I bought a 1980 XLH recently. I took the carburetor and intake manifold off. The intake manifold and heads are the o-ring type. The carburetor is the stock Keihin B83D. RI 12 1980 model.
The bike has just over 4,000 miles on it. D
Now my question is, was there some kind of advantage to going to the earlier model heads and intake manifold?
The bike was chromed out in 1980 when it was new. To get a chrome head cover did the owner have to go to an early model head? Was it a trick thing or stupid thing to do to the bike?
Also there is a 1/2" thick spacer in between the carburetor and the intake manifold that's not stock. What's up with that?

 

Looks like the carb is in great condition. Hell, the screws aren't even bunged up. Someone took good care, or never touched that carb.

Please post up some pictures of the heads that you're talking about. Also, look for some casting numbers. The last two digits are usually the date code. We can't see much from the other photos.

Go over to xlforum.net as well, a lot more Ironhead fans over there.

Great find, I'm about ready to start looking for an Ironhead project myself, I'm hooked.

John

 

I was told by a motorhead that the earlier heads burned the fuel better resulting in more horse power with less money than modifying the 1980 heads. Has anyone else know about this?
I am changing the seals from a rubber o-ring to a silicone band for a better seal and a stronger mount too.
I am sure that the bike will run strong after I put it back together. It was back firing thru the carburetor. A seal leak at the O-rings I am pretty sure of.

 

the the add on gasket between the carb and intake was added to help keep the engine heat away from the carb. so that the gas would nt be so likly to boil in the float bowl on hot days/hot motor...back firing through carb sounds like a timeing issue to me...unless it only does it when cold or once in a while, and then thats kind of normal...