Found a piston crack
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: poway
The piston likely has a crack due to a bad tune or poor fuel pressure. Make sure that the tune is good.. Detonation can crack pistons. Probably worthwhile to do a valve job since pulling the heads.. Since the top end is off, I'd check the cam chain tensioners and cranks runout, tho they should be OK.. If that's the case replace inner cam bearings. Motor will go another 70K easy.
Last edited by Max Headflow; Jul 25, 2024 at 08:01 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Lost
Lol...I would really like to, but man...I just don't feel like it, it's not pulling me. I don't know why..I just feel blahhhh. I had booked my trip to Sturgis, but for some reason I just don't feel it. ....I even have cash...that's how I paid for service. My HYSA spits out $3k every month. I just use that to pay for my hobbies. We left here yesterday to Spokane, halfway through I was really enjoying riding my bike, but deep down I just wanted to ride back home and be with my dog. I'm not getting that whoo whoo feeling...
Now there is a guy that owes me money....$60k...I had invested with him on a fix n flip project in Lawton, OK..He stopped responding to me a year ago. I would definitely go bat **** crazy if I see him. Anyone here from Lawton, Ok ? Lol
Last edited by pyuchem; Jul 25, 2024 at 10:52 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Lost
I would check out all your options before committing to the dealer. Talk to some Indy's as well. Get a detailed estimate for both parts and labor. With your mileage you should have the lifters, cam chain tensioner and crank run out checked as well.
You might also think about your big bore options.
You might also think about your big bore options.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 1,416
From: Lost
The piston likely has a crack due to a bad tune or poor fuel pressure. Make sure that the tune is good.. Detonation can crack pistons. Probably worthwhile to do a valve job since pulling the heads.. Since the top end is off, I'd check the cam chain tensioners and cranks runout, tho they should be OK.. If that's the case replace inner cam bearings. Motor will go another 70K easy.
Last edited by pyuchem; Jul 25, 2024 at 10:37 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 1,416
From: Lost
Thx. I'll think about this. My bike is still stock and I'm really happy with 103. But doesn't hurt to go big.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 17,923
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From: backwoods
To get over 107, I think you have to stroke $$$$. I'd probably just think about cams and port. Is 107 worth it? depending on condition of your cylinders, If in spec, throw new pistons in. Bore ,010 over is option too.
with those miles you should replace lifters and breathers. I would also do cam bearings when open.
with those miles you should replace lifters and breathers. I would also do cam bearings when open.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 279
Likes: 315
From: Southern Vancouver Island
First thing I would do is check pinion runout to make sure the crank is still healthy. If crank is good, check out the 107" kit from Fuel Moto. It runs about $1400 and comes with everything you see in the picture and would really wake up that engine of yours. Cheaper than oem in the long run and probably better quality components. Of course you also have to budget for a dyno tune following install but as already mentioned, you might as well make some lemonade while you have it apart!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,142
From: Las Vegas
Lol...I would really like to, but man...I just don't feel like it, it's not pulling me. I don't know why..I just feel blahhhh. I had booked my trip to Sturgis, but for some reason I just don't feel it. ....I even have cash...that's how I paid for service. My HYSA spits out $3k every month. I just use that to pay for my hobbies. We left here yesterday to Spokane, halfway through I was really enjoying riding my bike, but deep down I just wanted to ride back home and be with my dog. I'm not getting that whoo whoo feeling...
Now there is a guy that owes me money....$60k...I had invested with him on a fix n flip project in Lawton, OK..He stopped responding to me a year ago. I would definitely go bat **** crazy if I see him. Anyone here from Lawton, Ok ? Lol
Now there is a guy that owes me money....$60k...I had invested with him on a fix n flip project in Lawton, OK..He stopped responding to me a year ago. I would definitely go bat **** crazy if I see him. Anyone here from Lawton, Ok ? Lol
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
Im here at the dealer for 70k service. I was just informed that one of the pistons has crack on it. Its from outside in halfway across. Dang it.
2016 FLHXS. 70,000 miles.
Initial quote of $1800.
Well .dang it.
Compression test : 180 front cylinder and 120 rear.
Rear has the crack.
2016 FLHXS. 70,000 miles.
Initial quote of $1800.
Well .dang it.
Compression test : 180 front cylinder and 120 rear.
Rear has the crack.
Would do two search,
The first is cylinder detonation problems from running too lean to first understand that and why it can crack the piston,
Then the second search is Harley tuning too lean to meet EPA standards that cause the detonation problems to begin with.
Granted that problem could have been induced by clogged fuel filter, not enough pressure on the rail, or clogged fuel injections to cause the lean problem, but with Harley tuning AFR well above 14.7 to start with, main reason for most detonation problems in the first place.
And going to guess, motor is still on Harley stock tune, way too lean to start with (fuel is cooling).