Head torquing - Harley Forum

#1 02-13-2008, 11:04 PM

In the last issue of AIM there was an article about an older Indian. In it they described bolting the heads down then warming up the engine and doing it again. Is this the proper procedure or does it ony apply to older Indians? I redid my rings and I can't seem to get the top end buttoned down so it doesn't seep oil.

TESTECLEEZ · #2 02-19-2008, 08:46 AM

What motor are you talking about?
If it is an Evo there is a specific sequence you have to follow. Look in the manual for the proper cross pattern then toque to 7lbs then to 14lbs then mark the bolt and the head and tighten one more quarter turn.

evoKENevo · #3 02-19-2008, 01:20 PM

Without taking anything away from Testecleez's input here...I've gotten into the habit of retorqueing cyl. heads (in particular) after ANY engine has had a chance to heat-up and cool-down again. Because,during the expanding and
contracting of the various parts/metals,etc,thingsCOULD-POSSIBLEY change
...agreed ???

#4 02-19-2008, 09:29 PM

It's a 95 sportster. I followed the torquing specs in the sho pmanual but still seeped. I took it apart and did it again and it seeped in a different area. I'm gonna re-torque it ands see what happens. I hate to have to take it apart again.

PeterV · #5 02-19-2008, 11:13 PM

The seepage may be coming from the o-ring that sits on top of the oil dowel on the jug. If it gets pinched between gasket and head or gasket and cylinder, or not sitting flat, it'll leak.

frisco-rigid · #6 02-20-2008, 12:18 AM

Evokenevo---
Do you also re-torque EVO heads.?

evoKENevo · #7 02-20-2008, 01:39 AM

Frisco-Rigid...

To clarify matters here, I've only had two HARLEYS in my life...a '65-XLCH ... and the '98-FLSTS (de-gooberized) that I now have. And, I'm just now looking at doing my 1st HARLEY upper-end job @ 50-K miles on this one. But, I've built+tuned my share of OTHER makes/models over the DECADES now. And, YES, I will be retorqureing this EVO, when I get around to (no rush) doing the job. Simply (?) because " a motor IS a motor" and "stuff DOES happen"...or not ! That and,"hey"...what's another few minutes to double-check stuff...knowhutImean !?!

Catch 'ya later...bye !
Ken

#8 02-20-2008, 03:03 AM

Evo cylinders are notorious for warping at the base and head gasket surfaces.
Have them checked or check them yourself on a Machinists flat plate to insure that they are infact flat and true.
If they are not then you will be chasing your tail to stop the leaks!

evoKENevo · #9 02-20-2008, 10:47 AM

dls8...

Thanks for that one, friend...duely noted here.

Catch 'ya later...bye !
Ken