I'm so paranoid & meticulous about damaging surfaces I use plastic scrapers. It may take longer but its safer especially if you're prone to impatience doing monotonous tasks. A good long soak in something to soften the gaskets helps.
Are you not removing the valves, cleaning the ports out to a shine, and re-lapping the valves in, you have spent mega ££££ on the motor so far, you havnt a better chance to see to it.
Low miles which not needed… I probably do the same for limited amount of budget allowed. No difference doing top half auto engine and do bottom half later.
Your videos are bloody brilliant! I started watching them in the first lockdown having never ridden a bike. So I went and got a CBT and a 125, a year later I did my full license now I’m 1 year on my ‘BigBoy bike’. Your videos have come a long way in the time I’ve been riding! Keep up the amazing work brother 👍🏻
Good for you. Ive been riding bike for nearly 30 years now and still get a buzz everytime i go out for a ride. Any problems with your bike chances are Del has a video on it. Hes saved me a fortune over the years
In auto shop at Elsinore High school ( yes that Elsinore) One if the teachers gave us his car to fix. He paid for new head gasketsSmall block Chevy. Unfortunately the shop he took it to replace the head gaskets, did not even remove the old head gaskets!Unbeliveable!
You have to do what you have to do, to do it correctly! I've found my patience skyrockets when I'm watching some other poor bastard do it... lol. Much empathy for a bazillion gasket surfaces! I never knew that about Harleys either. Eagerly looking forward to the next episode, thank you. :D
Del I liked the lesson with patience and attention to small details !!! If you fail to seal? You're sure you'll succeed!!! In most garages, sorry, in all garages, except a few like you, they do not take a chance and seal with RTV, and when they sealing with RTV they also do not take off the old gasket at all (Only cleans degreaser preparation for RTV). As annoying as it is, it's saving time works (lowers labor time costs - six hours?). And save materials cost too (this set of gaskets is very relatively expensive 80USD?).
I think its important to cover this part of builds and repairs. I spent more time cleaning parts in my last bike projects (2 x valve adjustments + water pump cover + bike rebuild after track crash) than taking parts off and re-assembly. Now that I'm cleaning up my last repair/maintenance project i started to look for a potential project bike. I'm not certain what it's like in your corner of the woods but everyone i've talked to so far is literally insane with what they think things are worth!! (i.e. bike is worth $6,000. Asking $3,500, needs a fuel tank, paint, tires, chain, sprockets and... it doesn't start!)
Ha ha,, welcome to my world brother.. that exactly the same here.. delusional mentality at times, bikes that are thousands of pounds (Dollars) away from being anywhere near the value they reckon as if the the rebuild and refurbishment work is free and parts grow in trees... im up to well over £1500 in parts so far for this bike, and when im finished and roll it out into the light i will have spent double on it than it will ever be worth... that's why we do these projects for the love of the work and sense of achievement..!
Okay, it’s just not me. Been having the same problem with folks asking way too much money for their bikes. Looking for my next project bike for the channel has become a stressful journey 😆.
I'm not sure that anyone besides Del and Penney could make an interesting video out of such a long and tedious job. 😁 Great job also in emphasizing just how important all this prep work really is. Many thanks to you both !
Glad you enjoyed it Rick, we try to make the videos watchable even if it's the intermediate work that some creators skip over, really appreciate your kind feedback!
Perfect timing Del I have this to do on my bike shortly also. With the fitting a a new stator on my GS500 I will of course be changing the gasket as these stators are submerged in the engine oil. Great job once again Del and a great tip on the dressing of the scrapers edge as the last time I did anything like this was over twenty years ago and I put loads of small gouges in my then CB250 base gasket face, not good but fortunately it did seal ok 😂 Great work as always x
@@Moonfleet41 dont know if asbestos is still being used in gaskets but my Suzuki shop manual has just arrived and it says that some of the gaskets that receive high temperatures actually still contain the stuff! Unbelievable in this day and age.
