Dragonman's Harley Rebuilding Machine Shop

Published on August 5, 2022
Duration: 13:23

Dragonman, with over 55 years of experience in motorcycle machine work, details his comprehensive engine rebuilding process for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, focusing on vintage models from 1936-1999. He emphasizes quality parts, precision machining, and specialized techniques to restore engines to optimal performance, offering a mail-order service for motors and transmissions.

Quick Summary

Dragonman offers a 'rebuild your own motor' package for $1200, covering the lower end of Harley-Davidson engines (1936-1999). He uses high-quality, all-American parts and employs specialized techniques like cylinder cutting for increased compression and precise connecting rod reconditioning. He also performs extensive case repairs, allowing customers to keep original serial numbers.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to Machine Shop
  2. 00:17Mail Order Business Overview
  3. 00:26Engine and Transmission Services (1936-1999)
  4. 00:56Rebuild Your Own Motor Package
  5. 01:05Head Rebuild Details
  6. 01:11Cylinder Boring and Piston Work
  7. 01:21High-Quality Parts Used
  8. 01:48Connecting Rod Rebuild
  9. 01:58Flywheel Balancing and Assembly
  10. 02:02Oil Pump and Lower End Assembly
  11. 02:28Achieving Higher Compression
  12. 03:12Cylinder Cutting Technique
  13. 03:46Machinery Showcase
  14. 03:51Valve Seat Machining
  15. 03:55Cylinder Boring for Big Bore
  16. 04:01Hole Locating Machine
  17. 04:07Valve Guide Hole Relocation
  18. 04:16Panhead Seat Machining
  19. 04:30Connecting Rod Rebuilding Process
  20. 04:42Pressing Out Bushings
  21. 04:57Removing Rod Races
  22. 05:16Pressing In New Races
  23. 05:33Parts Room Inventory
  24. 05:41Valve Grinder Machine
  25. 05:53Honing Machines
  26. 06:07Boring Machine Operation
  27. 06:38Daily Machine Usage
  28. 06:45Rod Reconditioning Machine
  29. 07:07Mandrel Changes for Bushing Honing
  30. 07:27Turntable for Case Repair
  31. 07:35Harley Race Repair
  32. 07:50Welding Aluminum to Aluminum
  33. 08:06Motor Stand and Testing
  34. 08:09Running and Tuning Engines
  35. 08:52Post-Warm-up Checks
  36. 09:02Why Not More Mail Order Motors
  37. 09:13Shipping Costs Discussion
  38. 09:23Customer Savings Strategy
  39. 09:41Case Repair Sections
  40. 09:53Sportster Case End Repair
  41. 10:00Connecting Rod Blow-Through Repair
  42. 10:10Exhaust Port Inserts
  43. 10:21Sand Casted Panhead Exhaust Ports
  44. 10:33Generator Section Repair
  45. 10:49Sportster Bottom End Replacement
  46. 11:02Keeping Serial Numbers
  47. 11:20Sunnen Seat Master Machine
  48. 11:26Spark Plug Hole Machining
  49. 11:31Benefits of Dual Spark Plugs
  50. 11:44Flywheel Shaving Popularity
  51. 11:46Metal Removed from Flywheels
  52. 11:53Purpose of Flywheel Shaving
  53. 12:22Dresser Bike Torque Considerations
  54. 12:34Revving Like a Stroker
  55. 12:40Piston Skirt Issues in Strokers
  56. 12:48Shaving Flywheels for RPMs
  57. 12:59Contact Information and Service Guarantee
  58. 13:14One-Week Turnaround Guarantee
  59. 13:17Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dragonman's 'rebuild your own motor' package?

Dragonman offers a comprehensive engine lower-end rebuild service for Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 1936-1999. The 'rebuild your own motor' package costs $1200 and includes all parts and labor for the lower end, with the customer responsible for installing the top end.

How does Dragonman increase compression in Harley-Davidson engines?

Dragonman increases engine compression by precisely cutting down the cylinders. For every 50 thousandths of an inch removed from the cylinder height, compression increases by approximately 1.5 to 1, allowing the use of stock replacement pistons without affecting flywheel balance.

What kind of parts does Dragonman use in his engine rebuilds?

Dragonman prioritizes high-quality, all-American parts. This includes Amco guides for unleaded gas, Precision Machining diamond nitrated valves, Timken bearings, and Torrington bearings, ensuring durability and performance.

Can Dragonman repair damaged Harley-Davidson engine cases?

Yes, Dragonman specializes in repairing damaged Harley-Davidson cases. He can cut out sections, such as main races, generator sections, or entire bottom ends of Sportster cases, and weld in new aluminum sections, allowing customers to retain original serial numbers.

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