I have a newly rebuilt 78 shovel head with a couple slight leaks coming out of the bass nuts - it looked like it was coming through the split in the washer. I removed the split washer and replaced it with a 7/16 copper washer and the leak was totally gone. When I tried to fix the second nut, I realized it wouldn't come off without removing the entire cylinder.

Are there any tricks I'm not aware of that will stop the leak without having to remove the nut entirely? Perhaps silicone?

Thanks.

 

No silicone.

Never seen where the cylinder had to be removed. Got a pic?

Mike

 

Sure do. Front cylinder, bass nut. You should see this in this pic. It's one of those tall nuts, and it hits a ledge. Most are removable, unfortunately this one is not!

 

Aftermarket Kit ... The Tall Base Nuts (some) have to be put on as you're lowering the cylinder down ( ask me how I know ) ... Some seepage ( minimal ) ain't a bad thing but in order to fix it you'll have to ( probably ) raise the jug which means you've got a job for a rainy weekend in Upstate New York!

 

So what you're saying is just about ANY weekend will qualify!

Ok... I guess i was hoping for a quick fix. Thanks....

 

well that's a bummer. another option, if you wanted to replace all of them with regular size nuts...

raise the nut as far as it will go, cut the top off that's above the threads. then finish loosening it until it's off. then put some regular sized nuts on.

otherwise, yeah... pulling the cylinders up, so removing the head gaskets. unless it's a bad leak, i'd leave it alone.

but i'm the guy who was going to replace a head gasket, and my bike is a bare frame currently.

mike