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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
At that many miles, I would have to add a compression and/or leak down test to evaluate the condition of the top end and if it didn't pass muster, overbore and new rings would be on the parts list. I would also add that if the lifters are OEM, replace them with a set from Larrys Motorcycle & Machine, AKA WFO Larry. A set of Rocker Lockers would also be a good and cheap investment. JMHO.
All great advice, but I don't want to throw any money into the heads & jugs right now. My plan is to eventually pickup 103ci ACR heads and jugs. I just want to get this engine running fairly reliable again.
Originally Posted by Rounders
As for oil cooler, not saying you need one, but the idea it changes looks is a bit of a chuckle.
Different stokes for different folks.
Originally Posted by Ohio HD
You know what else it sounds like, this was a 107" I rode for awhile, until a strange rattle and knock showed up. In this case it was the crank pin and rod bearings headed south.
If it is making noise, I think poor idea to ride. You risk bottom end.
You're probably right and I'm playing with fire. Rode 213 miles this past Tuesday on a lunch run with some friends.
I'm conflicted right now. I have a 3-day trip to the finger lakes region with five other friends next week. I'm the one that organized this trip and hotel rooms are already booked. I'm also the road captain for the trip, and plan the routes. I figure it will be about a 750 mile trip, 250 per day. I hate to cancel this and I'm not sure I'll be able to finish the work this weekend. I know I won't have the two cam chains I've ordered.
Originally Posted by Rounders
But I just don't want to wait for hours for tow truck.
Get a ow truck on a Sunday. Plus so many areas without cell coverage, even near big cities
I bored 96 to 103 went s&s mr103 cam and ,.40 head gasket instead of .30. Hoban brothers did not think I needed compression releases.
I did springs and guides on my heads. Only 3k miles. Starer clutch has about 20k on it with new battery. Seems ok. Maybe I'll have more info by the time you do yours
Another option is easy start cam, but you can do ACR. Hoban didn't like that but fuel moto did. I didn't like more moving parts, but probably fine.
Personally I think you should stop and go over everything a bike with that many miles has,and not rush .
Get a cheap whatever bike you always wanted to try. I realize it cost money. And myself don't plan on buying another bike this year either
I'm always interested in speaking with HD riders that have high mileage on their motorcycles. Especially ones that perform their own maintenance. Within my circle of friends and riding acquaintances, there really isn't anyone. Plus, I haven't really met anyone at the many rallies and events I visit. Just this season I happen to attend two BMW rallies. These BMW guys are known for their high mileage bikes. The BMW riders were shocked that I had so many miles on a HD. It must have been somewhat of a talking topic at the rally, since many BMW guys were coming up to me throughout the rally and asking me about it. And yes, I had the only HD bike there.
This past Memorial Day, I went to a run & picnic organized by a local MC. This MC has been in existence since 1937! They gave away a door prize to the person that has the highest mileage motorcycle. I dropped my information into the fish bowl. One of the club members accompanies me to verify the mileage. My guess is this dude was one of the high mileage riders in the club. He tells me that he would have bet that no one was going to have a higher mileage bike then him at the event. Well, I did and told him there is always someone bigger, faster, richer, etc....
Even on the HDForums, I haven't read many posts of people with high mileage HD motorcycles, excluding: @Clammy@scott7d@Dr. Tiki@rookie06
I'm sure I missed others.....
Last edited by LQQK_OUT; Sep 20, 2024 at 10:37 AM.
This past Memorial Day, I went to a run & picnic organized by a local MC. This MC has been in existence since 1937! They gave away a door prize to the person that has the highest mileage motorcycle. I dropped my information into the fish bowl. One of the club members accompanies me to verify the mileage. My guess is this dude was one of the high mileage riders in the club. He tells me that he would have bet that no one was going to have a higher mileage bike then him at the event. Well, I did and told him there is always someone bigger, faster, richer, etc....
Even on the HDForums, I haven't read many posts of people with high mileage HD motorcycles, excluding: @Clammy@scott7d@Dr. Tiki@rookie06
I'm sure I missed others.....
At 186,000 now on my 2020 and still running like a champ. I think Chris now has 210,000+ on his 2021.
Things have slowed down a bit, summer is around the corner and I'm just getting around to looking into this issue. I pulled the rocker boxes and rocker arm support plate. Also opened up the cam chest and pulled out the cam plate. Removed the two exhaust lifters. The roller on one of the exhaust lifters was sketchy. When I put a bit of pressure on it, it doesn't seem to smoothly roll.
I've attached a picture of the OEM hydraulic cam chain tensioners and the pinion shaft. The pinion shaft feels smooth, but also has wear marks. Is this OK? Remember, 240,000+ miles. This is the first time the cam chest has been opened up and the first time rocker boxes have been rmeoved.
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Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
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I would also add that if the lifters are OEM, replace them with a set from Larrys Motorcycle & Machine, AKA WFO Larry. A set of Rocker Lockers would also be a good and cheap investment. JMHO.
