117" cylinders to replace Axtells

[BTraci]

I've got a 117" motor built with Axtell cylinders (4.125 x 4 3/8).  Can these be replaced with the newer (and more reliable) S&S cylinders or other non-Axtell replacements without needing additional case boring?  (Basically--are the new S&S cylinders the same dimensionally as the Axtells?  Are the other recommendations for new cylinders?

[Don D]

Yes, but due to the length and spigot need to be a custom ordered . I have sold many sets

[Ohio HD]

I've got a 117" motor built with Axtell cylinders (4.125 x 4 3/8).  Can these be replaced with the newer (and more reliable) S&S cylinders or other non-Axtell replacements without needing additional case boring?  (Basically--are the new S&S cylinders the same dimensionally as the Axtells?  Are the other recommendations for new cylinders?

Here are some numbers that Scott from Hillside Cycle posted, so I'm sure these are good numbers.

https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=56910.msg602550#msg602550

I would think the Axtel has a longer spigot than the S&S cylinders. So wouldn't then the standard S&S 4.125" cylinders go one the cases? The only thing I see that may be an issue is the spigot bore diamiter is shown to be larger on the S&S cylinders by 0.012".

Before I did anything I'd confirm the bore size in the case, and confirm the OD of the S&S spigots. I can measure a couple of S&S 4.125" cylinders for you later today. 

[Ohio HD]

Ok, so I measured them now.

Spigot depth of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 1.545"

Spigot diameter of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 4.308"


So As I mentioned I'd check (accurately) the case bore where cylinder will sit. Then also insure the pistons you use will clear the cases below the cylinder when assembled.

[Don D]

Measure the height,  spigot length and spigot od. S&S has eliminated some stock shelf numbers recently. Measure the bore and counterbore, id and depths

[cheech]

I've got a 117" motor built with Axtell cylinders (4.125 x 4 3/8).  Can these be replaced with the newer (and more reliable) S&S cylinders or other non-Axtell replacements without needing additional case boring?  (Basically--are the new S&S cylinders the same dimensionally as the Axtells?  Are the other recommendations for new cylinders?

What are known issues with the Axtell cylinders? Asking anyone really.

[koko3052]

Ok, so I measured them now.

Spigot depth of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 1.545"

Spigot diameter of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 4.308"


So As I mentioned I'd check (accurately) the case bore where cylinder will sit. Then also insure the pistons you use will clear the cases below the cylinder when assembled.

Brian, don't you mean 4-3/8" stroke....I wouldn't want you to be "short strokin'" yourself.

[Ohio HD]

Ok, so I measured them now.

Spigot depth of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 1.545"

Spigot diameter of S&S 4.125" for 4-3/8" stroke = 4.308"


So As I mentioned I'd check (accurately) the case bore where cylinder will sit. Then also insure the pistons you use will clear the cases below the cylinder when assembled.

Brian, don't you mean 4-3/8" stroke....I wouldn't want you to be "short strokin'" yourself.

ooppps!    I wrote it in Latin!     

[BVHOG]

I've got a 117" motor built with Axtell cylinders (4.125 x 4 3/8).  Can these be replaced with the newer (and more reliable) S&S cylinders or other non-Axtell replacements without needing additional case boring?  (Basically--are the new S&S cylinders the same dimensionally as the Axtells?  Are the other recommendations for new cylinders?

What issues are you having with the Axtell cylinders?

[jmorton10]

Here are some numbers that Scott from Hillside Cycle posted, so I'm sure these are good numbers.

If Scott posted them, I'm sure they are right.

I have a blown up 117" motor sitting in my shop with Axtell cylinders that Scott built for a friend of mine.  It was NOT Scotts fault it blew up, my buddy cheaped out & had it built with stock flywheels, it went 1900 miles running GREAT & then scissored the flywheels breaking the oil pump impeller etc.

~John

[dynabagger]

I've got a 117" motor built with Axtell cylinders (4.125 x 4 3/8).  Can these be replaced with the newer (and more reliable) S&S cylinders or other non-Axtell replacements without needing additional case boring?  (Basically--are the new S&S cylinders the same dimensionally as the Axtells?  Are the other recommendations for new cylinders?

I've been through this and as Don says, the custom ordered S&S cylinders worked perfectly.

[BTraci]

Thanks greatly for the advice and info.

Not certain if the issues are cylinder related, am going to tear down this fall, but looks like to be significant blow-by and sealing issues (bike's currently in storage, will be a bit till can find out for sure, but want to know the options if there are cylinder issues), and if there are any issues with the cylinders, the threads below will steer me to the S&S option.  Thanks again to everyone.

https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=67166.50

https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=38761.0

https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=43694.25

https://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php?topic=79432.0

[ThumperDeuce]

I've run several sets of Axtell cylinders without any issues.

[TA63]

I replaced a set of axtell 117 cylinders 3 years ago with a set from S&S and they fit without any additional machining.