How to determine if a gears are aligned and if shims are needed!
Channel: How 2 Wrench
Date: 2016-11-28

This video gives a perfect example of a student using caution and questioning an “Every Mechanic Should Know This” tip given in transmission class. The tip was, gears are “usually” driven in full contact with at least one gear in the set. In this case, the idler gear sits slightly below. After checking the students work and finding nothing missing, I showed them a way to “reverse engineer” it and verify for themselves. 
I like to train technicians to know when to question things. Service manuals are not without fault. The rules do not always apply. Never say never and never think “always” will work.

Click the links to playlists: (entire list link is the last one) 

Harley EVO: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt95-wqtiOFk3tzUW2VARbHI
Harley Twin Cam: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt_7aGpzL9DxDVZy_fofjo1G 
4-Stroke Engines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt-iDjXbKCN_b7_oRwTW2uAY 
2-Stroke Engines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt_pO6zS6U7Rpjk-uCEYZZ8O 
"Every Mechanic Should Know This Training": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt_uMyVlK1tsBVnSYW1Q0vCK 
Transmission: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt_VMoD82dhOk5XpIXMUASOU 
Wheels, tires, brakes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt8u703ZrvtvAUUuKIv6p2Ck 
Electrical: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt_y8Ua2r49WYf0nLzYXT9eA 
Fuel, air, intake: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt-ZMVRlpvWmVFLL10P16vWf 
Suspension: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAtBOuPaEyt-SLKUotAxQE1llsyQ_T0x2 

All playlists by type: 
https://www.youtube.com/user/conleybuilt/playlists 

You will see that many of the tips and procedures used are universal for skill sets "every mechanic should know" and that the biggest value to my videos is the teaching of these skills that are not found in a service manual. 
I often get asked this question:
Q: How does one learn these skill sets "every mechanic should know" if they are not found in a manual? 
A: NUMBER 1.....GET DIRTY and start wrenching. 
-Ask questions
-Find a seasoned craftsman to mentor under
-Tech schools can significantly speed this time up
-Research, read, watch YouTube videos
Tip: You will never learn it all from one source or in a short time period. No matter what craft you are trying to master, YOU must be dedicated and put the time in. THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO LEARN THAN DOING! I will say it again, you must actually do the work to master it. You cannot just watch or read about it and master anything.
You want to be a master bike builder, mechanic, welder, nurse, carpenter or you fill in the blank? 
-Don't take for granted opportunities to learn deeper
-Be humble and seek advice
-Be intentional with your learning plan
-Don't blame a school, job or your parents for not giving you ever answer, go get it!

I teach a motorcycle/powersports technician program at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, Iowa. These videos are used for review of labs for students and creating a deeper understanding of the lesson/skill set. As there is often more than one way of doing something, may you enjoy this free information as much as our students do in person. PLEASE HIRE OUR GRADUATES! 

If you would like more info on the program feel free to contact me @ 712-274-8733 ext 1204 or email shane.conley@witcc.edu

Are you interested in a career in the motorcycle industry? Click here for information on a great technician and parts specialist training program: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFWKqGzakiw