I have a set of ‘59 XLH crankcases which suffered a similar fate at some point (bottom side blown out) and patched back together with JB Weld. My engine builder (who is a fantastic aluminum welder) cut all that out, gabbed a replacement chunk and welded it back together. You can’t tell it was repaired.
Dude--I feel for ya. I broke the rear rod on a '67 FLH back in the '80's. Eight inch hole in the backside of the cases and that was just the beginning. I still have them and the broken rod. Built an 88 inch stroker with STD cases for that bike.
Bet that Stroker sounded amazing. I started repairs on the case and have all the replacement parts as well. I talked the wife into a TIG welder and all the kit to go with it. The Rona has interrupted progress but I’ll be back at it soon. I will record and post where I’m at in the repairs in a few weeks. Thanks for checking me out and your comments Brother… cheers.
@@garygiglio6359 I have an Aerospace Machinist background with metal fab experience. TIG has always been a favorite. Retired, I sure do miss the equip I had access to at work. Cast alum is porous and saturates with oil, big-time contaminate : ( I have made vibratory cleaning tanks (2) powered by palm sanders with sanding pad removed (regulated by router speed control) and used Purple Power for my cleaning agent. AWESOME results!! Need to build 1 more, big enough for the larger right side case to fit. Another project...
Once I tore it all down, I found that one of the four bolts in the transmission trap door came out my fault. I must’ve neglected to put retaining compound on it.
Really sorry to see that happen. My routine is to take the primary cover off my 1968 XLCH and do a visual every spring and during the riding season pull the small inspection plate and check the chain tension every 500 miles or less. I’m very surprised that chain went to pieces like that, what brand was it??? I’m curious. Those clutch baskets normally have a little side to side play but nothing that severe. That being said, I’m surprised you didn’t hear any mechanical noise from the primary to warn you well in advance something was loose? Again, I’m really curious what brand of primary chain broke into pieces like that? I’m very sorry to see this happen to you… it’s a nightmare all us XLCH owners have in the back of our minds!
Thank you for your kind words. The primary chain was diamond brand but it was not the chain that failed on its own. After further break-down I found one of the transmission trap door bolts missing. That bolt came loose and got caught up in the chain causing it to break along with some teeth on the main sprocket and the clutch basket. I have a second video that covers the missing bolt. Thank you for watching. I appreciate your time and attention. I have made some repairs to the case and plan to share the continued repairs and modifications thus far in a video or two coming soon. Thanks again.
@@garygiglio6359 hopefully everything works out for you, what caused the bolt to come loose like that??? Was it caused by under tightening or no lock tight??
@@Johnclark300 it was completely my fault. I failed to use a retaining compound on that bolt. The last time I rebuilt the transmission I used thread inserts for all four trap door bolts and thought I locked them down. There was as no evidence of retaining compound anywhere in or around that bolt hole.
I might have a 1969/70 900 sporty motor that's a builder . In a box. I can let go for cheap . If you need it no papers. Motor dropped a valve..i picked up motor for my daughter to build. It's been sitting for about 5 years
I have a set of ‘59 XLH crankcases which suffered a similar fate at some point (bottom side blown out) and patched back together with JB Weld. My engine builder (who is a fantastic aluminum welder) cut all that out, gabbed a replacement chunk and welded it back together. You can’t tell it was repaired.
Gorgeous bike. Even with pieces of the case gone.
Thank you Brother, I appreciate that.
Dude--I feel for ya. I broke the rear rod on a '67 FLH back in the '80's. Eight inch hole in the backside of the cases and that was just the beginning. I still have them and the broken rod.
Built an 88 inch stroker with STD cases for that bike.
Bet that Stroker sounded amazing. I started repairs on the case and have all the replacement parts as well. I talked the wife into a TIG welder and all the kit to go with it. The Rona has interrupted progress but I’ll be back at it soon. I will record and post where I’m at in the repairs in a few weeks. Thanks for checking me out and your comments Brother… cheers.
@@garygiglio6359 I have an Aerospace Machinist background with metal fab experience. TIG has always been a favorite. Retired, I sure do miss the equip I had access to at work. Cast alum is porous and saturates with oil, big-time contaminate : ( I have made vibratory cleaning tanks (2) powered by palm sanders with sanding pad removed (regulated by router speed control) and used Purple Power for my cleaning agent.
AWESOME results!!
Need to build 1 more, big enough for the larger right side case to fit. Another project...
Time for a open primary. I hope it all worked out for ya.
Great bike ...l feel your pain .
Not often a primary chain lets go. I guess these ironheads are gettin up there in years though.
Once I tore it all down, I found that one of the four bolts in the transmission trap door came out my fault. I must’ve neglected to put retaining compound on it.
Really sorry to see that happen. My routine is to take the primary cover off my 1968 XLCH and do a visual every spring and during the riding season pull the small inspection plate and check the chain tension every 500 miles or less. I’m very surprised that chain went to pieces like that, what brand was it??? I’m curious. Those clutch baskets normally have a little side to side play but nothing that severe. That being said, I’m surprised you didn’t hear any mechanical noise from the primary to warn you well in advance something was loose? Again, I’m really curious what brand of primary chain broke into pieces like that? I’m very sorry to see this happen to you… it’s a nightmare all us XLCH owners have in the back of our minds!
Thank you for your kind words. The primary chain was diamond brand but it was not the chain that failed on its own. After further break-down I found one of the transmission trap door bolts missing. That bolt came loose and got caught up in the chain causing it to break along with some teeth on the main sprocket and the clutch basket. I have a second video that covers the missing bolt. Thank you for watching. I appreciate your time and attention. I have made some repairs to the case and plan to share the continued repairs and modifications thus far in a video or two coming soon. Thanks again.
@@garygiglio6359 hopefully everything works out for you, what caused the bolt to come loose like that??? Was it caused by under tightening or no lock tight??
@@Johnclark300 it was completely my fault. I failed to use a retaining compound on that bolt. The last time I rebuilt the transmission I used thread inserts for all four trap door bolts and thought I locked them down. There was as no evidence of retaining compound anywhere in or around that bolt hole.
Sorry for the bad luck, that is a real nice bike. Do you think the adjuster could have come apart and jammed the chain?
Thanks brother, I think one of the transmission door bolts came out and got caught up in the chain and sprocket.
@@garygiglio6359 I saw that in your second video. that makes sense.
Need a karate 3 inch belt drive and dry clutch
I might have a 1969/70 900 sporty motor that's a builder . In a box. I can let go for cheap . If you need it no papers. Motor dropped a valve..i picked up motor for my daughter to build. It's been sitting for about 5 years
I have a guy that want to sell his 66 xlch 900... 3600 orig miles. Needs head gasket he says. Been in garage 20 years
WOW… do you know what he wants for it?
@@garygiglio6359 I will check. Has orig tank and seat but other tank and seat on it now. In north Carolina garage.
horrid; maybe its time for a open belt drive, though i think theyre hard to come by, horrid..hope the cracks aint into the crank house..
That sucks looks like an expensive fix
Horrible.