Engine life question
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Stage II
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2
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Engine life question
Hey all,
I'm looking at purchasing a 1992 Fatboy with the original engine. How many miles is this engine good for normally? I can't find anything online that talks about it (which I see as a good thing.)
Thanks.
I'm looking at purchasing a 1992 Fatboy with the original engine. How many miles is this engine good for normally? I can't find anything online that talks about it (which I see as a good thing.)
Thanks.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
That evo is a really good engine. Many have gone to 100 or 200 thousand miles.
On the other hand they have a couple of weak links that I know of.
They can leak at the base of the cylinders where the cylinders meet the block. They have gaskets that can quit on you. Run the engine until good and worm and look all around for that. I had a set replaced and it was about $400. The newer gaskets might be better.
They can lose the inner cam bearing. I'm big on replacing the cam, lifters, cam bearing (with a Torrington brand) and the push rods. Total cost for an Andrews EV27 cam and other parts and labor maybe $600.
Those things on the other hand might never give you a problem.
You also want to look for leaks at the fork seals.
If the tires are more than 5 or 6 years old I'd replace them no matter how good they look on the outside.
I'd buy the bike with all of those issues, I'd just pay accordingly.
All said, that's a good bike if not too many miles and well cared for, imho.
On the other hand they have a couple of weak links that I know of.
They can leak at the base of the cylinders where the cylinders meet the block. They have gaskets that can quit on you. Run the engine until good and worm and look all around for that. I had a set replaced and it was about $400. The newer gaskets might be better.
They can lose the inner cam bearing. I'm big on replacing the cam, lifters, cam bearing (with a Torrington brand) and the push rods. Total cost for an Andrews EV27 cam and other parts and labor maybe $600.
Those things on the other hand might never give you a problem.
You also want to look for leaks at the fork seals.
If the tires are more than 5 or 6 years old I'd replace them no matter how good they look on the outside.
I'd buy the bike with all of those issues, I'd just pay accordingly.
All said, that's a good bike if not too many miles and well cared for, imho.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
Another thought. If it gets too spendy, be aware that you can buy one ten years newer with fairly low miles for under $12k if you look around. At that price it should have some nice extras with it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
Just for informational purposes, mine has 146k , is as strong as when new, compression is close to new, . No smoke or oil leaks. If you buy it, just remember to change the oil and filter religously at the recommended interval. Oil brand is not as important as frequency of change. I use Castrol GTX 20w50 CAR oil. Works great and is cheap.
Good luck
Bubba
Good luck
Bubba
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
With good maintenance and service, good for a buck and a half or more.
As JBake posted, base gaskets were weak, OEM. But I have to believe, if this thing has any miles on it at all, they've prob'ly been replaced already, but check it out with owner, if possible.
If it has not had an mods or upgrades, and you decide to upgrade the cam, then make sure you do the cam bearing as he stated.
I've never been a Fatboy fan, solid wheels do nothing for me. But that is me.
A lot of things you can do to an EVO. The aftermarket is chocked full. And with just a little effort, you can do quite a bit yourself. IF you are going to farm it all out tho, maybe look for a little newer, IMFUO.
If low miles, and decent price, go for it.
As JBake posted, base gaskets were weak, OEM. But I have to believe, if this thing has any miles on it at all, they've prob'ly been replaced already, but check it out with owner, if possible.
If it has not had an mods or upgrades, and you decide to upgrade the cam, then make sure you do the cam bearing as he stated.
I've never been a Fatboy fan, solid wheels do nothing for me. But that is me.
A lot of things you can do to an EVO. The aftermarket is chocked full. And with just a little effort, you can do quite a bit yourself. IF you are going to farm it all out tho, maybe look for a little newer, IMFUO.
If low miles, and decent price, go for it.
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