Part One of Two of The "Rebuild Your Own Motor" Deal

Published on October 3, 2019
Duration: 18:11

This video details the extensive capabilities of Dragonman's motorcycle machine shop, focusing on engine rebuilding and custom part fabrication for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It showcases specialized equipment and techniques for tasks like installing nickel alloy valve seats, boring cylinders, balancing crankshafts, and repairing engine cases. The instructor, with decades of experience, emphasizes precision and the use of specialized tools to achieve factory-level or improved performance.

Quick Summary

Dragonman's motorcycle machine shop specializes in Harley-Davidson engine rebuilds and custom parts. They offer services like installing durable nickel alloy valve seats, precision cylinder boring, crankshaft balancing, and extensive engine case repair. A key focus is ensuring proper oiling pathways, especially when swapping cam covers, to prevent engine seizure.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Engine Rebuild Deal
  2. 00:18Nickel Alloy Valve Seats
  3. 00:38Engine Components and Preparation
  4. 01:02Lower End Rebuild
  5. 01:30Cam Cover and Pinion Shaft Oiling Issues
  6. 03:13Machine Shop Tour Overview
  7. 03:33Valve Seat Machining (Panhead/Shovelhead)
  8. 04:41Valve Guide Hole Relocation
  9. 05:29Case Boring for Cylinders
  10. 05:44Nipple Seat Machining
  11. 05:58Flywheel Machining
  12. 06:38Seat Master Machine
  13. 06:59Dual Spark Plug Installation
  14. 07:23Case Repair Techniques
  15. 08:41Main Race Repair
  16. 09:00Shovelhead Flange Replacement
  17. 09:18Welding Capabilities
  18. 09:29Motor Stand and Engine Starting
  19. 09:48Compressors and Sandblasting
  20. 10:06Lathe Operations (Pin and Chip)
  21. 10:29Rod Refinishing
  22. 10:42Mandrels and Honing Machines
  23. 11:54Boring Ball for Displacement Increase
  24. 12:59Valve Guide Inventory
  25. 13:13Bearing and Bushing Punches
  26. 13:54Press and Bushing Removal/Installation
  27. 14:36Compression Increase Techniques
  28. 15:31Old Catalog and Double Engine Bikes
  29. 16:19Selling Vintage Video Tapes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nickel alloy valve seats and why are they used in motorcycle engines?

Nickel alloy valve seats are a premium upgrade for motorcycle engines, costing around $30 extra per seat. They are made from a very hard metal, offering superior durability and resistance to wear compared to standard seats, making them ideal for high-performance applications.

What is a common critical issue when swapping cam covers on Harley-Davidson engines?

A critical issue when swapping cam covers is ensuring the oil hole in the pinion shaft bushing aligns correctly with the corresponding hole in the cam cover. Incorrect alignment can lead to oil starvation, causing the engine to seize up, often within a short distance.

How does Dragonman's machine shop handle engine case repairs?

Dragonman's shop performs extensive case repairs by fabricating and welding custom sections for common failure points, such as the countershaft area in Sportster cases or bottom-end blow-outs. They also repair main race bores by inserting new races, ensuring structural integrity.

What is the benefit of machining flywheels on a lathe?

Machining flywheels on a lathe to remove weight from the left side can improve throttle response and increase RPM gain. While this might slightly reduce torque, the enhanced responsiveness is a key benefit for performance-oriented riders. The pinion shaft and sprocket shaft sides maintain standard thickness.

How can compression be increased in a Harley-Davidson engine without using heavy forged pistons?

Compression can be increased by machining the head gasket surface down by 50 thousandths of an inch. This process reduces the volume of the combustion chamber, effectively increasing compression by approximately 1.5 to 1 without adding the weight of forged pistons, which could negatively impact engine balance.

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