Hi everyone, I have owned a 1989 Sportes 1200 since 1992 on which I installed an S&S Super G carburettor many years ago. Some time ago I took the heads and cylinders apart to change the gaskets, which were now old and had started to ooze oil. Once the whole engine was reassembled, it began to show this defect: for the first 6/10 km of travel, as soon as I increase the gas, the engine "spits" so much that it loses power. Traveled 6/10 miles suddenly stops spitting and proceeds regularly. I can't figure out the cause. I tried adjusting the carburetor but couldn't fix the problem. Can you help me with some pointers? Need more explanations? Thank you.
Thanks Mike👍, you're right, so much more to it that many videos actually show.. like you with the paint project on your bike, it's a long drawn out process and it's good to share it in real time almost.! Have a great weekend sir and stay in touch.. Del.
Great vid Del & Penny. Some of the obvious things can be overlooked, so you give great tips for any job like this, but chances are, nobody wants to do a job twice if you don't have to, so take your time and do it right first time. Great camera work and the sound of the Mic too picking up the scraping sounds. 👍👏
I really like and enjoy the work you guys are doing at Delboy. I have been following for a time and keep coming back for progress updates. I would recommend the Head gasket mating surface is flat and smooth. Either by way of a 600# sandpaper on a flat surface, or better still, a skim on the milling machine. Though having a pushrod engine might complicate the whole issue. I would imagine that any reduction in overall height could be tuned out at the rockers. Most of my experience comes from two stroke twins and triples or four stroke inline fours with cam chains.
As you said, you don't want to have to take it apart AGAIN to do the right job the first time. I'm sure we've all made that mistake once, and hopefully not twice. Enjoy the weekend you two, and hopefully some good weather for some wind therapy! 😎🤙🏽🏍
One of lifes greatest moments for an engineer is the sight of a spotless gasket face after hours of painstaking cleaning. It`s good to see you putting across how important it is.
On those heads, could you not lay down a piece of plate glass with a piece of fine grit sandpaper sprayed with WD 40 and move the head gasket surface back and forth across the fine grit to polish off all the graphite stain? Some folks home machine car cylinder heads that way rather than taking them to the machine shop but they use a much coarser grit than what you would need. Nothing is more true and flat than a piece of plate glass. Keep up the good work.
Another great vid Del. Simple, yet very important “basic skills.” It’s when you cut corners that you get into trouble. And I must say, your production quality is amazing. Simply the best “how to” videos that I’ve come across. From shot composition to the sharpness of the closeups to how you articulate your information, all are top notch. Kudos to both you and Penny. Cheers!
Thank you Patrick, so much, for your kind words of support and encouragement, it's a lot of work so it makes all the difference to know that it's appreciated my friend.. Take care and have a great weekend.. D&Px
I must say that I completely agree with these comments. It kind of feels like we are all apprentices in your workshop! Love you work Del and thank you for this channel.
Another fantastic video. Never feel like you're stating the obvious Del. The comprehensiveness of your vlogs is what makes them stand head and shoulders above others. I own a "75 shovelhead which is my weekend warrior bike ( so to speak ) and a "13 street triple as my daily ride commuter bike. I've always had an affinity for the Hinckley triples ( this being my forth) and being new to your channel only recently discovered the legend TT build play list. One of the triples i had was a '95 sprint 900 so similar drivetrain. I'm hoping to watch the entire play list on my next 5 day weekend and eventually make my way through all of your vlogs. I'm curious on your opinion of using a caramel/pinstripe removal wheel on gasket surfaces. They seem to remove decals from vehicles without damaging paint so can't be too abrasive if at all. Do you think it's worth considering or better off sticking to the tried and true method of caution and elbow grease. Cheers
Thanks so much for your kind words Kevin, and hope you're looking forward to the project, they're a fabulous bike. With the pinstripe remover, it certainly sounds logical that it would work if it doesn't damage paint, but with the consequences of damaging a gasket surface being quite expensive if it goes wrong, I'd maybe try it on a scrap casing first, or simply stick with the old methods which are guaranteed to give results! Thanks for watching, Del
Thanks for this series of videos. Such great information and well done video. Is the nail on the wall for the old gaskets just your way of separating the old gaskets from the new gaskets??? If not, what is it for??? Thanks for all that you do for all of us out here that choose to do our own work.
