Shovelhead style oil drain
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2008
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Shovelhead style oil drain
Has anyone tried drilling the evo cyl to convert the oil drain to shovel style and plug the outlet oil drain hole in the cyl base flange? to stop that pesky base gasket leak once and for all.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: indiana
do you mean drilling a hole in the cylinder just below the oil ring at BDC
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
No, no one has tried that. Go for it. Or, better yet, just put a good quality base gasket on and you probably won't ever have to worry about it again. There is also an insert to go in the oil hole called The Fix or something like that people use with good results.
Dirt don't hurt
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From: Haslet Texas
I would go with a Cometic base gasket myself.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Upstate New York
My bike leaked at the rear cylinder base when it was a couple of years old. After being reassembled with later style gaskets, it hasn't leaked there in 18 years, so it's a nonexistent problem for me.
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Yeah, right through the cyl at bdc. that way the oil never touches the gasket . I've had my shovel 30 years and never had a base gasket leak. I realize that the cast iron cyl are more stable. It just seems that it would alleviate the problematic EVO leak, apparently the MOCO addressed this on the TC with "O" rings. I plan on keeping this bagger for a long time, 56,000 miles on her now. I had the base gaskets done in early spring due to a seep. Was told everything looked good I went down and looked at the cyl and and heads myself and everything looked good. the shop used James head and base gasket. 90 day warranty. so this time I'll do them myself.
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From: NW AR
You might try that Hayden Oil Fix then, if you're having problems. Also, check the bottom of the cylinders for flatness, and try the Cometic gaskets. Keep in mind that the cylinders do not bolt to the case, like on a shovelhead. They "float" between the head and the case. And "most of us" recommend letting the bike warm up until the rocker boxes are a bit hot to touch.
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Bringing the oil ways into the cylinder on the Evo was an upgrade designed to counter the fact that Shovels tend to leak at the oil drain line fittings so bringing them back outside is akin to fitting points, yeah, its cheaper to repair but will it do the job?
So its unlikely to be a good thing to undo what the manufacturer did.
Even TC's can leak, I have seen them leaking oil from every gasket if neglected and high-mileage.
So its unlikely to be a good thing to undo what the manufacturer did.
Even TC's can leak, I have seen them leaking oil from every gasket if neglected and high-mileage.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 913
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From: indiana
Bringing the oil ways into the cylinder on the Evo was an upgrade designed to counter the fact that Shovels tend to leak at the oil drain line fittings so bringing them back outside is akin to fitting points, yeah, its cheaper to repair but will it do the job?
So its unlikely to be a good thing to undo what the manufacturer did.
Even TC's can leak, I have seen them leaking oil from every gasket if neglected and high-mileage.
So its unlikely to be a good thing to undo what the manufacturer did.
Even TC's can leak, I have seen them leaking oil from every gasket if neglected and high-mileage.
are you serious or are you messing with him