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Posted by Bucko
- December 14, 2020, 16:08:09 PMThere's a couple of washers that are part of the clutch stack - maybe one of those?
From the 1500 Motor fich (not sure if the 1600's are the same or not): https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motorcycle/2001/vulcan-1500-drifter-vn1500-r1/clutch-r1-r3
(wondering if it's one of 92022A)
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 14, 2020, 13:05:57 PMquestion on right side of engine...when I pulled off the right case cover, I did not see the small washer that is in the photos. However, since I am swapping the case from my old engine, when I pulled it off, I found this washer in the pic. It was not where I have it sitting because I did not notice it at first and found it when it rattled in the case cover after turning it over. My question is where does it go? this is the only place I can find where it would fit. Does anyone know if it sits there between the sprocket and the needle bearing in the side case that the shaft it is sitting on goes? I cannot find it on any engine diagrams.....all my clutch parts are in and I am waiting to find out about this washer before putting everything back together....
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 10, 2020, 23:20:26 PMThe $250 makes up for it....clutch plates and limiter springs totaled about $135. So, by the time its all said and done, I have a brand new 1600 engine for about $1200.00. looking forward to seeing if the higher torque and hp ratings translate to the drifter and its cpu. If nothing else, having a new engine is worth it. Once that's done, I'm going to have some Vulcan 88 rims (19" front, 15" back) sandblasted and powder coated to match the Navajo Crimson red on the bike and get those mounted with WW tires and put on. the modification for the front wheel is here on the forum. Then I can go tubeless as well.
Posted by Tim
- December 10, 2020, 20:12:43 PMGood on you to hold them accountable. I hope the $250 makes things right in your mind.
Cool project!
I can't wait to hear what kind of performance upgrades you get.
I love my 02 1500 but it could sure use some extra juice...
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 10, 2020, 17:48:02 PMcalled them out on it after they b*%$#d about my email. they said they test run every engine when they get them in from their suppliers....I said if they did that they would have seen the oil leaking (gasket was non-existent) and they would have heard the clutch parts rattling around...so I caught them red-handed swiping the new clutch friction plates out of the engine and then just slapping it back together...they had to refund me $250 and issue an apology. So I'm now just waiting on the new limiter springs and friction plates....everything else is ready to go.
Posted by Old Drifter
- December 10, 2020, 14:24:08 PMWhat an A-hole! Sounds like you have it under control. 
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 09, 2020, 14:55:43 PMhave the engine all in...filled with oil and discovered a slow leak from the clutch cover side panel..took it off to replace it and noticed that something didn't look right with the clutch...discovered that someone (the seller) had removed the new friction plates and put in old ones and also remove two of the 3 spring limiters....steel plates and everything else looks absolutely brand new, the whole clutch was pushed out and not able to spring back and engage....the crap people will try to pull on you when selling stuff is really unbelievable. Have ordered new friction plates and limiter springs....should be here by early next week.
Posted by Old Drifter
- December 06, 2020, 19:05:23 PMQuote from: OR Seedman on December 06, 2020, 18:24:53 PMI agree with Troll, once you get used to it you'll never go back. If you think it's too short, you could always cut and weld an extension piece in.I raced MC in my youth....so just having a toe shifter is what I'm used to....I was constantly putting my heel on the heel shifter when lifting my left foot off the ground from a dead stop....not that my feet are that big (size 11), but it would have been better if the heel shifter was about 1" longer so that I had more room when putting my foot up on the floorboard...it just seemed like it was always in the way.
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 06, 2020, 18:24:53 PMI raced MC in my youth....so just having a toe shifter is what I'm used to....I was constantly putting my heel on the heel shifter when lifting my left foot off the ground from a dead stop....not that my feet are that big (size 11), but it would have been better if the heel shifter was about 1" longer so that I had more room when putting my foot up on the floorboard...it just seemed like it was always in the way.
Posted by Troll
- December 06, 2020, 15:11:44 PMHaving grown up with a foot clutch/hand shift, and numerous bikes with rocker pedal shifters, I really find it hard to understand why people take the rear pedal off. The trick is adjusting it correctly for you foot. My FLHs had a straight pedal, but my FLT had a V shaped set up. That's how I have my drifter adjusted, and it's just PERFECT! Seems to me, with boards, using only the front for both up and down shifting is totally inconvenient and cumbersome.
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 06, 2020, 11:52:38 AMregarding the heel shifter....yeah, I took it off....too many times I would hit it accidently...Drifters are the first bikes I have ever had a heel shifter on...I like the convenience, but it would get in the way too much.
on the rocker covers....I don't honestly know...the 1600 ones have little bulges on the sides. Not sure if that is for looks or function. The bolt pattern is the same ( I was going to swap them because I have the Arlen Ness side covers on my old engine), but decided not to at the last minute. So, I am leaving off the chrome engine accents (leaving them on the old engine) and the chrome water pump cover. Those will go with the old engine, which I will shortly put up for sale. There's nothing wrong with it, but it does have 40K and did have to have the front bevel gear bearing replaced (which I took care of when I got it). I am curious to see if the 1600 has the noisy lifters....
Overall, the swap has been relatively easy and straightforward. I really need to get the engine fired up and get the clutched lubed up as I think the plates are kinda stuck....from sitting. As I already have the gaskets, if I need to, I can pull the right case cover of to check them...at least the cylinders had some oil put in them to keep the rings lubed....The little bit of oil that was left in the case looked brand new as it should have since the engine only had 1 mile on it.
Posted by Bucko
- December 06, 2020, 02:53:05 AMWondering if you happen to know....are the cab covers (rocker box covers ?) swappable between 1500 and 1600 motors?
Posted by Old Drifter
- December 05, 2020, 21:30:40 PMQuote from: OR Seedman on December 05, 2020, 10:31:50 AMSince you mentioned it, yes it's cleverly hidden. It kinda blends in. It would totally disappear if you painted it black. I also noticed that you don't use a heel shift lever.by the way....anybody pick up on my hidden ignition key?
Posted by mittico68
- December 05, 2020, 10:57:57 AMSorry for your wife. I hope she's getting better, now (so that you're free to take care of your bike... 
).
An engine transplant is a fairly easy project?!?
Geez, to me even changing a light bulb wouldn't be "fairly easy"... 
Posted by OR Seedman
- December 05, 2020, 10:31:50 AMby the way....anybody pick up on my hidden ignition key?