Shovelhead Clutch Adjustments

Mike Roen has his FLH Shovelhead on the table lift and is set up to demonstrate the procedure for clutch adjustment. Servicing the clutch and primary drive on your Harley Davidson is important for the motorcycles performance, longevity, and for rider safety.

Mike has already removed the entire outer primary cover for demonstration purposes and so he can show us a little bit more than just the clutch adjustment procedure. Typically, only the derby cover would need to be removed. In order to adjust the clutch, loosen the lock nut at the clutch pack. Then, loosen the lock nut on the clutch cable adjuster and completely slacken the clutch cable.

At this time, it is important to closely inspect the condition of the clutch cable. Examine the cables outer casing for possible damage and inspect the internal cable where it is exposed at the top and bottom ends of the cable. If lubricating the cable, remove the circlip that retains the clutch lever pin and remove the clutch cable from the lever. Inject lube into the casing at the top of the cable until a sufficient amount of lube has been applied. Then, reassemble the clutch cable and lever.

Adjustment of the clutch pushrod will vary between Harley Davidson models & model years. On Mike’s FL, the pushrod is turned until the clutch release arm is 1/2″ away from the starter motor body. Other model years want the adjustment to be set so that the clutch release arm is 13/16″ away from the tower of the transmission cover. It is important that you refer to the correct, factory service manual for your year and model Harley-Davidson for the right clutch adjustment procedure for your specific year and model.

Once the pushrod is correctly adjusted, hold it in place with a slotted screwdriver while you tighten the jam nut with the box end of a 9/16″ wrench. Finally, adjust the clutch cable until the desired amount of free play has been achieved. This should typically fall around 1/16″ to 1/8″ of free play.