2001 FLHTCUI Repair or Replace
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 199
Likes: 118
From: Pocono Mountains
2001 FLHTCUI Repair or Replace
Here's my story.
Have had multiple performance engine builds in my 2001 FLHTCUI. Two done by Harley dealers, one done by an independent shop.
I have had catastrophic failures in all of them.
The current set up was:
103", Sceaming Eagle CNC Ported heads, S&S 585G cams, Thunderheader, and SERT.
This time it took out an inner cam bearing and wiped out the cases.
Took it to Doc's Performance down here in FL who did a partial tear down. All my failures have been valve train related. Doc believes that the valve springs have too much pressure and are putting to much stress on the valve train, causing the failures.
I'm torn. Not sure whether to repair what I have, or cut my losses and buy a new one.
I put almost $2000 in it last year before going to Sturgis, front & rear brakes with rotors, Progressive shocks, seat re-covered by Mustang and tires. Then on day three at Sturgis it blowed up.
What scares me is the availability of some of the electronics on a bike that's 15 years old with 107K miles on it.
On the other hand, I have a bike that is unique, it's Concord Purple and Silver. I probably haven't seen more than a dozen Ultra Classics in that color scheme in the 15 years I've had it. I've customized it to my liking, more for function than flash.
Harley doesn't currently offer anything that strikes me. Don't get me wrong, it would be exciting to get a new bike, but do I want to start all over again, especially when none of them excite me.
Sorry this was so long.
Am really looking for opinions on whether to fix the old bike or not, considering if it has any issues with electronic engine control components I could be in trouble.
Thanks in advance for the opinions.
Have had multiple performance engine builds in my 2001 FLHTCUI. Two done by Harley dealers, one done by an independent shop.
I have had catastrophic failures in all of them.
The current set up was:
103", Sceaming Eagle CNC Ported heads, S&S 585G cams, Thunderheader, and SERT.
This time it took out an inner cam bearing and wiped out the cases.
Took it to Doc's Performance down here in FL who did a partial tear down. All my failures have been valve train related. Doc believes that the valve springs have too much pressure and are putting to much stress on the valve train, causing the failures.
I'm torn. Not sure whether to repair what I have, or cut my losses and buy a new one.
I put almost $2000 in it last year before going to Sturgis, front & rear brakes with rotors, Progressive shocks, seat re-covered by Mustang and tires. Then on day three at Sturgis it blowed up.
What scares me is the availability of some of the electronics on a bike that's 15 years old with 107K miles on it.
On the other hand, I have a bike that is unique, it's Concord Purple and Silver. I probably haven't seen more than a dozen Ultra Classics in that color scheme in the 15 years I've had it. I've customized it to my liking, more for function than flash.
Harley doesn't currently offer anything that strikes me. Don't get me wrong, it would be exciting to get a new bike, but do I want to start all over again, especially when none of them excite me.
Sorry this was so long.
Am really looking for opinions on whether to fix the old bike or not, considering if it has any issues with electronic engine control components I could be in trouble.
Thanks in advance for the opinions.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 303
Likes: 21
From: Fort St.John, BC
Everyone's opinions are going to be different. I don't think anyone can make this decision for you without personally knowing the bike or seeing it.
If you love the bike other than this, I say fix it. If it's constantly causing you grief and nickel & diming you, then maybe cut your losses. Maybe consider going back to stock? Stock 103" engines are very easy to find, and are pretty reliable.
Now post some pictures of it!
If you love the bike other than this, I say fix it. If it's constantly causing you grief and nickel & diming you, then maybe cut your losses. Maybe consider going back to stock? Stock 103" engines are very easy to find, and are pretty reliable.
Now post some pictures of it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
two years ago I started thinking the same thing. I like my bike demo days from '09 through '13, wasn't impressed enough to upgrade. Already did the new suspension components (progressive on all 4 corners an d poly swing arm bushings). So in '13 in went the Bakker DD6 gear set, fit my needs perfectly, an no concerns about reliability. Then in '14 was the Jim's 120 install, electronics don't change other than a tuner. Jim's suggest HD SEPST which we couldn't get to run wright, so went to power vision with auto tune and runs great. I'm into it 14K, the Jim's engine is HD licensed with warranty so i don't have any reliability issues there either. This is in an '03 ultra, so what I have invested is half of a new replacement bike and I have what I want. I can do everything the infotainment system does with my 665LE GPS and Uclear headset and it's easier to work (wife has a '15 Triglide). Plus the added benefit of the tires being a lot less expensive. Sorry for the length of post.
Buy a new crate engine, leave it alone, and ride another 100k.
The more we modify these engines, the less reliable they become... true in any engine.
What's the most HIGH performance internal combustion engine you can think of?
Top Fueler, maybe? What do they put out? 8000hp +/-?
How long do they last? They PRAY for 1/4 mile.
How about NASCAR?
Not as hot, but still 800 +/- hp... how long do they HOPE to run? 500 miles?
What about an old Toyohonzuki? ZERO "performance", but they'll run 300k...
We want somewhere in the middle.
Stage 1 is a happy place, it doesn't put undue stress on parts that weren't designed for it, but still lets the engine run well.
As you have well learned, when you HI-PO one part, it begins stressing another....
The more we modify these engines, the less reliable they become... true in any engine.
What's the most HIGH performance internal combustion engine you can think of?
Top Fueler, maybe? What do they put out? 8000hp +/-?
How long do they last? They PRAY for 1/4 mile.
How about NASCAR?
Not as hot, but still 800 +/- hp... how long do they HOPE to run? 500 miles?
What about an old Toyohonzuki? ZERO "performance", but they'll run 300k...
We want somewhere in the middle.
Stage 1 is a happy place, it doesn't put undue stress on parts that weren't designed for it, but still lets the engine run well.
As you have well learned, when you HI-PO one part, it begins stressing another....
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 225
Likes: 5
From: calgary
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
Build it. Do it correctly and replace the friggen valve springs.
Hd springs are too heavy.
Call bob wood and ask him what you need for valve springs and cams. Then listen to what he says.
Hd springs are too heavy.
Call bob wood and ask him what you need for valve springs and cams. Then listen to what he says.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka,Indiana
Cases can be repaired for 200ish, rebuild a little milder, or used then decide, it is worth nothing broken. If nothing else, stock take off parts are cheap and can get it on the road. Mike