Nice video Del & Penny. Very important step and you are so on the money, do it right the first time and you don't look back. I remember being sixteen and getting stuck with that job. Glad to hear you are getting some nice weather now. Have a relaxing weekend, take care. Cheers
Gasket removal is heck whole lotta fun, challenging, getting it perfect…. I used scouring pad when finalizing tad bit. ( sometimes helps, some not) this was easy what del doing👍 Try removing gaskets off Diesel engine, it’s worse !! Lol
I cleaned my heads then flat sanded on a surface plate until it looked practically new when I installed the hammer 1275 kit. Working good so far with the cometic gaskets
Good job I am surprised that you didn't clean the rest of the covers and top ends aluminum as well as the base of the engine. Vapor blast and some elbow grease does a great job. For me it makes the difference between a good job and a great job. Anyway still like your video very informative.
What I have found for the pesky gaskets is a little bit of that paint stripper just tack that on there but it sit for an hour and then it turns to mush
Meticulous and time-comsuming work, Del. I like how you steer our eyes to details that matter. Thanks, Günter from a today very wet and cold Nürnberg (got thoroughly soaked on Sunday during a perfection training in the Black Forest on the Tuono)
@@Moonfleet41 Yes, Del. 8 degrees. Rain, more rain and a lot of rain the whole day long. Got drenched, except for my British Sealskinz (99%) waterproof socks. First test, a sound investment.
Terrific vid, Del! I know exactly what you mean. We had scraped a couple of old gaskets on my mother-in-law a few years back, but I’m afraid we didn’t get it quite right and she leaks something awful. 😳 Hope you both are feeling better every day there! Enjoy your weekend! 🏍👍🏍
Damn it, got me there, I'd forgotten about the ol' girl...😳 just as a thought, if it's in the cooling system, try slipping her a bottle of Radweld with her Gin tonight, may help seal up some of the leaks!! Have a great weekend both and keep safe!
This just shows the reason why engine blocks and heads with deformities get machined if they’re warped or pitted. Do the work to get it right from scratch and then do the major repair if it’s actually needed.
hi Del, are you not taking the valves out cleaning then lapping them all, what type of stem seals are used in a Harley ? or they ok! all that work and mucky valves eww :) we like shiny lol
Very good! Your videos are excellent. I have an Iron 883 here in Brazil, and we lack good workmanship, so I do everything at home, and your videos have helped a lot. What do you think about putting a little (5s of spraying) of WD40 inside the tank (along with the gasoline) in order to avoid dirt on the injector nozzles, collectors and induction module?
Obviously the bore is a little bigger (1/2" overall), but this S&S kit is compatible with 883 heads as it's designed for this upgrade, so if there is a fraction of overlap, it's all within tolerances.
Tedious, but a necessary job. And yes, no Harley parts are cheap. So you don't want to have to do the job twice. We say here that "HD" means "hundred dollars". Look forward to seeing the top end finished.
I don't think there's any strict rules on it, but aluminium is soft and I personally wouldn't use a brass brush on a gasket face, just a perfect fresh clean scraper and gentle persistence!
Hi Del, great vids as always, was just thinking are you or were you a bike mechanic, cause your knowledge on bikes is amazing, I certainly have learnt from just watching you, as well as just started my own channel, and that alone is not easy lol. Keep up the good work, well worth watching
Thanks mate, you're very kind, glad you enjoy the videos, been a mechanic of one kind or another all my life... good with your new channel, hope it goes well for you.
Question for you brother. Could you not use one of the plastic wheels in your grinder that you use to remove paint? As I recall, they remove the softer stuff, and do not damage the metal underneath. Just curious. As always, enjoyed watching you work, and learned a bit from the commentary. Shiny side up!
