Base Gaskets - Replacing: '97 WG
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 705
From: DFW
Base Gaskets - Replacing: '97 WG
How difficult a job is this for a novice? I've never done this before. I did just finish up installing a new 3-phase charging system and chrome inner primary and changed out gaskets and seals. I did buy Cometic's EST Motor Only gasket kit. Approximately 50K miles on the motor. Had SE heads and jugs diamond cut about four years ago, but have not ridden much over that time. Not sure what gaskets were used at the time. Had oil bubbling at the front cylinder and leaking at the rear cylinder.
What special tools would be needed (I have in/lbs & ft/lbs torque wrenches)?
Anything else that should be replaced the engine is apart (I have adjustable pushrods)?
Items to be aware of when R&R?
What special tools would be needed (I have in/lbs & ft/lbs torque wrenches)?
Anything else that should be replaced the engine is apart (I have adjustable pushrods)?
Items to be aware of when R&R?
Last edited by GREENOHAWK69; Jul 10, 2013 at 09:08 PM. Reason: add info
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
It's not that big of a job. Consider new rings and a hone of the cylinders. Some get by without doing that. Some leave the pistons in the jugs and push the wrist pin out to remove, then you don't have to worry about the rings. How many miles on the motor?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
Remove the tank, exhaust top motor mount and stuff. If you try and contort around it just ain't fun. I bought a $0.49 hose clamp and took not too much care in trying not to scratch the rings. I didn't see how you could scratch em without being brutally negligent.
Nobody I know has used the Hayden Oil Fix but lotsa peeps on this board swear by em.
Nobody I know has used the Hayden Oil Fix but lotsa peeps on this board swear by em.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
How difficult a job is this for a novice? I've never done this before. I did just finish up installing a new 3-phase charging system and chrome inner primary and changed out gaskets and seals. I did buy Cometic's EST Motor Only gasket kit. Approximately 50K miles on the motor. Had SE heads and jugs diamond cut about four years ago, but have not ridden much over that time. Not sure what gaskets were used at the time. Had oil bubbling at the front cylinder and leaking at the rear cylinder.
What special tools would be needed (I have in/lbs & ft/lbs torque wrenches)?
Anything else that should be replaced the engine is apart (I have adjustable pushrods)?
Items to be aware of when R&R?
What special tools would be needed (I have in/lbs & ft/lbs torque wrenches)?
Anything else that should be replaced the engine is apart (I have adjustable pushrods)?
Items to be aware of when R&R?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
At 50K I would hone and re-ring but if its got good compression and isn't leaking then don't bother if money is tight.
Don't believe people who tell you that the rings won't re-seat if you pull the jugs.....it simply isn't true.
However you must hone if you re-ring and I would only hone with torque plates attached.
Don't believe people who tell you that the rings won't re-seat if you pull the jugs.....it simply isn't true.
However you must hone if you re-ring and I would only hone with torque plates attached.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
If you have removed and refitted the entire primary I reckon you can do the heads and cylinders!
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
Make certain that you take the time and effort to remove all of the old gasket material that will be stuck to the bottom of the cylinders.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 159
Likes: 3
From: Upper Bucks County, PA
I just did mine about 3 weeks ago. First time ever in the motor for me. Didn't seem to be that big of a job when I was finished but I almost worried my self into taking it to the shop. However I did take the heads in to get looked at which ended up being a good thing had 2 week springs and 2 valves that wouldn't re seat. All back together and running GREAT!!! I wouldn't say I am now a HD mechanic but I can say I probably saved myself about 800-1000$$$. 300$ for head job and 100$ for top gasket set plus 6.95 for high heat satin black paint 😬
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
I just did mine about 3 weeks ago. First time ever in the motor for me. Didn't seem to be that big of a job when I was finished but I almost worried my self into taking it to the shop. However I did take the heads in to get looked at which ended up being a good thing had 2 week springs and 2 valves that wouldn't re seat. All back together and running GREAT!!! I wouldn't say I am now a HD mechanic but I can say I probably saved myself about 800-1000$$$. 300$ for head job and 100$ for top gasket set plus 6.95 for high heat satin black paint ��