Royal Purple; checked the level and she's still full and purple.
There are no issues with upshifting.
Is this a failing shift fork?

2000 Bulldog; 107" S&S; assuming an original Andrew's geared 5spd.
Click to expand...
How about an update Jeff
 
429CV23

429CV23

Member
Thanks for the info guys!
Here's an update; didn't have time to get to her last night, the wife wanted to remove the stakes and wires on three of the big ponderosas we had moved a few years ago from the back of the property to the front. Sorry, first wife took priority. ;)

I started tonight by adjusting the clutch; loosening the cable, removing the freeplay from the pushrod, backed it off 1/2 turn, adjusted the cable so I have about 1/16" play in the cable at the lever. When I started, there didn't seem to be any freeplay in the cable, just some freeplay in the lever itself.

Moved on to the shift pawl. The locking nut was loose. I never could get equal spring tension for both upshift and downshift directions, but set it so there was equal travel. There is spring tension against upshifting, but really none against downshifting. This operation was performed while she was in 3rd gear.

Haven't ridden her to test yet, but firing her up and testing movement between 1st, 2nd, and N in the garage the shifting seems tighter, more precise.

I'll update again once I get her out for a ride.
 
429CV23

429CV23

Member
Took her for a short ride tonight. No change in downshifting, although when it does downshift, and upshifts, are tighter/more positive. 5th to 4th is fine, beyond that it takes 3-5 times before it downshifts. Hope it isn't the shifter pawl spring, I've read that is a real PIA to replace.
 
HMAN

HMAN

I just like my Freedom
Supporting Member
I started tonight by adjusting the clutch; loosening the cable, removing the freeplay from the pushrod, backed it off 1/2 turn,
Click to expand...
1/2 turn seem like quite a bit? Usually a 1/4 turn or so will put you really really close...?
 
429CV23

429CV23

Member
HMAN said:
1/2 turn seem like quite a bit? Usually a 1/4 turn or so will put you really really close...?
Click to expand...
The early BD service manual spec'd 1/2 turn. I've not played with a BD clutch before, so I went with the recommended parameter.
I figure get it to the factory setting as a baseline, I can play with it later if I don't like the engagement/disengagement point.
 
Last edited:
429CV23

429CV23

Member
I lubed the Heims and the shifter assy.
I don't think the spring is broken. In N, there is equal movement of the shift lever in both directions, and the shift lever springs back into position.
While in 1st gear, if I push the shifter down to downshift, it springs right back up. But, when in 3rd gear, there is only spring tension in the upshift direction.
The pawl adjuster doesn't seem to have much adjustment to it, but maybe it is still out?
 
429CV23

429CV23

Member
OK, I'm a dumbass. I readjusted the shift pawl spring correctly and she shifts perfectly now!
From the service manual:
3. Check shifter pawl adjustment.
(a) Shift transmission into third gear.
(b) Move shift lever and check for the spring pressure in both directions without shifting out
of 3rd gear. You should feel the pawl contact the drum in both directions.
(c) Locate the shifter pawl screw and lock nut on the left side of transmission case, next to
the shifter lever. Loosen the lock nut and turn the hex-type screw either clockwise or counter
clockwise, until the spring pressure is the same when moving shifter in each direction.
Tighten the lock nut when spring pressure and travel is equal and re-check when tight

Just FYI for future searchers:

I was mis-adjusting it because there is NO spring tension when adjusted properly. There is no 'detent' or center position feel either. The shift lever just moves back and forth smoothly, contacting the drum in either direction.
If the pawl is adjusted too far in one direction, spring tension is felt when moving the shift lever in one direction, and the shift lever will spring back to the 'detent' position; the shift lever will then move the opposite direction from the 'detent' position without any spring tension. Hope that makes sense.
 
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