When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I recently picked up a 1983 xls kind of a basket the old owner didn't know much about it. I noticed that the push rods are out of it and the cam cover was off and the cams were taken out. I want to rebuild the top end but how do I know if evey thing is lined up when I go to put it back together, my son inlaw is going to help me with the rebuild he is a auto mechanic and I do have the manual. Thanks for any help you could give me
Just follow what the manual tells you what to do.
The cams have to be shimmed for side to side proper clearance. Make sure you have all of the parts that go with the cams, as well as a supply of shims..... See the manual.
The cams have to be timed...... See the manual.
Push rod clearance must be set. See the manual......pg
I want to see how everything looks and possibly get the heads done and check the barrels and pistons and if need be bore it to the next size but I want to leave it stock probabley get an s&s carb for it, what do you think of my plan Thanks
Correct roofer. You are better off keeping the engine as stock as possible. Modifications cost you two things...money and reliability. Not worth it on an ironhead.
The S&S is a very good carb, but I would get the bike running before I went and bought one myself. What are you going to do if the bike runs fine with the carb you have on it?
Not having to purchase an S&S will save you some serious coin.
You have a good plan though, so proceed ahead and keep us posted......pg
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.