s.e. 103 stage 2 upgrade problems
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: N.E. Arkansas
s.e. 103 stage 2 upgrade problems
i bought an '03 ultra with the 103 big bore kit already installed with the 211 cams. mods were done at 25k,i got it at 35k, and it now has 42k. i recently installed rinehart 4" true duals and after 500 or so miles i now have a noise shortly after startup but seems to go away quickly. when i had the primary seal replaced (bad oil leak), the mechanic told me i had piston slap and it need to be tore into to investigate. I'm leary on taking it on a trip for fear of a breakdown.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: N.E. Arkansas
another guy had his '06 ultra done at the same time mine was done. at 15k, he lost his crank bearing and has to have a total rebuild ($4k 3mo). could piston slap be an indication of the crank bearing going bad?
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
From: SE. Michigan
Well you put 7000 miles on, But do you know how hard it was run for the first 10,000 ? There are a lot of things that can be the cause piston slap, have the wrench look inside the plug hole with a bore cam and check the cyl. walls for scoring. Are you using oil ? Have him do a leak down check too. Piston slap, if that is your noise, has nothing to do with the crank support bearings, or mite you talking about the connecting rod crank pin bearings ? Ether way, Yes get it checked to find why and what the cause is for this new noise. A good tech will not have to dissass. the hole eng. to find the reason for the noise, but if it lets loose while on the xpress way it can get really $$$
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
Does the motor have forged pistons? Forged pistons are set up a little looser than cast pistons because they expand more when hot. If it's just a little piston slap until it warms up it's not a big deal and has nothing to do with your lower end.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Since 2003 stock motor displaced 88 cubic inches, a standard big bore kit would give you a 95" motor ....
If it is really 103" it means either (i) the stock crank was replaced with a stroker crank, or (ii) it is an oversquare motor and the spigots were bored out to accept bigger cylinders ... the latter is unlikely because 103 is not a common oversquare size ....
That said ... I think a few of the other posters have put up some good advice ....
42k is not a lot of miles for a twin cam ... should be good for 150k-200k or more with proper 'care and feeding' ....
It occurs to me that the biggest contributors to piston slap would be poor fitment of the pistons to the cylinders/poor installation of pistons/rings and/or not broken in properly ....
Seems neither of these causes would take 17k miles to manifest themselves ....
* * *
On a separate note ... have you had a look at the cam chain tensioner shoes ...? Might want to open up the cam chest cover and have a look ....
R/
'Chop
If it is really 103" it means either (i) the stock crank was replaced with a stroker crank, or (ii) it is an oversquare motor and the spigots were bored out to accept bigger cylinders ... the latter is unlikely because 103 is not a common oversquare size ....
That said ... I think a few of the other posters have put up some good advice ....
42k is not a lot of miles for a twin cam ... should be good for 150k-200k or more with proper 'care and feeding' ....
It occurs to me that the biggest contributors to piston slap would be poor fitment of the pistons to the cylinders/poor installation of pistons/rings and/or not broken in properly ....
Seems neither of these causes would take 17k miles to manifest themselves ....
* * *
On a separate note ... have you had a look at the cam chain tensioner shoes ...? Might want to open up the cam chest cover and have a look ....
R/
'Chop
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: N.E. Arkansas
thanks for all the info. i know it has the larger crank, but as for the pistons i have no info on. the mechanic i go to helped them pick out the parts but didn't do the work so he has some history with it. can i replace the stroker crank without replacing crankcase? will i also have to replace the 211 se cams if i do so? I know i dont want something that only lasts 15-20k miles.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 103
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From: N.E. Arkansas
im strongly considering downsizing to a straight 95. i still think i can get some good hp and tq numbers with a good programmer.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
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You need to quit worrying and learn a lot more about your bike and Harleys in general before changing anything. Harleys always have noises. As I said before, forged pistons can make a little racket until they warm up. It could very well just be a lifter needing to pump up. Change your wheels back to 4" if you want. You'll spend a ton of money to downgrade your bikes performance. It would be way cheaper to upgrade to 107 if the piston's clearance is too much. I really doubt that's your problem. I mean no offense man, but you need to understand your bike and what you have before changing anything.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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That would be our thoughts here as well.
Scott