I plan to start with one of those cameras you can feed into small places to check the cylinders. If there is any sign of rust, I'll soak it with penetrating oil for a few days. I'll pop off the derby cover and see what's there too. Certainly will drain and replace all the fluids. The oil tank is empty, and I don't think EVOs sump like shovels and pans? So they probably drained that and the gas tank too. Pulling the nose cone is a good idea, I'll definitely do that next. I have to cut the drag pipes to install mufflers, so they are coming off anyway. It's only a few bolts and a gasket after that. The front brake drags, so I have to flush the lines and address that, too. Handlebars are loose, as is one rear turn signal. It needs a battery so I can't check the electricals until I get one of those, but he said it was a good running bike before the storm.

 

Evo engines with the oil tank higher than the oil pump do sump when the bike sits, so don't top off the oil tank until you have started the bike and let it run for a while. Then, you can change the oil if you want.

 

OK, thanks @Tommy C All the more reason to pull the nose cone and let whatever is in there out. I'll have a big catch basin ready.

 

@Rains2much your PM inbox is full. I haven't forgotten about you. This is the first year I have the house on my own, and have been moving things around to make it mine. I'll be turning my attention to the springer soon and will remove the spoiler for you. I can ride up to your place next week, if you are home during the day. Will that work for you? Joe

 

Emptied my boxes . I’m in/out a lot with different appointments but when you know a day I can make sure I’m home. I work from home but meet clients regularly.

 

Well I rolled the dice, and they came up snake-eyes

Front Piston


Rear Piston


Only the rear intake valve is open, I can spin the other three pushrods.

I haven't removed the cam cover yet, going to remove the heads to relieve pressure on the cam.

If the lower end is filled with oil and water, I'm considering a complete motor, maybe something bigger. If it's clean, a top end job will get me on the road.

More to come!

 

beautiful on the outside though! makes me miss my old springer. Being retired you will have plenty of time to rebuild it though! good luck and have fun.

 

Yep the motor needs rebuilt. I have my doubts about the tranny too, you’ll need to pull the oil tank and transmission top cover. I would defiantly soak soak soak the inside of the frame with penetrating oil. I’d keep it soaked a good weak and let it run out of every crack nook or opening. It’s worth it though. Great bike.

 

Being an 89 the cases and head bolts may give you trouble. Google that. Maybe tare down and see if you get lucky. The fastest cheapest way is to get on market place and just buy a low mile evo. They can be had for $500-$1200. I’d look for a 1995+ for the better cases. Then I’d get it running and later do maybe a EV27 or EV46, new cam barring and just enjoy it. Rebuilding the original is cooler, but it’s a 50/50 on if you get the jugs off and don’t have stud issues.

If you have to do the primary with new parts.. look for 98-2003 compensator, chain, clutch hub. You’ll need a 98 starter, but the improvement is worth every penny.

The days of stroking an EVO are kinda over.. they run well and are cool but the cost to build one is the same as buying an unassembled big all new motor. Frankly with Ultima going under as of March 31st this year.. I don’t know what to say really.. not sure replacement parts will be available and now, no warranty. I frankly see S&S as not near as good quality as the Ultima… too many cracked heads with S&S.. too many issues with rods. The Ultima stuff was flat better.. and cheaper. I’d probably just do pistons and cam and call it a day in your shoes.

 

Thanks, @Rains2much If I could find a running late model EVO for that kind of money I'd be all over it. I'm going to need a complete drive train

I was encouraged that the ignition trigger connector was clean as a whistle:



I removed the rear rocker box to relieve pressure, and the pushrods were cruddy where they went into the lifters, so not good. When I loosened the cam cover, this is what came out. I tasted it and it has a salty aftertaste.



Water definitely got into the lower end at least up to the pinion, so I'm thinking the crank bearings are shot. Strike two!




On to the transmission. I didn't even have to drain it. Strike three! I'm out!




A local shop owner advised me not to throw any more money into it. He said I will be chasing problems forever. Since he thinks in shop hours, I'm sure that's good advise if I was going to flip the bike. But since I'm retired, and working on bikes is cheaper than drinking and women, I'm going to keep it.

So the search is on for a cheap, running, EVO softail!

Here's where I am now. It's a cool looking bike, and I am drawn to it.