possible front head change coming - how long?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: GA.
possible front head change coming - how long?
Decided I was gonna go out and take the cam cover off my RK and check the cam tensioners. Looked at the front pipe and noticed that the lower header bolt is broke off flush with the head. It's apparantly been that way for quite awhile, judging by the looks of it. It looks as if someone has tried to tap it out with a hammer and punch at some point. I bought the bike used, and haven't noticed it until now. It doesn't leak there, so I'm not overly concerned about it right now. As long as it doesn't leak when I put it all back together, and the other bolt doesn't break on me, I think I'll leave it alone until winter. In the off chance it becomes an issue before then, how long should it take me to swap the front head? I'm already eyeing some heads, and may go ahead and buy them, just in case. I don't think I can drill the bolt out with the head on the bike because of the frame. I'll try and get a pic when I pull the pipe to look at the tensioners in a little while.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
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From: GA.
Thanks, Lucky.
That's about what I was guessing. Might grab a spare head before I tackle it. Any idea what years will work? Mine's an '01. I'm assuming any 88TC front head will work?
That's about what I was guessing. Might grab a spare head before I tackle it. Any idea what years will work? Mine's an '01. I'm assuming any 88TC front head will work?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: TX
99~09 "will work". 06 & later require a different intake flange, but the head will work. 08 & 09 have a machined off surface for the upper stabilizer, but you can still use the head.
From a simplicity perspective, 99 ~ 05 would be the easiest swap.
If I understand your post properly, there's almost no chance you can put a pipe on and use only only one flange bolt and not end up with an exhaust leak.
Best to just fix it right.
From a simplicity perspective, 99 ~ 05 would be the easiest swap.
If I understand your post properly, there's almost no chance you can put a pipe on and use only only one flange bolt and not end up with an exhaust leak.
Best to just fix it right.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: GA.
Georges garage has a jig for about $60, but it isn't for a TC.
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From: Michigan
There's only one flange bolt in it right now. And it's not leaking. That's why I'm leary about taking it off to check the tensioners. I'm worried it'll leak when I put it back together, or that the other bolt may break. Guess I may wait to check the tensioners until I'm ready to fix the broken stud.
Georges garage has a jig for about $60, but it isn't for a TC.
Georges garage has a jig for about $60, but it isn't for a TC.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
What is the mileage?
Very good chance it can leak after reassembly.
If the engine is not making strange noises,ride it now and fix during the winter to avoid down time.
Why buy heads when yours can be repaired?
Very good chance it can leak after reassembly.
If the engine is not making strange noises,ride it now and fix during the winter to avoid down time.
Why buy heads when yours can be repaired?
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: GA.
41k miles.
No unusual noises, but would like to see the tensioners so I don't have any surprises later.
Heads are cheap. If I pull mine and it gets f-ed up trying to get the stud out, I have to buy one anyway. A lot easier to buy one, and just swap it. Less down time if I don't wait til winter.
No unusual noises, but would like to see the tensioners so I don't have any surprises later.
Heads are cheap. If I pull mine and it gets f-ed up trying to get the stud out, I have to buy one anyway. A lot easier to buy one, and just swap it. Less down time if I don't wait til winter.