hay guys new here...bin riding for a while but just bought my first harley...89 ultra classic..it hasnt been running for a while so the idle circuit was plugged got that fixed.popped a new set of plugs in it but looking at the rear head the threads dont look that hot..was wondering if any one has successfully put a heli coil in with out removing the head...was thinking of putting grease around the tap to catch the steel bits...have a bore scope to check cylinders and piston...any thoughts??? thanks sj

 

When you check with borescope, you will see a ton of shavings. Take off the head...

 

Plenty have done it that way; then blow out chamber with air. I wouldn't but I am ****; I would remove the head and use a Timesert in lieu of a helicoil.

 

dont use a heli coil for spark plug holes,it`ll just mess up again.we use one peice steel inserts,never had a failure

 

thanks guys.one more question..the head has been shaved and has adjustable push rods with a screaming eagle ign box...i'm thinking it has a cam in itbut not shure..if i put a dile indicator on the lifter and measure the lift from the base circle can i get a good idea what or if it has a cam or what from stock?? sj

 

You may be able to see that a performance cam is in there, but doubt you know "what" cam.
BTW, pull the head when attending to that spark plug hole thread repair.
Scott