81 shovel re-build
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Just picked up an 84 FLH w/58K original miles. Never been apart. Doing a top end because there are serious issues with leaks, but it was still running very well. Original owner took excellent care and was **** about maintaining her properly.
By this model HD had done a very good job of figuring out and curing most issues with the shovels.
punkroxx, you get a chance post a pic of the bike and be sure to let us know how the transaction goes.
By this model HD had done a very good job of figuring out and curing most issues with the shovels.
punkroxx, you get a chance post a pic of the bike and be sure to let us know how the transaction goes.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 7
From: NY shitty
thanx for all the info everyone. first 2 pics are of the frame up restoration,It looks to me the directionals are gone,not the original seat or intake and the pipes are either wrapped or coated(bad pics) I may have a shot at this other one. same year ,17000miles asking price 8900. and it not far from my house
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 313
Likes: 2
From: somewhere in "The Peoples' Republic of Illinois
I worked at a HD dealer once and while there had the oppertunity to do three valve jobs. I asked where they kept the lapping compound and was told the 'factory rep.' said "air cooled engines didn't need lapped"!!?? No wonder they got the same bikes back for head work time after time. I did notice they lapped valves on the the bike they raced.
As for my bike, I got high miles for any valve work I did. Only time I let any HD shop work on my bikes is when my first FL needed tranny work. I didn't have a clue how easy it was to do myself and was scared I'd screw something up. Shifter fork came loose on the backyard chopper I purchased from a guy I met after getting back from Navy. A real piece of crap, it was. My first HD though and I was like a kid in a candy store after hours.
As for my bike, I got high miles for any valve work I did. Only time I let any HD shop work on my bikes is when my first FL needed tranny work. I didn't have a clue how easy it was to do myself and was scared I'd screw something up. Shifter fork came loose on the backyard chopper I purchased from a guy I met after getting back from Navy. A real piece of crap, it was. My first HD though and I was like a kid in a candy store after hours.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,499
Likes: 3,717
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
thanx for all the info everyone. first 2 pics are of the frame up restoration,It looks to me the directionals are gone,not the original seat or intake and the pipes are either wrapped or coated(bad pics) I may have a shot at this other one. same year ,17000miles asking price 8900. and it not far from my house
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 7
From: NY shitty
up date: found a great 1 in tennessee waited to long and lost out,there is one in louisiana that I might be able to get for 7. 100 miles on a rebuild no battery, and a "maybe it will start" so I,m passing on that 1. just gonna keep looking
Novice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
I run Amsoil 60wt....not a drop of oil is leaking. Not even wet gasket, nothing.
Previous oil used was HD 20/50 reg dino. I switched to Ams 60 and not only does it NOT leak, it runs quieter.
Just sayin.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Sorry Gentlemen, it's not just the servicing. The motors literally rattle because their tolerances are so loose. ( That's how they can run 60W oi.) lThe heads won't give you 60,000 miles, ever. The bottom end, maybe.
I've owned a pan and a Shovel, and I'll keep my TwinCam for the serious miles.
I've owned a pan and a Shovel, and I'll keep my TwinCam for the serious miles.
No disrespect but your premise is flawed. The motors do not rattle, they do however vibrate. The reason you can feel this vibration is because unlike your twinky, there are no rubber engine mounts. Ive seen twinkies next to me at red lights where their mirrors look like their going to fall off and I can see the engine jumping in the frame.
I've owned two shovels, first one had over 100,000 miles, two valve jobs, same jugs just honed twice.
Shovels are cast iron cylinders vs aluminum. Bolts connect head to cylinder, and different set connects cylinders to case. On Evo, its one set of bolts from base to head.
Research all the history problems of the chain drives on the TC's and the over heating problems.
Now, HD has put 'heat shields' on newer models to deflect the high engine temps. The reason they run so hot is the EFI is mapped so lean due to EPA requirements. Lets not even discuss the exhaust w O2 sensors.
Sorry, IMHO, there is no comparison between a computer managed EPA choked EFI TC and good ol iron.
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
You guys are talking about oil. The mechanic about to do my top end asked me whether or not I was interested in amsoil. Is it worth it in a 68 FLH? What weight for Arizona summer coming up? Will it leak like synthetic? I don't mind the cost if there's a tangible benefit to the bike.