Hey brother, a logical possibility, but the scuff wheels, whilst they don't grind any metal away, they do leave a slight etch in the surface on aluminium which is pretty critical on a head gasket as they need to be super smooth, so I wouldn't risk it... just soften up the gasket material and gently scrape it away!
@@dazdncnfusd6447 Thanks buddy, Penny says Hi, we hope you're both well after your recent scare, sun shines on a new day aye?... did you see the new Dyna??
@@Moonfleet41 I did! Wasn't sure if it was a buddy's you were working on or not. LOVE that bike. I was >< close to buying on when I got the wife's Street Bob. Money was a factor then, and as you know, I got a screaming deal on it. Congrats! You have my dream Dyna now.
I’m confused and obviously missing something. I assume the bores and pistons are bigger (in diameter) to give the extra capacity but surely then the heads don’t match the new barrels?
Length remains the same. Valve cover just same while piston replacement still inside new cylinder. Valves cover and heads same stock numbers. ( it does sounds odd) compression part will be the one change.. as I mentioned previously… how the sound differs ?? I’m just as curious!! Lol
another great video brother! so satisfying seeing the before and after 👍 great job 👏 keep up the great work brother! good tip on the metal scraper to make sure its free of sharp edges 👍 stay safe guys cheers from new york 🍷🍷🍺🍺
Superb as always Del. I can fully appreciate the time taken at such an important part of the build. Hats off to you. Never boring as you show it as it is which is what we like. Best channel out there. 🇸🇪🇬🇧🙂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent video demonstrating the need for attention to detail and the patience required to achieve it. ..Are you not tempted to clean up and de-carbonise the combustion chambers and valves while you’re in there?
As always, a great video Del, thanks for that! Wouldn't it also make sense to take this opportunity to clean the valves properly? They already look a bit coked up...
Bah just sold my sportster and already miss it. Have a EFI twin cam Road King but i love the sound of a carbed bike so much better. Think ill have to sell the RK and find a Springer Softail with a carbed Evo motor:P Good job as always Del, Love the sportster series. If you ever are in Norway the pint is on me mate (=
Thank you for your kind words, we really appreciate that. I think something was lost for ever when Harley had to switch over to fuel injection, so many riders (me included) will always love the sound and feel of a Carb'd fully air cooled motor.. Take care and have a great weekend. !
Great job Del. Sometime the most remedial jobs are the most important. I am looking forward to the next assembly stage. Appreciate you sharing. As always, great editing and camera work by Penny. Cheers folks.
just a thought, but why don't you bead blast and polish the parts while you can. I think they would look a whole lot better, but then, i'm a sucker for shiney parts.
How about a video of the re-assembly?? Fairly new to the game, would be really helpful to see how to take it apart and put it back when doing this task!
Sure thing Richard, time well spent, of course it's not as long a job in real life, filming anything for a You Tube video more than doubles the time taken, so if I was doing this off camera on my own, it's maybe a couple of hours at best!
I agree Del It's very satisfying to work really hard on a project and at the end be pleased with the results. Even if it's just cleaning gasket surfaces Nick Australia
I'm so paranoid & meticulous about damaging surfaces I use plastic scrapers. It may take longer but its safer especially if you're prone to impatience doing monotonous tasks. A good long soak in something to soften the gaskets helps.
Are you not removing the valves, cleaning the ports out to a shine, and re-lapping the valves in, you have spent mega ££££ on the motor so far, you havnt a better chance to see to it.
Low miles which not needed… I probably do the same for limited amount of budget allowed. No difference doing top half auto engine and do bottom half later.
Your videos are bloody brilliant! I started watching them in the first lockdown having never ridden a bike. So I went and got a CBT and a 125, a year later I did my full license now I’m 1 year on my ‘BigBoy bike’.
Your videos have come a long way in the time I’ve been riding! Keep up the amazing work brother 👍🏻
Good for you. Ive been riding bike for nearly 30 years now and still get a buzz everytime i go out for a ride. Any problems with your bike chances are Del has a video on it. Hes saved me a fortune over the years
The "do it once do it right" approach pays off every time.
