Oh yeah, head work time
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
In my case the tb flange holes were needing to go further inboard to line up with the cylinder head holes, so I got out a rachet extension and placed it carefully on the tb flange area and used a rubber hammer and tapped the tb flange holes into place.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
Get the primary side bolts started before sliding the tb in. That side of the flange should be slotted
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,809
Likes: 2,549
From: UK
Then you can slide the TB in from the right hand side, get those bolts engaged into the slots and then do the left hand side bolts with your long ball ended allen key. It's fiddly, but do-able.
The manual mentions loosely fitting the throttle body to the heads, and also loosely fitting the air cleaner backplate as well. This kind of makes sense. Then when all is done like that, torque it all up together. Personally, I just fitted the TB in place without the backplate - but I was lucky enough that the backplate lined up nicely anyway.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Oh my freaking gosh!!!!!!!!
I've spent over an hour and a half wiggling, jiggling, and finagling, I just can't get the holes for the tb lined up. I've tried practically every combination and permutation.
I just about had it a few minutes ago and then it moved and I couldn't get it back in alignment. I've been using a socket extension and rubber mallet to "micro" adjust. Have to step back, I know I'm close but this sucks so bad I'm done for the day. Arghhhhh!
I've spent over an hour and a half wiggling, jiggling, and finagling, I just can't get the holes for the tb lined up. I've tried practically every combination and permutation.
I just about had it a few minutes ago and then it moved and I couldn't get it back in alignment. I've been using a socket extension and rubber mallet to "micro" adjust. Have to step back, I know I'm close but this sucks so bad I'm done for the day. Arghhhhh!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,756
Likes: 951
From: Out West
I may have missed it if it was mentioned earlier, and I think I may have read it in Alan's 107" build thread, but I think Mud posted a tip about starting the TB bolts into the heads before cinching the heads into the cases.
I have been wrong about so many things in life though I'm not even confident we are talking about the same things.
But if by chance I am speaking in the same vein, if all else fails, what if you started over and released the torque on the heads, and did as I have mentioned, could worse evils prevail!
Five hail mary's and oh mani pad me ohm if I'm off target.
I have been wrong about so many things in life though I'm not even confident we are talking about the same things.
But if by chance I am speaking in the same vein, if all else fails, what if you started over and released the torque on the heads, and did as I have mentioned, could worse evils prevail!
Five hail mary's and oh mani pad me ohm if I'm off target.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Oh suede where the heck were you along time ago!!! I could go that route but I'd have to remove the rocker boxes again. I'm so freaking close, maybe I just need to try when it's not 80 degrees in the garage. I just want to get the bike assembled so I can ride. I'm not a crying man or a gambling man but I'd bet $100 that if I don't get it on my next try I'll burst out in tears 
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,756
Likes: 951
From: Out West
Well, look at it this way, if all hope escapes, you have that back door to go to, and doing that will probably eliminate the tension on the TB bolts, with everything lining up for a relaxed fit 
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Just know you are no different from at least me...took me a long time too. This is why I posted what I did, it gets tempting to add force to the fastener and start cranking - dont give in to the temptation! You will find a way, and start that fastener in properly.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
It's much easier to get them started before the top rocker covers are installed, you have more room for your hands. Try starting the primary side bolts before you slide the tb in there and then start the intake side with a ball end allen. Before torquing down the tb bolts I bolted on my air cleaner backing plate to line up the tb
Also, are you trying to get the bolts in with everything plugged in? Probably easier to do it with all the plugs tied up out of the way. Any way to make as much room as possible
Also, are you trying to get the bolts in with everything plugged in? Probably easier to do it with all the plugs tied up out of the way. Any way to make as much room as possible