Head swap?
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Snohomish WA
Head swap?
I'm thinking of adding new heads to my build. Can I just swap heads out or do I need to remove the cylinder and replace the gasket at the bottom of the cylinder. I have heard once you Un torque your heads and cylinder you should replace that bottom gasket to prevent potential leaks down the road. We just did a 110 kit 1600 miles ago so I Know that gasket is good, but at that time I keep the heads stock now I want to add heads.
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From: san antonio
I'm thinking of adding new heads to my build. Can I just swap heads out or do I need to remove the cylinder and replace the gasket at the bottom of the cylinder. I have heard once you Un torque your heads and cylinder you should replace that bottom gasket to prevent potential leaks down the road. We just did a 110 kit 1600 miles ago so I Know that gasket is good, but at that time I keep the heads stock now I want to add heads.
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Snohomish WA
I guess for me it's my lack of experience and confidence in engine work. I know it's cheap to replace, I'm just not confident in doing it, this it would be my first time in removing the heads and then pulling cylinders off to replace the gasket and then sliding back over.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Think it through, stay calm, don't hurry and keep the manual handy for question or that 3rd look see to make sure and you'll get through it. These things are fairly forgiving or half the guys doing it wouldn't be out there in shops right now.
Just don't get frazzled that's when mistakes get made.
Just don't get frazzled that's when mistakes get made.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: NE Ohio
I've done it on more than one occasion with no issues, one engine had 15,000 miles on it when I pulled a head and never had any leaks afterward. As djl said, be careful and take your time. Also follow the example in the picture he attached and you won't have any problems.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
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From: Ozarks
If I had a ring compressor then I might pull the cylinders and change out the o ring. If I didn't then I would leave the cylinders alone. Damn oil rings give me more fits than anything. I don't know how people do this without a ring compressor but they do. I cannot.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: san antonio
Not really a must but handy. One thing to remember when taking on work that may not be necessary; the deeper you go, the more opportunity for mishap. Some mishaps are easy to over come and some, like dropping a pin retainer into the crankcase are not; my grandma used to call something like that "borrowing trouble". You really shouldn't have to remove cylnders and pistons and replace the base o-ring. The heads will very likely lift right off, secure the cylinder with the 1/2" PVC couplings and move on to the next one.
However, if you must replace the base o-ring, you can remove the cylinder/piston as assembly and leave the piston in the cylinder. Another operation that requires attention to detail and taking your time. Do one at a time and slide the cylinder up just enough to expose the piston pin; remove the pin and pull the cylinder/piston assembly as a unit without disturbing the rings. Make sure you have some shop rags (I use those big car wash sponges cut to fit) to stuff into the case to prevent dropping anything into the crank case; that will ruin your day.
Like I said in my first post, extra work that is not necessary if you proceed with caution.
However, if you must replace the base o-ring, you can remove the cylinder/piston as assembly and leave the piston in the cylinder. Another operation that requires attention to detail and taking your time. Do one at a time and slide the cylinder up just enough to expose the piston pin; remove the pin and pull the cylinder/piston assembly as a unit without disturbing the rings. Make sure you have some shop rags (I use those big car wash sponges cut to fit) to stuff into the case to prevent dropping anything into the crank case; that will ruin your day.
Like I said in my first post, extra work that is not necessary if you proceed with caution.
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Novice
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From: Snohomish WA
Will adding SE pro cnc ported heads add anything to my SE585 cam in my 110. Right now I have stock heads and throttle body. I have been told that more air is not going to add a whole lot to my build.