Head Gasket...the sequel
Head Gasket...the sequel
Rather than "piggy backing" off the other thread that I somewhat highjacked. I created a new thread. So here's where I'm at with my Fuel Moto 128 w/level A heads build drama.
Any clues as to why this keeps happening?
- My 1st go around wasn't very successful, seems like the bike was running too hot and killed the cylinders. Though prior to that I did notice head gasket leaks.
- Jaimie was kind enough to send me new cylinders at a reduced cost.
- Brought bike to my local dealer whom has very competent techs, 2 of which have the same or similar builds on their personal bikes, for the installation.
- The techs performed the break-in on the dyno and also tuned it.
- Picked the bike up yesterday (Friday) and rode it home from the dealership, 3 miles.
- I went to start the bike this morning and this is what I found (see brief video).
Any clues as to why this keeps happening?
Last edited by aviscomi; Jun 5, 2021 at 07:06 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
I haven’t read the other thread. Did you do any head work? We’re the heads checked for flatness? Proper torque procedure used for the head gaskets type/jugs? Bent cylinder stud not allowing the jug and/or head to seat flush? Cylinder stud pulling out of block or stretching and not allowing proper clamping force? Cracked head? Once running, do a smoke test and see if it continues to blow out like on start up? If it only puffs on start up, there’s a possibility there’s a bit of oil on one of the fins that heats up and smoke; although it doesn’t really look like that’s what happening from the vid. Defective head gasket?
I havent read the other thread. Did you do any head work? Were the heads checked for flatness? Proper torque procedure used for the head gaskets type/jugs? Bent cylinder stud not allowing the jug and/or head to seat flush? Cylinder stud pulling out of block or stretching and not allowing proper clamping force? Cracked head? Once running, do a smoke test and see if it continues to blow out like on start up? If it only puffs on start up, theres a possibility theres a bit of oil on one of the fins that heats up and smoke; although it doesnt really look like thats what happening from the vid. Defective head gasket?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,271
Likes: 15,108
From: Somewhere SW
Moonshine had a video of a head bolt torque method your techs may or may not have used.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KS9uk1vguU&t=520s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KS9uk1vguU&t=520s
HD EFI Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,488
Likes: 4,774
The heads are the Fuel Moto CNC Ported Level A heads, the tech says that they appear to "decked". It only "puffs" on a cold start-up, but there is a quick pop sound when this occurs. I'm assuming that's from pressure being forced out. The S&S torqueing procedure was followed. Hard to say whether or not the head gasket is defective, though I'm leaning towards "no" because it was doing this same thing after the 1st build. All new S&S hardware was used. As of now I am leaning towards the heads being the issue. I've sent the video to Jaime via email and I'm am awaiting his reply. The Service Tech is also going to call Fuel Moto in order to get more background on the heads.
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Steve, they are the same heads as last time. Myself an others are thinking the same as you. Everything but heads have been properly replaced/installed an issue(s) are still present
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Massachusetts
Try torque indexing the head bolts.This will tell you if it's a fastener issue . Use a marker or white paint, draw a line on the top of the head bolt. torque to spec. now where the line is, make a corresponding mark on the cylinder head. Undo the bolts and re-torque.see if the marks line up from before. make note of where they are. now, do it gain. if the marks on the bolts keep moving past the cylinder head marks,you most likely have a either a stretched/weakened stud, or head bolt/nut. We used to do this on diesels with persistent head gasket issues.