I picked up a 89' FLHTC w/32k on it. I like the bike but I'm starting to think about what to work on this winter. I have a leak at the top and bottom of the forward cylinder. It's not bad at all but I'm thinking about trying to replace gaskets on it. My question is should I do a cam at the same time or just ride the bike and let it leak some. What are your thoughts on where to start doing mods on a stock 89' EVO?

Thanks.

 

Congrats on the new bike and welcome to the forum!

I'd ride it the rest of the season and then decide on what engine mods you'd like to perform during winter. This forum is a terrific source of information. Just plug in a key word in the search function and you'll find a lot of information. There are dozens of threads discussing "cams" alone.

 

A complete tear down of the bike is in order. Totally restore on way up. That should fix any leaks and get you lot's of attention when ridden. There is a place in Vegas, Kounts Kustoms. They are reputable and can feature your ride on their show allowing you to keep an eye on their progress.

 

This bike does not need to be restored, it's in great shape. My only issue is an oil seep at the top and base of the forward cyl. It's not dripping. Do you live with it or pull and replace gaskets? If you do pull it is this the time to put in a cam too?
Thanks.

 

Well with the front cylinder off and the push rods out, your half way to the cam. So, if you want a new cam, go for it. May as well change the lifters also. A question to the forum, did the 89 evo have a stock Torrington inner cam bearing? If not, change that to a Torrington as well.

All that being said, I'd live with the seep for awhile. It certainly will do no damage to the engine.

 

Kounts Kustoms? Great show, but taking your $5000 bike for a $35,000 makeover is a little much, don't you think?

 

Congrats! I can relate to that - got my FLHTC 6 yrs ago with 45K! It is a great bike indeed, but there are many small places requiring attention.
First fix your leak, of course, not only new gaskets, but the new studs - they are redesigned to eliminate leaks. Obviously do it on both cylinders.
While you are on that, measure the cylinders to see if they should be rebored (unlikely with this mileage, but if the bike was overheated - better be safe). Then rehone with new rings - doesn't cost much.
Check the valves and valve guides/seats, again just to be sure.
Check if your heads were shaved and/or ported (as well as if the pistons are aftermarket high compression) - this may determine what cam you will want, should you decide to change it.
Also with the motor stripped, check the front rubber mount, and the back bushings (wheel and shocks off).
Wash and soak the carb in acetone (rubber pieces off of course).
Other than that - just electrical connections - it's a biatch on this bike, coz there are so many of them!

 

If it was mine I would ride it unless it gets to leaking really bad. Use only dino oil, no synthetic as that will make it leak worse. With that low of mileage it is just broken in, so if you do the gasket change I would leave the pistons in the cylinders and just pull the wristpins. That way you can leave the rings and cylinders alone. Your EVO has the good cam bearing so you do not have to worry about that. I would probably change the lifters out to the later "B" lifters pretty soon though as those old ones were known for going bad. As far as a cam change that is up to you. I am still running my stock cam and it has plenty of power for me and my valve train is very quiet. Just my 2 cents.

 

 

If it is only seeping just ride it and worry about it during the winter.

Hell mine seeps in a couple of places.
I won't worry about it till the seeping turns to leaking.