Guys,
I have oil at the base and rocker box. It's not much but I was thinking about pulling the cylinders and putting in new gaskets. I'm at 34,000mi.

This is my first time digging into a Harley so I have some questions.

1. should I do the cam at the same time and what one would you use EV-27? Would you replace the cam bearing? I will replace the lifters but what ones should I use? I will have the top end off so would you stick with the stock push rods?

2. I will have the jugs off so should I put in different pistons or just hone them and put in new rings?

3. Should I buy a James Gasket top kit or are others better?

It's starting to get warm so I want to get moving on this and ride. I could just let it slide and ride but I'd like to try and not have a bike that leaks.

Thanks

 

I have a 1996 Heritage and used the EV27. It's great cam and really woke the bike up. I used Johnson Hylift lifters. I think they are as good or better than any other brand.

 

And yes, replace the inner cam bearing with aTorrington bearing.

 

Pulling the cyclinders on a big twin is easy. The hardest part is scraping the old gaskets off. Get a good gasket scraper and dont try to do it with a razor blade. Don't damage the aluminum. I pulled mine (on a 91 Heritage). I left the pistons in the cylinders and pulled the wrist pins. The hatching was still great in my cylinders so I didn't have to do anything with that. If you do it this way get new circlips for the wrist pins and do not, for any reason, reuse the old ones. Get an extra or two. Those clips have been known to go flying. Make sure to stuff clean rags down around the rods in the spigot holes in the case so no crap falls in there.

I used Genuine James gaskets. I was very happy with them. Soak your head bolts in a bowl of oil while things are torn down. To get the proper torque they need a little oil. As you probably know the head torque is critical. It's easy as pie but, critical.

My suggestion is that you go to an indie dealer to order your gasket set. That way they can help you order exactly what you need for your bike. I would tend to avoid ordering that on ebay.

Once you get the cylinders reassmebled turn the engine over a little with the plugs out to get some oil on the top end. Also, before you reinstall the cyliners/pistons wipe a very thin coating of motor oil on the cylinder walls. I just put a little on my fingers and do it. When you motor the engine over you'll feel how much air comes out of those spark plugs holes. The big twin is a big air compressor.

Make sure to lay out your push rod tubes in the order that they came out. I cut some holes in a cardboard box to store them in. If you're installing new cams this is the time to do it while the push rod tubes are out of the bike. Don't reuse any o-rings (common sense). While you have the cylinders out make sure to inspect the oil passages before you reinstall to be sure no gasket material got in there.

Since I have done this job before I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It's quite simple. Just take your time. In my view, if your cylinders, heads, studs and misc. parts are good then the hardest part is scraping the old gaskets off without gouging the surfaces. I took a few hours doing this. Also, gasket remover doesn't work. These things are burned in place. So patience, a sharpe scraper and beer are needed. I did mine in two 8 hour days. It was actually pretty fun.

 

and i would use Cometic gaskets as james is just a better than stock paper set - jz

 

See above.

 

The EV27 is probably the most popular cam in here and you already have the Torrington bearing IIRC, but a replacement to go with your new cam is a good idea. If you ride a lot 2-up an EV13 is an alternative, which is what I would have used had I known better when I changed cam on my 1990 way back.

 

I just got to the cam today as I was taking it apart. I have a EV-27 in her and I had already ordered the EV-13. This is my first Harley. I was told it was stock. I thought that was why it was so slow!

Oh well. I now have a chance to hone the cylinders and try to stop my oil leaks. So far it has been a fun project.

Thanks for the input. I ordered the lifters and gaskets on your recommendations.