EVO base gaskets...Is it OK to only replace the gasket?

[Ohio HD]

While you're in there..........               


https://www.sscycle.com/products/complete-96-inch-big-bore/stroker-hot-set-up-kit-with-cylinder-heads-for-1993-99-big-twins-wrinkle-black-finish/

haha...I'm in Memphis, the winters aren't that bad.

That's like three weeks downtime with shipping the cases to someone for machining. Piece 'o' cake!  We'll help.....     

[Pete_Vit]

While you're in there..........               


https://www.sscycle.com/products/complete-96-inch-big-bore/stroker-hot-set-up-kit-with-cylinder-heads-for-1993-99-big-twins-wrinkle-black-finish/

[Chameleon90]

Then there is this product which claims to fix the issue of leaking base gaskets forever.  Found this after putting James metal base gaskets in mine.

  the Oil FIX

[SixShooter14]

Then there is this product which claims to fix the issue of leaking base gaskets forever.  Found this after putting James metal base gaskets in mine.

  the Oil FIX

yeah, I've seen those but never tried it. A good warm up procedure has always worked for me.

[SixShooter14]

While you're in there..........               


https://www.sscycle.com/products/complete-96-inch-big-bore/stroker-hot-set-up-kit-with-cylinder-heads-for-1993-99-big-twins-wrinkle-black-finish/

haha...I'm in Memphis, the winters aren't that bad.

That's like three weeks downtime with shipping the cases to someone for machining. Piece 'o' cake!  We'll help.....     

nah, I'm not that ambitious......yet

Right now I'm thinking new gaskets from the base up, new studs, and maybe adjustable pushrods (assuming it has OEMs now )

Future:
head porting and new cam (assuming it has OEM cam )

I'm not looking for tons of power (famous last words  ) just a strong, reliable, non-leaking engine.

[thumper 823]

Most head porting is BS AFAIC
I did my own as I have on all my stuff for years ..but everyone has said brand X will make such a HUGE difference.
I bought into it.

Barf

So far it has been a boatload of BS.
No difference!
If you look at a 911 head and improve on the intake port just a little  (copy)  install the larger valves, unshroud them.
Put the seating area  WAY to the top and narrow.
A good mid-range cam (and springs)
10. something to one  Cr
Viola
You will be at 100hp
Most people that want to keep secrets can't afford to let loose as they don't know much.

[SixShooter14]

Most head porting is BS AFAIC
I did my own as I have on all my stuff for years ..but everyone has said brand X will make such a HUGE difference.
I bought into it.

Barf

So far it has been a boatload of BS.
No difference!
If you look at a 911 head and improve on the intake port just a little  (copy)  install the larger valves, unshroud them.
Put the seating area  WAY to the top and narrow.
A good mid-range cam (and springs)
10. something to one  Cr
Viola
You will be at 100hp
Most people that want to keep secrets can't afford to let loose as they don't know much.

by 'porting' I really mean cleaning and slicking up, to help the flow and valves. Maybe even add new lifters to try to reduce some noise, though it's not that bad.

Edit: But I also have no idea what kind of shape the inside of this engine is in. Could be nice and clean or caked up and nasty

[thumper 823]

The heart of the engine is the cam.
Don't go crazy, 580, to 530  lift or close, .
I  am a fan Of Dave Mackie but looking at the specs I think the better street cams are all about the same.
Of course a new inner bearing.
You will want new lifters for insurance and the high spring pressure.

[SixShooter14]

The heart of the engine is the cam.
Don't go crazy, 580, to 530  lift or close, .
I  am a fan Of Dave Mackie but looking at the specs I think the better street cams are all about the same.
Of course a new inner bearing.
You will want new lifters for insurance and the high spring pressure.

Yeah, that's the biggest question right now. I have no idea what cam is in it. Or the carb jetting for that matter.

[thumper 823]

If you have an aftermarket cam you are already running past all stock evos

[SixShooter14]

If you have an aftermarket cam you are already running past all stock evos

I feel I already know this answer...But I'll ask anyway... Is there anyway to ID a cam without pulling it out? Or at least determine if it's stock HD or aftermarket?

[thumper 823]

It should be stamped right on the end sticking out the timing cover.
You will have to remove whatever you have in there for ignition....
which brings you back to the slippery slope you need better than stock  D.TT

[Ohio HD]

If you have an aftermarket cam you are already running past all stock evos

I feel I already know this answer...But I'll ask anyway... Is there anyway to ID a cam without pulling it out? Or at least determine if it's stock HD or aftermarket?

Degree wheel is about it.

I mean you really don't know if it has stock anything, pistons milled heads, etc.

