WInter Project
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 32
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WInter Project
As some of you know I havea 77 ironhead and I just got her running well. I actually got a little hisotry on it but I'll save that for another post. Needless to say the bike has not been running for a few years say 20 or so. Now that its running and the eather is fantastic Im driving it almost every day, if not more...
The bike is now transmission fluid and hte valves are chattering pretty bad. (In my opinion)
Here ismy question: I want torebuild the motor this winter. I want to do it myslef. Is this too much of a task?
My concern is the 4 cams and getting them set right, other thanthat I think that me andmy buddy can get it figured out.
Is this me just being too nieve?
Please lt me know if I'd be better off taking it to a mechanic.
Thanks!
The bike is now transmission fluid and hte valves are chattering pretty bad. (In my opinion)
Here ismy question: I want torebuild the motor this winter. I want to do it myslef. Is this too much of a task?
My concern is the 4 cams and getting them set right, other thanthat I think that me andmy buddy can get it figured out.
Is this me just being too nieve?
Please lt me know if I'd be better off taking it to a mechanic.
Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 17
From: Houston Texas
RE: WInter Project
I want torebuild the motor this winter. I want to do it myslef. Is this too much of a task?
My concern is the 4 cams and getting them set right, other thanthat I think that me andmy buddy can get it figured out.
It can be done at home for the most part. Keep in mind that you do not have a machine shop at home (or do you?) and that will mean some things must be done by a shop.
What comes to mind is installing new rod bearings and truing the flywheel assembly. Boring the cylinders. Refacing the valve seats.
These things take equipment (and being compedent to run this equipment) most people do not have at home.
The rest of the building you can do with no problem. The camshaft alignment you will find to be child's play.
If you tear your transmission apart and have to reshim it yourself, then you will find that a bit of a chore.
There are a few special tools that are needed to get the bottom end apart. A parts washer is nice to have, but a wash tub and 5 gals of solvent will do the job of keeping things clean also.
The most important special tool you are going to need? A factory service manual.
Good luck with the project and remember.... the forum is here to answer any questions that come up along the way...........pg
My concern is the 4 cams and getting them set right, other thanthat I think that me andmy buddy can get it figured out.
It can be done at home for the most part. Keep in mind that you do not have a machine shop at home (or do you?) and that will mean some things must be done by a shop.
What comes to mind is installing new rod bearings and truing the flywheel assembly. Boring the cylinders. Refacing the valve seats.
These things take equipment (and being compedent to run this equipment) most people do not have at home.
The rest of the building you can do with no problem. The camshaft alignment you will find to be child's play.
If you tear your transmission apart and have to reshim it yourself, then you will find that a bit of a chore.
There are a few special tools that are needed to get the bottom end apart. A parts washer is nice to have, but a wash tub and 5 gals of solvent will do the job of keeping things clean also.
The most important special tool you are going to need? A factory service manual.
Good luck with the project and remember.... the forum is here to answer any questions that come up along the way...........pg
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
RE: WInter Project
ORIGINAL: piniongear
The most important special tool you are going to need? A factory service manual.
Good luck with the project and remember.... the forum is here to answer any questions that come up along the way...........pg
The most important special tool you are going to need? A factory service manual.
Good luck with the project and remember.... the forum is here to answer any questions that come up along the way...........pg
documents. Good help is digital camera, take pictures before you do anything then you have good reference what is need to be done.Ofcource it's good to take picture during hole event...
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
RE: WInter Project
im in the same boat as you. i have a 74 ironhead that i just bought, it sat for 2 years and i just got it on the road again and its doing wonderfully. runs better and better every day. im torn between completely tearing it down this winter and painting, powdercoating, chroming, rebuilding everything, or just keeping it as is. its actually in great shape and there is no need to rebuild it. it has a few flaws here and there but i like that, it gives it character. so i may end up rebuilding the whole thing this winter if i can justify it to myself, but most likely ill just store it and and shell be ready to go next season.... maybe you should consider the same
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 748
Likes: 1
RE: WInter Project
If you're mechanically inclined you can do it! An HD engine is basically a big lawn mower engine, pretty simple. Like was suggested earlier, get a manual and look in the front for a list of special tools. Trying to use the wrong tool for certain things can get expensive.
If you need any powder coating done check out my web site below.
If you need any powder coating done check out my web site below.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
RE: WInter Project
ORIGINAL: powdercoater
If you're mechanically inclined you can do it! An HD engine is basically a big lawn mower engine
If you're mechanically inclined you can do it! An HD engine is basically a big lawn mower engine
What you ment was: that there isn't anything that you can't do with normal handtools
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
RE: WInter Project
I just got my 77 xlh running today, I am going to try another carburator to see if it helps. I was wonder what carb you are running? Mine ia a bendix/ zenith. I know a S&S shorty would probably work better. I pick this Ironhead up a week ago , The motor was froze and I still cant believe I got this thing running for less than 30 bucks excluding battery. I myself am try to make up my mind about a total restoration. Frame that is , the motor is fine lots of compression. Nice to meet you and I wouldnt break open the crankcase unless you had to. Oh yeah , Cams are easy just read the service manual. Be sure to remove the bolt behind the point inspection cover. If you take out the oil pump pininon gearit will make it even harder cause you will have to time yourcrankcase breather.I didnt and my cams fell out on the ground. Watch where the spacer buching where located also. good Luck.
Pakrat
Pakrat
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From:
RE: WInter Project
going to look at a 77xlh monday, another pawn shop deal, been told it smokes a little and is kinda rough but thats what they have winter for isnt it lol..... I know that if I dont have too I surely wouldnt open up the cases, unless its broke dont fix it..... Even if you wanted to improve performance... the heads are where you gain the most best o luck Dusty