Head gasket leak

[Panzer Jr.]

Think one of my head gaskets is leaking. Is there a way t seal it or do I need to remove the head and put in a new gasket?

[Hossamania]

No way to seal it, it must be removed and reassembled with a new gasket.

[Panzer Jr.]

That's what I thought. Know how hard it is to remove?

[Hossamania]

Ron, rbabos, is your source for all things V-Rod.

[rigidthumper]

Why do you think you have a head gasket leak?
If you have oil dripping between the cylinders, it's most likely the crank case breather tube not sealing well to the air box. Seen a ton of em do that.

[rbabos]

More detail needed. Is it coolant or oil? Oil is generally from the breathers, front or rear. Simple fix as in new hoses and not a lot of money. Over a long period of time the hoses deteriorate and will seep oil from either the front bullet or rear hose . I coated mine with dielectric grease to prevent ozone attack, you know, the "Potty mouth" in air that rots rubber components. If you have coolant leakage (rare) then replace the head gasket.   Don't even attempt head gasket without a service manual. Too many other things to be aware of when pulling the head and they need to be right.
Ron

[rbabos]

Why do you think you have a head gasket leak?
If you have oil dripping between the cylinders, it's most likely the crank case breather tube not sealing well to the air box. Seen a ton of em do that.

Yes, freaks a lot of people out especially with older bikes. Cheap hose replacements and done.
Ron

[Panzer Jr.]

Rigid,
Thanks on the possibility. I have not dug into it yet but that will be the first thing I check!

[Panzer]

 rbabos, he's checking that also.
Thx

[Panzer Jr.]

Thanks for the info about the hose. It was pretty dry rotted. Looking for a new one but can't seem to find it. Any ideas?

[rbabos]

Thanks for the info about the hose. It was pretty dry rotted. Looking for a new one but can't seem to find it. Any ideas?

Dealer should be able to order one or both in. Don't know WTF it is with dealers lately but never any stock. Not even crap needed for the service bays.
If you need the rear hose, I did a quick search on ebay. Part number 29505-05
https://picclick.com/Harley-Davidson-Breather-Hose-29505-05A-361871049754.html
29504-05A is the front hose.
https://picclick.com/Harley-Davidson-OEM-New-breather-hose-tube-29504-05A-172619916236.html
Google will bring up other online outfits as well.
Change the oring on the front head bullet as well. Any hydraulic shop can match it up. When installing the airbox, first place brass bullet into head, then slide the airbox and hose over it. A dab of grease for easy slip inside the hose.
Ron

[Panzer Jr.]

Thanks Ron,
Part bought!