2005 FXST valve seal replacement
2005 FXST valve seal replacement *Pics*
I got my 05 FXST last summer with 1.2k on it and proceed to put 10k trouble free miles on it. I pulled it out for this season, and after 1.5k I noticed it was consuming about a quart of oil in 1k. A quick google search told me this was a common problem with the 05s and early 06s. After a $700 quote from the local dealer, I bought a gasket set and shop manual and Im doing it myself. Im no stranger to the inside of an engine, but this is my first time in a Harley.
Im not sure how long it was using oil, I only noticed it this year. But the inside of the 1st cylinder was pretty bad. Ill have more time in the shop tonight to clean and install the new valve seals in the first head.
Heres the first set of pics:
Turning riders into mechanics since 1903.
Im not sure how long it was using oil, I only noticed it this year. But the inside of the 1st cylinder was pretty bad. Ill have more time in the shop tonight to clean and install the new valve seals in the first head.
Heres the first set of pics:
Turning riders into mechanics since 1903.
Last edited by hyde802; Jun 3, 2013 at 01:37 PM.
Is that normal for them to be worn out at 11k miles?
Last edited by hyde802; Jun 3, 2013 at 12:15 PM.
There was a dealer service bulletin on the valve seal issues. Got lucky and had mine done under warranty, also had cams and headwork done while they were in it. As for the seals themselves, all they did was install new. Haven't had any issues burning oil in the 30k miles since. There was apparently a bad batch that came from the MoCo, the bulletin covered pretty much all TC88's for most of 05 and some of 06.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
11k it is not normal but seeing there was a service bulletin take measurements if you have the tools then change the seals. If the seals are the same as a 96" ill send you a set for free. I over ordered buy a bunch when I rebuilt my motor.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 4,687
From: West Texas Sandhills
Same thing happened to me. I bought an 05 FXST with 4700 miles on the clock. I knew about the valve seal issue when I bought the bike and just took it to a local Indy. Cost me $300 to fix and no more oil usage. Even with that repair, I still got a good deal on the bike.
I already have the seals, but thanks for the offer!
I did however check my valve guides last night. The book says in spec was .001-.002. On the front cylinder, my exhaust valve was right at the limit but my intake valve was about.005-006. So apparently, yes, at 11k, my valve guides are shot.
I didnt have time to test the other head but I did pull it off to find more oil/carbon deposits than in the first cylinder.
I did however check my valve guides last night. The book says in spec was .001-.002. On the front cylinder, my exhaust valve was right at the limit but my intake valve was about.005-006. So apparently, yes, at 11k, my valve guides are shot.
I didnt have time to test the other head but I did pull it off to find more oil/carbon deposits than in the first cylinder.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Cool. Didnt want you to go that deep to see it leak down the road. Time to send em off for a nice rebuild! Oh and lookin at your breathers there is an upgraded breather assy and its like $17 bucks and one modification is drilling out your breather oil return hols to .124 I think. Thats under the rocker arms. FWIW.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Got as link for either of those? Thanks again for the tips!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Heading out the door. Ill give you some links. All cheep and free stuff to help w/oil in the AC.