time to rebuild?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
time to rebuild?
What are the signs of when its time to take out the engine and rebuild? My bike is a '92 sportster1200 and I'm getting that feeling from the engine that it might be time to do some dirty work. OVerall it still runs fine, but I use it everyday to get to and from class here aroung gainesville, Fl and I feel like it isnt responding like it used to. I replaced the spark plugs last month(yes I checked the gap) and that helped a lot on it running better. Neither plugs had sign of oil on them, but the back plug did look a little white from getting a little too hot possibly. I have a few oil leaks, one is a few drips from the overflow tube after shutting down the bike, another is a little bit of oil that gathers at the freeze plug? the plug at the bottom of the two cylinders right above the bottom end, and there also seems to be some oil build up where the rear cylinder joins onto the block. I am thinking this summer after my spring semester taking out the engine and having the top end rebuilt, cylinders honed and maybe even refinishing the outside of the engine pending costs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,737
Likes: 17,577
From: Driftless Area
Performance has a way of sneaking away on ya, little by little. New rings at least, and pistons if you bore up to .010". Mind your ring gaps.
As long as you're in there, check the rods for side-to-side play. For wear, check cams, bearings, lifters, guides, and valves and seats. The leaks will go away with new gaskets that you will need anyway.
When it's done, you'll think you got a new bike.
As long as you're in there, check the rods for side-to-side play. For wear, check cams, bearings, lifters, guides, and valves and seats. The leaks will go away with new gaskets that you will need anyway.
When it's done, you'll think you got a new bike.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 2
yeah I get a lot of residue build up around the carb also. does it need adjusting or a rebuild? Im thinking while I have the engine out if I have the cash at the time mine as well rebuild/check everything out in the motor. For all I know its the original motor on an 18 yr old bike, and for the 5 years I've had it Ive ridden the hell out of it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
Performance is probably the same you lose sight of it riding the bike a lot.Sounds to me like you have a lot of life left in your motor.when it starts to stumble taking off even after tune up,or blowing the blues,finally,using oil more than normal,then it will be time for compression tests,leak down test.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 805
Likes: 6
From: Burb of Chicago
A leak down test will give you the answer your looking for.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 5
yeah I get a lot of residue build up around the carb also. does it need adjusting or a rebuild? Im thinking while I have the engine out if I have the cash at the time mine as well rebuild/check everything out in the motor. For all I know its the original motor on an 18 yr old bike, and for the 5 years I've had it Ive ridden the hell out of it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
If your rear spark plug is white, you are running too lean. You need to adjust the air/fuel mixture, and may even need to re-jet your carb. Like the others said, a leak down test will let you know.