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I’ve not seen this before.. I assume this helps hold the stator connector in place? Can I see where / how it’s attached at the top?
Here ya go:
Originally Posted by Architect
I am glad you are going to file the fins, ruins the look when guys leave them black, That said, I do not envy you for having to do it. Carry on.
Yeah, it was tough, almost two hours of sitting in the garage with the doors open, listening to music. I may have gotten a blister from the file though.
The edges of the fins were not as smooth as I expected. Maybe these cylinders came off a silver motor, that someone sprayed black.
After my lunch break, I'm going to put the pistons and cylinders on.
So, I know the answer…. And I know the replies that will follow… and I realize our tractor / plumber flange motors are not that high tech and critical……
But, How do you torque the cases doing that? And if you torque everything and let it settle after assembly and then lose the one bolt to add that… How do you trust it didn’t upset the pressure of it all torqued in sequence? …. I know I know the replies… but?
Think If I did that I’d use a longer bolt and have this end double nutted… torque the first put the coat hanger on.. tighten the second.
‘’Builds looking great, your work is looking good, don’t mean to criticize, but thought I’d ask.
Last edited by Rains2much; Feb 11, 2026 at 01:29 PM.
So, I know the answer…. And I know the replies that will follow… and I realize our tractor / plumber flange motors are not that high tech and critical……
But, How do you torque the cases doing that? And if you torque everything and let it settle after assembly and then lose the one bolt to add that… How do you trust it didn’t upset the pressure of it all torqued in sequence? …. I know I know the replies… but?
-contrary to what you believe- harleys arent space shuttles- or medical equipment- its fine- you just torque it to 15ftlbs and its good. Ive done it more times than i can count.
-contrary to what you believe- harleys arent space shuttles- or medical equipment- its fine- you just torque it to 15ftlbs and its good. Ive done it more times than i can count.
I’m sure you’re right….. I mean a torque wrench with shovel cylinders & head bolts was kinda a joke..
But in my **** Schleprock mind, everytime I’m over 6,000 rpm my mind would be distracted wondering about that one case bolt…… As I get older and chassis that were meant for 75 mph start to see 140, More crosses my mind in those moments.
Last edited by Rains2much; Feb 11, 2026 at 01:53 PM.
To be honest @Rains2much, I never thought about it, I had the shop put the bottom end together. But I'm going to say just torque it like normal, and the clip won't affect the torque. And thanks, I'm having fun.
The pistons are on the rods, and ready for the cylinders. Years ago I could install cylinders with my fingers, but maybe EVO cylinders don't have the same taper as shovelheads. So I ordered a ring compressor, after looking at two local stores. I checked the ring gap in the cylinders, and oiled everything up real well. I was having so much fun I didn't take any pictures except this one.
I'm looking forward to finishing the top end. I'm not looking forward to doing the fins on the heads, lol.
The fin filing will be worth it when fully assembled. Then at the next event you can look down your nose at the bike next to yours with all black fins, you will have earned it.
It's been a while, but I got a bit done. The ring compressor came in so I installed the cylinders:
I cleaned and painted the heads, and wiped a couple of hard to get fin areas with paint thinner to make it easier later.
After the paint cured I did the filing and sanding of the fins. These took half the time as the cylinders. The bolt and spark plug counterbores were cleaned up with a wire drill attachment.
I wire wheeled and cleared the head bolts, then oiled up the threads and under the heads. The James gasket kit has MLS head gaskets, so I followed their torque sequence, not the Harley service manual.
I started cleaning grime off the rocker boxes, then quit for dinner. I have a question about the pushrods I'll ask in a separate thread.
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