Rebuilding Season is Coming!

Published on October 3, 2019
Duration: 8:30

Dragonman provides a detailed guide on preparing Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines for rebuilding, emphasizing proper packing for shipping and common pitfalls during reassembly. He highlights the use of high-quality internal components and offers advice on critical adjustments like push rods, drawing on extensive experience.

Quick Summary

Dragonman advises on shipping Harley-Davidson engine parts by packing heads and barrels individually and securing the lower end in a milk crate with flywheel padding. He warns against improper push rod adjustment, especially with hydraulic lifters, which can lead to bent valves. High-quality components like stainless steel valves and Timken bearings are recommended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Rebuilding Season
  2. 00:20Shipping Your Engine Components
  3. 00:31Packing Heads and Barrels
  4. 01:05Packing the Lower End
  5. 01:59Shipping Sportster Motors
  6. 02:57Common Shipping and Assembly Problems
  7. 03:18Push Rod Adjustment Issues
  8. 04:24High-Quality Rebuild Parts
  9. 04:30Valves, Seats, and Guides
  10. 05:05Cylinders, Pistons, and Rings
  11. 05:21Lower End Components
  12. 06:03Connecting Rods and Bearings
  13. 06:36Lower End Return Condition
  14. 06:45Oil Tank Preparation
  15. 07:05Recommended Oil for Early Motors
  16. 07:34Rebuild Time and Machine Shop Tour
  17. 08:02Contact Information and Shipping Address

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I pack my Harley-Davidson engine parts for shipping to a rebuild shop?

Heads and barrels should be individually boxed and then placed in a larger box with packing paper. The lower end should be secured in a plastic milk crate, with rags stuffed into the flywheel to prevent rotation and protect the packaging from damage during transit.

What are common mistakes made when rebuilding a Harley-Davidson engine?

A frequent error is improper push rod adjustment, particularly with hydraulic lifters. Over-adjusting due to oil in the lifter can cause valves to collide and bend when the engine starts, leading to costly repairs.

What type of internal components does Dragonman recommend for a Harley engine rebuild?

He recommends high-quality parts like stainless steel nitrated valves, nickel alloyed seats, EMCO brass valve guides, Teflon seals, cast pistons with specific clearances, Hastings rings, and Timken bearings for durability and performance.

What kind of oil should I use for older Harley-Davidson engines like panheads or shovelheads?

For early Harley engines, straight-weight motor oil is advised. Use 70-weight for summer, 60-weight for fall, and potentially 50-weight if you ride frequently, as oil thins out when the engine gets hot.

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