This dude has sat long enough. The bottom end is together and bolting the heads on, I find that the new pan covers (or even the old covers for that matter) won't clear the valve keepers. Is there any way to mod the covers to work or am I stuck buying some high dollar cnc covers. Also what cam would you'all recommend. I'd like a rumpy idle but fairly streetable without having to be concerned with valve to piston clearance.

 

Have you modified the valve train or rocker arms? If not the stock covers should fit. The motor has to be out of the frame to fit/remove the covers or the heads have to be removed first.

 

I had the heads re-done by a harley dude about 7 or 8 years ago and have no clue except for the fact that they are pretty big and stiff springs. maybe I should put some stock springs on it?

 

You can get spring keepers to solve this problem unless your seats are so deep that you have to get a shorter valve.If you are having that much clearance problems a high lift cam may be abit of a problem.

 

I had to modify mine to fit. They're repop covers. Used a high speed with a stone and ground until no interference. Place a little grease on the end of valve spring closest to the cover when you inspect for clearance. When you place the cover on the head if there's no grease on the cover your good to go.

 

Sounds good, I'll grind away and keep on checking for thickness. Thanks much. BTW, In looking at the head and the oiling system, I stuck a rod down the oil return holes in the cylinder and it doesn't go anywhere past the base where it mounts on the block. I was bolting down the cylinders and noted that there was no hole there but for some retarded reason, thought nothing of it. Are the jugs reversed or something? AARGH!

 

You may have 55 and later jugs on the bike. The 55 drilled a hole through the cylinder wall just above case level to let the oil return that way.

 

Ah makes sense, I'll try blowing air through it and hope it has passage. Thanks much, Wayne