I did a leakdown on my 01 ultra with all the rockers removed and found 45% leakage on rear and 30% on front. Rear is smoking out the pipe at red lights. I added oil to the rear cylinder and spun it over some then retested. It was around 30% then. Should I plan on doing a ring job? It's using about 1/2 quart every 350 miles. I just installed a screaming eagle cam plate upgrade.

 

Sounds like rings since the oil made such a difference.

I always listen to the leak... If it's coming through the crankcase it's the pistons/rings; if it's leaking through the intake, it's the intake valve; if it's leaking through the exhaust, it's the exhaust valve; if it's leaking at the head gasket, then it's the head gasket.

 

When you did the test did you listen for air leakage at the air intake,exhaust and crankcase?
Bad sealing valves are just going to lead to low compression.The oil loss sounds like the rings for sure and possibly the valve guides.

A half qt. every 350 miles is a lot.How many miles on the engine?

 

I did listen and hear air in the crankcase. It ran fine just smoking from the rear cyl and burning oil. It had 69,000 miles on it. Always used synthetic syn3 or mobil 1. I owned it since last April and don't know the maintenance history. I guess it's time to re ring it and install new valve seals.

 

Since your going to be tearing it down,I would suggest doing a basic valve job.
The cylinders and pistons should be measured before buying rings.

 

Ok I'll have them checked. Any other tips? I've got a hd service manual

 

Tore it down and rear cyl head has exhaust guide damaged. Going to get a new guide and install new rings and do my own valve job if I can.

 

um, 95" kit if you have not yet.

plus the heads have alot of room for reliable improvement.

since you are taking apart, this is the time to throw a few hundred bucks at the motor.

the labor is the same.

mike

 

You have access to a valve and seat grinder?



cheers

 

I don't have the extra cash to do a big bore. I can do it old school and hand lap the valves in with valve grinding compound