Head Bolt Question
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 19
From: Evo-ville, Iowa
Head Bolt Question
Happy Friday fellas. Finally getting into some good riding weather here in Iowa!
Here's the question of the day - I have had my 93 heritage out a few times this winter when it was warm enough to tolerate to cure my pms (parked motorcycle syndrome). I always warmed it up well like evos need before riding it. Anyway, I noticed a little oil around the rear cylinder base and a little bubbling (odd because it had all new engine gaskets last summer). then I noticed a little oil seepage around the front cylinder where the head meets the cylinder. So...I checked the head bolts and as suspected, they were loosening up. Has anyone else come across this, and would it be ok to just re-torque them in the same pattern as when assembling the engine? What are my options? All four on the spark plug side were somewhat loose - as in moderately easy to turn with a wrench (maybe 10ft lbs).
Thanks
Here's the question of the day - I have had my 93 heritage out a few times this winter when it was warm enough to tolerate to cure my pms (parked motorcycle syndrome). I always warmed it up well like evos need before riding it. Anyway, I noticed a little oil around the rear cylinder base and a little bubbling (odd because it had all new engine gaskets last summer). then I noticed a little oil seepage around the front cylinder where the head meets the cylinder. So...I checked the head bolts and as suspected, they were loosening up. Has anyone else come across this, and would it be ok to just re-torque them in the same pattern as when assembling the engine? What are my options? All four on the spark plug side were somewhat loose - as in moderately easy to turn with a wrench (maybe 10ft lbs).
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,202
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
Were they properly installed when the motor was last apart? If they were, then, no, they don't come loose. If they were not properly done, you could try tightening them up. You'll need a 3D bent box wrench to get the inner ones without pulling rocker boxes, but it is theoretically possible.
Otherwise, there is a somewhat rare problem with the studs pulling out of the case. You'll have to tear it down and if the case is not cracked, helicoil or time-sert the case.
Otherwise, there is a somewhat rare problem with the studs pulling out of the case. You'll have to tear it down and if the case is not cracked, helicoil or time-sert the case.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,572
Likes: 34,902
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
Re-torquing the heads is a no-no.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
Were they properly installed when the motor was last apart? If they were, then, no, they don't come loose. If they were not properly done, you could try tightening them up. You'll need a 3D bent box wrench to get the inner ones without pulling rocker boxes, but it is theoretically possible.
Otherwise, there is a somewhat rare problem with the studs pulling out of the case. You'll have to tear it down and if the case is not cracked, helicoil or time-sert the case.
Otherwise, there is a somewhat rare problem with the studs pulling out of the case. You'll have to tear it down and if the case is not cracked, helicoil or time-sert the case.
This man speaks the truth BUT I once used a set of gaskets that came with a 1200 big bore kit for a 883 Sporty and the base gaskets were garbage, they compressed and the bolts lost torque.
Either way I would pull the top end off again.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
This is why I like to read this ****, gotta live, well I might as well learn, I feel bad for you man cuz that sucks! I wouldn't be to happy myself. Sounds like a project and a half.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,135
From: W. Texas
You will be better off in the long run to redo it.
I think I would be very tempted to re torque the heads as part of a tear down. See if things will torque to spec and feel solid when doing so.
If you have a stud that won't take the tightening you need to find out now rather than on the way back together. Do ck the cases for cracks at the studs. Tho rare as DR. Hess mentioned.
WP
I think I would be very tempted to re torque the heads as part of a tear down. See if things will torque to spec and feel solid when doing so.
If you have a stud that won't take the tightening you need to find out now rather than on the way back together. Do ck the cases for cracks at the studs. Tho rare as DR. Hess mentioned.
WP
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,706
Likes: 22,739
From: Farmington ,MS
Once upon a time, before modern gasket technology, (I showing my age here) whenever you installed head gaskets...you were suppose to run the motor through several heat cycles and then re-torque the heads...I even remember when the modern gaskets first came out...they said "no re-torque required" on the package.
If by chance you used cheap gaskets, you could be back in the dark ages...either way I would re-torque them...maybe even a couple of times...and see if they get to the point where they hold their torque before you tear it down...you have nothing to lose.
If by chance you used cheap gaskets, you could be back in the dark ages...either way I would re-torque them...maybe even a couple of times...and see if they get to the point where they hold their torque before you tear it down...you have nothing to lose.
