3 bolt transmission rebuild // shifter cam shaft removal

[flatheadDave]

I’m trying to rebuild this transmission. And I can’t pull out all the gears and main guys until I remove this shaft. Problem is, it’s not budging. I read somewhere it might or it might not have a clip holding it in. I can’t seem to see one or even wher it might possibly go. I’ve used the old truck of using an old valve and put the lip under the recess on the shaft. But no use. Its not budging. I’ve also read sometimes you would have to drill it out from the other side. Rather not do that yet. Any advise or experience with this ?

[flatheadDave]

Also I wanted to mention that is is likely a war time transmission. And the inside was pretty filthy. Probably sat for 30 years. The bikes old and ratty. Just finished the engine rebuild.

[George Greer]

Dave,

I had a problem similar to that.

Once I removed the lid, and shaft retaining set screw, (no “c” clip).

The shaft would not budge, and I also used a old valve to try and remove the shaft.

What I did was take two old large screwdriver’s, and using a rat tail file, filed each one till they would fit snugly against the shafts groove. For a wedge.

Then I took Kroil spray and liberally sprayed the shaft and drum and let it sit overnight.

At first it was a no go, but I did another treatment and using a heat gun, I finally got the shaft out.

The shaft and drum was pretty much rusted together causing the problem. But I finally got it out and I didn’t have to drill the case.

Back when I did the transmission, I was lucky enough to find a NOS replacement shifter drum and shaft in Holland.

Good luck

George

[RUBONE]

You cannot even begin to remove the shaft unless the top is off, the retainer screw is removed, everything is well soaked in penetrating oil, and heat is used. All as George stated. A simple tool can be made with a piece of steel and a grinder to allow the shaft to be drifted out. Be careful as 45 trans cases like to crack in that area.

[rocket ron]

And leave the end cover on to help strengthen the case.
Best of luck
Ron

[flatheadDave]

You cannot even begin to remove the shaft unless the top is off, the retainer screw is removed, everything is well soaked in penetrating oil, and heat is used. All as George stated. A simple tool can be made with a piece of steel and a grinder to allow the shaft to be drifted out. Be careful as 45 trans cases like to crack in that area.

Yes I know. This isn’t the first 45 trans I’ve rebuilt. This is the first shaft not to budge. The pictures are just for reference!

[Mark44]

Have you taken off the trans cover? All of the pictures show it still being in place. As already noted a couple times, you have to remove the cam shaft retaining screw before you can pull out the cam shaft.

[RooDog]

Have you taken off the trans cover? All of the pictures show it still being in place. As already noted a couple times, you have to remove the cam shaft retaining screw before you can pull out the cam shaft.

Did you not read post #6? "....The pictures are just for reference!"

[Mark44]

Yes, I read all the posts in this thread. From post #1 where flatheadDave asked about a C clip it wasn't clear to me that he was clear on what held the shifter cam shaft in place.

[flatheadDave]

I used a torch as someone suggested on the shifter cam shaft and was able to get it free and then rebuild the transmission. Thanks for the help.