Hi All
Have put it off as long as possible, but now have to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rear cylinder base gasget weeping quiet bad so have to pull top end off, so I want to know which is best gasket set to get to stop this happening in future?
Also, as I have it stripped down, any small simple power up grades I could do? I would like a bit more top end without loosing bottom too much.
As I live in Ireland and Celtic Tiger has well and truly run a mile, (or even been shot), price is a factor.
Thanks

Tony.

 

Headwork along with cutting them for more compression and some fresh rings that are filed to fit (Total Seal, if the budget allows) will get you the most bang for the buck. If you can find a good used cam that would help also. Hope this helps.

 

well i know ill get people saying im wrong, but id go with james gaskets and also id coat both sides, and surfaces, of the base gasket with permatex ultra grey, let it sit for 15 minutes then install, youll never have a leak again. you see the base of the cylinders tweak over time and when installing new gasket might keep them from leaking for a long time or maybe for only a few thousand miles, at least with the peprmatex your doing an extra insurance percaution against this problem. and i cant see where its going to hurt, unless you gop it on. i believe some one makes a base gasket with a silicone bead already on it.

 

Thanks for info men.
Miacycles, when you say "Cutting them for more compression", do you mean skim a few thou off heads, and if so, how much? Termonology different this side of the pond.
I like the sound and look of the Cometic head set, does anyone know if they are good or not? They list at least 2 on their web site, what is the standard size bore for a 1986 Heritage Softail? (1987 Model)
Cheers.

 

About .060" will do, you will probably have to put in adjustable pushrods to compensate for the decrease in stack height. Also Evo's need to warm up before you ride them hard as the cylinders grow about .040" from cold to hot. This gives you the right clamping pressure to help prevent leaks. The standard bore is called 3 1/2 ", Cometic are good gaskets. Try to get the thinnest head and base gaskets you can get as this will also improve performance too.

 

IMO, if you're going to all the work to tear it down to replace the base gaskets: Install The Oil Fix from Hayden's M6: http://www.haydensm6.com/tofsingle_enlarge.htm