Hello, I am new to Harley's. I have a 01 Heritage springer softail with 2500 miles. I am reading about things like "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" kits that can be installed to give the bike a little more pep in it's step. I saw in another post that you said the 88B engine was fine as long as you didn't "Hot Rod" it. How far can I go and still be safe? I haven't riden it yet (Don't get it until May) but was just Thinking.

Thanks in advance for you time and attention.

 

BC's been busy as of lately, but should be checking in when he can.
You can try emailing him through the board here.
Just click on his name, and select email.

Do a Google search ... There's a lot of information out there.

I know it's better 1st hand, and BC has the information readily available.

Stay tuned in...

 

I thought it's been quiet around here...

 

Cool, I can wait. If anyone else has any ideas, let me know.

 

Feldhege,

BCLEM might correct me but my understanding is the counterbalances that are in the b engine is the problem. There is a long chain that spins the counterbalences and when the chain stretches is when you get problems. There are hydrolic tensioners that run off the engine oil that keep them tight. The factory puts big bore kits on them so I think that you could do that yourself too. I think you are allright with 103 cubic inch kit with a cam, better heads, better ignition etc as long as you ride it with common sense. I think the problem with the chain could come at near redline conditions. I think mods are allright that will help with lower end and mid range torque and hp. Just dont ride it down the street at five grand for extended periods, or race down the track a whole lot unless you inspect the chain and tensioners often ( every ten thousand miles or so ) . When the chain stretches too much it could slap the engine block and destroy it. I think that is pretty much what bclem explained too me.

David

 

feldhege,

You can do anything that you want to the 'B' model - just do not rev past 5500. The oil pressure bypass is progressively farther open at increased speed so the flyweight chain tensioners (which are are directly fed from the pump) begin to 'fade away' slackening the chain. Since there are only about three sprocket teeth engaging the chain below the pinion shaft, the weights will express deliver themselves totally clear of the engine cases due to a total imbalance and shearing the retaining pins. The entire balance system is left out of the engine for those who like to float valves.
The 'B' model is a fine engine and is not any less engine than the "A" model (88) except for the RPM limitation.

breaknbad,
You do my heart good; you read and understand - a rare thing these days. You got it!

The subject of HD's failings seems to be gathering great width and breadth as they continue to "upgrade" their production bikes. One of the little chores that I have been involved with during my absense was troubleshooting my Dyna. I have found so many problems with this "new" motorcycle that I'm sick to my stomach. The motormounts are even broken! I also found the culprit for high idle (2200 cold) problem.

I don't ride like I used to! Can't seem to keep this Dyna in a package. Road King here I come!

BClem

 

BCLEM,

Im sorry for your problems with your new bike. I know its hard to trust your baby with a dealer to fix it. Its a shame you spend all that money and have these problems. If your like me you would like to fix it yourself, but i wonder if its worth the aggrivation. Good luck with it.

David

 

Feldhedge,
The '99- ea.'01 TC88A motors had issues with stock cam bearing failures.
The TC88B motor which replaced the A motor had the cam issues resolved and balancer added. Both motors are set up with rev limiters. Many guys will push builds to the limits, and when they break, they blame the motor, or the MOCO. It is your or anyone elses right to be opinionated about any issue. Do the research, build it the way you want it, enjoy it, ride it!!!

 

You might want to do some of that research too! HD has no intentions of replacing the 88 engine nor is the "88" called the "A" by anyone at Harley Davidson. I said that in my last post. The "B" model was designed for the Softail bike only - the touring bikes DO NOT, nor ever will use the 88B engine. It may be good intentions that you have but please do not try to give advice or give "facts" about things that you do not know a damned thing about. Your "opinion" is bullshit! And don't misquote me.

BClem

 

Back with a vengeance BClem...hey, I thought you were takin' a break.