Removing heads question
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,327
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From: Central TX
Removing heads question
I have never pulled the heads on my bike before, but am getting ready to do so in the next week, if it doesn't rain. Looked at service manual, but it lumps an entire top end disassembly together. I would like to disturb as little as possible as bike does not have many miles since last motor work. If I find TDC on each cylinder and pull that rocker support plate, lower rocker box and head and then reinstall with new head prior to repeating on the other cylinder, do I need to mess with pushrods at all? Hoping I can leave pushrod set as is, complete head removal and install one cylinder at time, and not have to adjust pushrods when done. May not be a big deal for those of you who have been into the motor a lot, but not having to deal with pushrods makes the whole job seem a lot simpler. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,779
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From: san antonio
You can proceed as you plan but be advised that while the pushrods may stay in place, the tubes will collapse and will have to be reinstated once the head is replaced. I would also get some 1/2" PVC pipe couplings and secure the cylinder immediately after removing the head so as to prevent disturbing the cylinder base o-ring. If you disturb that seal, you could have leaks in the future. Additionally, if the heads have not been removed before, they could want to stick to the head gasket. When the head bolts have been broken loose but are still securing the cylinder tight to the base, tap the head to break any seal that might have developed with mileage and heat so the head will easily lift off the cylinder when the head bolts have been removed. Heads will usually lift right off but I have run into some that required a bit of "coaxing".
Would be a wise investment to replace those head breathers with the new stamped head breathers; cheap upgrade and will make the R/R of that rear rocker support a lot easier; it is a PITA as you will find out.
If you are installing after market head gaskets, pay attention to the instructions. Some do not require the o-ring at the oil passage dowels. Keep the service manual handy; best tool in the box.
Would be a wise investment to replace those head breathers with the new stamped head breathers; cheap upgrade and will make the R/R of that rear rocker support a lot easier; it is a PITA as you will find out.
If you are installing after market head gaskets, pay attention to the instructions. Some do not require the o-ring at the oil passage dowels. Keep the service manual handy; best tool in the box.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,779
Likes: 2,609
From: san antonio
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