Motorcycle Repair: pushrod kit, holes in the head, thrust washer


Question
QUESTION: would it be possible for you to send me a step by step instruction guide for replacing a push rod kit on a 1996 softail custom?I want to do this my self and my manual don't really exsplain in detail how to do it.Thanks...rick

ANSWER: In order to change the pushrods in your bike you will first need to remove the old ones. There are 2 ways to do this , first one is to remove the rocker boxes and then lift the pusrods out of the holes in the head then remove the tubes a very lengthy procedure. The second is a lot shorter and can only be done if your going to reinstall adjustable pushrods it involves telescoping your pushrod tubes and cutting the old pushrods out with a pair of bolt cutters. Next to install the new ones I need to know if your new pushrods are adjustable or not.

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QUESTION: I ment the push rod in the tranny with the throw out bearing,sorry.

ANSWER: How many peices is your new pushrod.

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QUESTION: the push rod kit includes the center,left and right pushrod,bearing,thrust washer and snap ring in the replacement kit.

Answer
The push rod is a 3 peice unit. The 3rd part of the pushrod is only about 1 inch long and is right behind your clutch adjusting screw.Remove the derby cover and loosen the clutch adjusting nut and screw. Remove rear exhaust pipe and then tranny side cover,pull out throw out bearing it will be attached to a short section of the pushrod pull push rod out, you'll probably need a pencil magnet to get the push rod out hopefully the 3rd section of the rod will also come out. install 1 inch part of the rod and your new pushrod and then the short piece with the throw out bearing attached then reinstall your tranny side cover refill the trans with fluid replace the rear pipe then readjust your clutch.