HarleyTechTalk

According to My OEM HD Service Manual for 1970 to Early 1978 FL/FX Models it states to tighten Mounting Bolts to 35-40, ft-lbs. Torque.
This is on Page 3-8, approx. 2/3 of the way down on the Right Column of the Page, if You may have the same Manual.

Does anyone know the correct torque of the lower motor mount bolts for a mid 70's shovel? I can't find anything in the manual. I know 35 ftlbs is standard for the 3/8 fine thread.

QuoteProbably have to tighten up the bolts. I assume they still put on those lock plate plates where the tab edges get bent over the bolt so they don't come off.

I wonder how many people have left them off, deliberately, from laziness or plain old neglect?

Overfilled primary will create this dragging condition. This happened more often on the early M8s that experienced fluid transfer between the trans and the primary- pretty sure they had this fixed by the 2021 models, but it's worth checking fluid levels.

Thanks, I much preferred the hydraulic as I've a cable failures in the past, but that's just me.

Check that the transmission is not overfilled.
Mine will also try to move forward slightly when cold in neutral, I attribute it to the cold thick gear lube in the tranny. But it does not drag as you describe when rolling.

2021 on the touring models

What year did they go back to cable?

Paint stripper (it is the same chemical used in commercial gasket removers).

It will turn the gasket to mush, give it time.

Replace the head bolts also.

The 2019 service manual will say they are reusable, but the later manuals say they are one time use.