[SixShooter14]

If you have an aftermarket cam you are already running past all stock evos

I feel I already know this answer...But I'll ask anyway... Is there anyway to ID a cam without pulling it out? Or at least determine if it's stock HD or aftermarket?

Degree wheel is about it.

I mean you really don't know if it has stock anything, pistons milled heads, etc.

pretty much. I'm trying to find the least invasive way to determine what the inside looks like. But being that it is currently leaking, I don't mind opening the top end to fix that.


I should be able to just pull the pushrod tubes and at least see if they're adjustable.

[thumper 823]

I forgot if you have virgin  heads you need 0.050 to about 0.075  scraped off your heads
along with the cam and the rest of the goodies.

[hbkeith]

youre there so ... may as well do it now , on my 97 RK I let Larry port my heads ( bigger valves etc) and mill off 50 ,adjustable pushrods , new lifters, EV27 cam ,stock pistons with new rings,  stock (rejetted) CV carb, stock ignition , used Propipe(you already have better exhaust) ,didn't do new studs and no problems in 50000 miles since work done. the bike was night and day difference in power . NO BS ,you will be happy.    but if you are not gona mill your Heads I would not change the Pushrods , Why ?

[Hillside Motorcycle]

Machine the un-machined cylinder base.
Cures the leaks.

[Pete_Vit]

Machine the un-machined cylinder base.
Cures the leaks.

while its apart, I agree, get the base and cyls checked, I was told mine were OK, since it was apart and I was seeping from the base gasket I didn't want to chance it.

[SixShooter14]

youre there so ... may as well do it now , on my 97 RK I let Larry port my heads ( bigger valves etc) and mill off 50 ,adjustable pushrods , new lifters, EV27 cam ,stock pistons with new rings,  stock (rejetted) CV carb, stock ignition , used Propipe(you already have better exhaust) ,didn't do new studs and no problems in 50000 miles since work done. the bike was night and day difference in power . NO BS ,you will be happy.    but if you are not gona mill your Heads I would not change the Pushrods , Why ?

Thanks, that's pretty much my current plan.

Assuming my current cam is stock, I was planning to go with an EV27 or 23 later down the road. But the pushrods could be done at that time and the cost put into head/cyl. machining, which really should be done to compliment the cam change. I'm trying hard to keep this project limited to the top-end for both timing and budgetary reasons.

But there's also nothing saying I can't put it off a few more months and let the budget grow. That's kinda why I'm planning it out so early. The wrenches won't turn until after New Years anyway, so waiting until Mar. or Apr. wouldn't hurt.

[thumper 823]

If you are not doing the work your self you better get the heads in early as you wont get them back very soon if you are last in line.
As I said the larger and unshrouded valves is 99% of the port work.
Most anyone can do it.

[Pete_Vit]

youre there so ... may as well do it now , on my 97 RK I let Larry port my heads ( bigger valves etc) and mill off 50 ,adjustable pushrods , new lifters, EV27 cam ,stock pistons with new rings,  stock (rejetted) CV carb, stock ignition , used Propipe(you already have better exhaust) ,didn't do new studs and no problems in 50000 miles since work done. the bike was night and day difference in power . NO BS ,you will be happy.    but if you are not gona mill your Heads I would not change the Pushrods , Why ?

Thanks, that's pretty much my current plan.

Assuming my current cam is stock, I was planning to go with an EV27 or 23 later down the road. But the pushrods could be done at that time and the cost put into head/cyl. machining, which really should be done to compliment the cam change. I'm trying hard to keep this project limited to the top-end for both timing and budgetary reasons.

But there's also nothing saying I can't put it off a few more months and let the budget grow. That's kinda why I'm planning it out so early. The wrenches won't turn until after New Years anyway, so waiting until Mar. or Apr. wouldn't hurt.

EV 27 is what I went with, mild but better than stock, and a nice bolt on 

[rigidthumper]

As long as we're spending your money , EV23 @ 9.5:1 CR is a good overall cam for a RK- outworks the EV27 below 5K

[SixShooter14]

As long as we're spending your money , EV23 @ 9.5:1 CR is a good overall cam for a RK- outworks the EV27 below 5K

thanks a lot  .

I've been flip-flopping between the EV23 and 27 for months.  

[Pete_Vit]

As long as we're spending your money , EV23 @ 9.5:1 CR is a good overall cam for a RK- outworks the EV27 below 5K

thanks a lot  .

I've been flip-flopping between the EV23 and 27 for months.  

true but I believe the EV23 requires some...modifications ? not a bolt on, that may be ok, I just chose not to

[rigidthumper]

EV23 is a bolt in-uses stock springs.