1984 FXR with EVO engine. I think the front head gasket is leaking a little bit. No issues elsewhere.
Going to tear it down and replace the gaskets. Some recommend Cometic and other people recommend Jims. Anyone have experience with and have recommendations? Also Ive heard I need to replace the cylinder bolts and gonna hit those also.
Looking for advice, thanks in advance

 

Either James or Cometic work great you just have to get the metal ones.
SLS (single layer steel) for the base and MLS (multi layer steel) for the head gasket.
The big difference between the two is where they rivet the layers together.
Just make sure you get the right size for your motor.

Why do you want to replace your cylinder bolts???

 

Thanks Texas,
Id been told by many that the cylinder studs stretch and it changes the torque values. I have an 84 evo and was told to definitely go to a new stud. Ive heard the later year models can be ok with flipping them over.

 

84's still have the shovelhead cylinder studs and as for stretching the studs Scott at Hillside told me that wasn't a problem.

I redid the top end on a friends E'85 (same studs) and we didn't replace his and it worked fine.

FWIW that was the 3'rd top end done to that bike that I know of and it has around 250k miles on that motor.

Sealed up tight with Cometic gaskets.

 

Actually, the OEM head gaskets work fine. If the heads and cyls get torqued down properly you shouldn't have a problem. As for the studs no need to replace them if they are in good condition. Just follow the specs in the service manual for that year engine.

 

james gaskets here, just did two bikes with them....complete kit is a good value too

 

Shovelheads didn't use through studs. The cylinders bolted to the case and the heads bolted to the cylinders.

 

You mean Harley only used that design for a year and a half???

 

84/E85 EVO's had a weird male/female stud that used shovelhead head bolts...the heads were different also, and if you change them to the later setup you have to drill out the holes in the heads.

I never reuse cylinder studs.

 

Just on the motor being discussed or others as well?

WP