99 TC88 stock head change-jug gaskets too?
99 TC88 stock head change-jug gaskets too?
Digging into my 99 Ultra with TC88, with 60K miles. Dropping in a fresh set of cams, bearings, cam plate and changing out the heads. What I am asking is, can I get away with just pulling the heads and not disturbing the cylinders? Not looking to do inch upgrade or anything like that. (unless I find cylinder wall damamge while heads are off) I just want to drop on a set of fresh stock low millage heads and go from there. Thanks for any input.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,773
Likes: 2,603
From: san antonio
JMHO but with 60K miles, I would spend the $300 for a bore job and pistons to go to 95"; cheapest TQ/HP you can buy and an extra hour of work.
Having said that, if you can manage the remove the heads without disturbing the cylinder to case seal, i.e., movement, get some 1/2" PVC couplings and use the short head bolts to secure the cylinder and maintain the seal until you are ready to install the heads. It' just too easy to unintentionally bump the cylinders with an elbow or something else. If you break the seal between the cylinder and the case, you may have some seepage there in the future.
BTW, use a .030" Cometic MLS head gasket when you do put her back together and upgrade those inner cam bearings.
Having said that, if you can manage the remove the heads without disturbing the cylinder to case seal, i.e., movement, get some 1/2" PVC couplings and use the short head bolts to secure the cylinder and maintain the seal until you are ready to install the heads. It' just too easy to unintentionally bump the cylinders with an elbow or something else. If you break the seal between the cylinder and the case, you may have some seepage there in the future.
BTW, use a .030" Cometic MLS head gasket when you do put her back together and upgrade those inner cam bearings.
Last edited by djl; Apr 11, 2012 at 01:17 PM.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, FL
Short answer is yes, you can do that. However it is recommended because of the torque put on the cylinder studs, that they be replaced when you have removed the stud bolts. There is a way to replace the studs without lifting the cyclinders past the oil rings, but it is a pita.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
In my modest experience of stripping engines constructed like ours you will be lucky to lift each head and leave the cylinder behind. For the small cost of the extra gaskets it would be wise to assume you will have to do that. I also agree that for the loose change in your jeans it is worth going with larger bore pistons!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
A wise choice! There are several options on larger bores, including a couple of the HDF sponsors. You could take a look at what they can offer.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 2
From: Pa
Hillsidecycle.com, Scott will treat you right and they're not that far from you (Ithica, Ny area). Ask him about tuning because your bike being an ultra, I think you have the old MM fuel injection instead of a carb. Not sure how well that injection can be adapted to larger bores.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
Do a mild build, and you won't hurt your mileage numbers (as long as you keep your wrist out of it! 
)
Talk with Scott (Hillside Cycle) - he can set you up with exactly what you need. He was great to work with, answered all of my questions and was extremely patient with all my calls, and in the end did me very right with my upgrades!
Also consider saving a couple of extra bucks for some mild headwork while you have them off... good cheap improvement and will maximize what you have. You'd be amazed at how poorly the castings are on stock heads, and they clean up very nicely with just a street port.
Keep your head down, get back safely, and thank you for your service!
Roger
)Talk with Scott (Hillside Cycle) - he can set you up with exactly what you need. He was great to work with, answered all of my questions and was extremely patient with all my calls, and in the end did me very right with my upgrades!
Also consider saving a couple of extra bucks for some mild headwork while you have them off... good cheap improvement and will maximize what you have. You'd be amazed at how poorly the castings are on stock heads, and they clean up very nicely with just a street port.
Keep your head down, get back safely, and thank you for your service!
Roger