In auto shop at Elsinore High school ( yes that Elsinore) One if the teachers gave us his car to fix. He paid for new head gasketsSmall block Chevy. Unfortunately the shop he took it to replace the head gaskets, did not even remove the old head gaskets!Unbeliveable!
Not surprised when commercial garages are on the clock, they can sometimes overlook things!
You have to do what you have to do, to do it correctly! I've found my patience skyrockets when I'm watching some other poor bastard do it... lol. Much empathy for a bazillion gasket surfaces! I never knew that about Harleys either. Eagerly looking forward to the next episode, thank you. :D
Thanks buddy, I agree, it's sometimes better to watch someone else do the boring jobs, makes you realise you're not the only one aye?!
I use carbcleaner it dissolves gasket within seconds so you can scrape it off with your fingernail
Del I liked the lesson with patience and attention to small details !!!
If you fail to seal? You're sure you'll succeed!!!
In most garages, sorry, in all garages, except a few like you, they do not take a chance and seal with RTV, and when they sealing with RTV they also do not take off the old gasket at all (Only cleans degreaser preparation for RTV). As annoying as it is, it's saving time works (lowers labor time costs - six hours?). And save materials cost too (this set of gaskets is very relatively expensive 80USD?).
Thanks buddy, wise words.. and yeah, it's all in the detail..
I think its important to cover this part of builds and repairs. I spent more time cleaning parts in my last bike projects (2 x valve adjustments + water pump cover + bike rebuild after track crash) than taking parts off and re-assembly. Now that I'm cleaning up my last repair/maintenance project i started to look for a potential project bike. I'm not certain what it's like in your corner of the woods but everyone i've talked to so far is literally insane with what they think things are worth!! (i.e. bike is worth $6,000. Asking $3,500, needs a fuel tank, paint, tires, chain, sprockets and... it doesn't start!)
Ha ha,, welcome to my world brother.. that exactly the same here.. delusional mentality at times, bikes that are thousands of pounds (Dollars) away from being anywhere near the value they reckon as if the the rebuild and refurbishment work is free and parts grow in trees... im up to well over £1500 in parts so far for this bike, and when im finished and roll it out into the light i will have spent double on it than it will ever be worth... that's why we do these projects for the love of the work and sense of achievement..!
Okay, it’s just not me. Been having the same problem with folks asking way too much money for their bikes. Looking for my next project bike for the channel has become a stressful journey 😆.
@@TechnMoto my favourite reply is, you could get more than you paid for it by selling it for parts.
@@myz06rocks 😂😂
@@myz06rocks 😂😂👍👌
I'm not sure that anyone besides Del and Penney could make an interesting video out of such a long and tedious job. 😁 Great job also in emphasizing just how important all this prep work really is. Many thanks to you both !
Glad you enjoyed it Rick, we try to make the videos watchable even if it's the intermediate work that some creators skip over, really appreciate your kind feedback!
Perfect timing Del I have this to do on my bike shortly also. With the fitting a a new stator on my GS500 I will of course be changing the gasket as these stators are submerged in the engine oil.
Great job once again Del and a great tip on the dressing of the scrapers edge as the last time I did anything like this was over twenty years ago and I put loads of small gouges in my then CB250 base gasket face, not good but fortunately it did seal ok 😂
Great work as always x
Hey Marc, good luck with the job, hope it all goes according to plan with no problem... have fun and enjoy the darkside! Have a great weekend, D&Px
@@Moonfleet41 dont know if asbestos is still being used in gaskets but my Suzuki shop manual has just arrived and it says that some of the gaskets that receive high temperatures actually still contain the stuff! Unbelievable in this day and age.
Hi everyone,
I have owned a 1989 Sportes 1200 since 1992 on which I installed an S&S Super G carburettor many years ago. Some time ago I took the heads and cylinders apart to change the gaskets, which were now old and had started to ooze oil. Once the whole engine was reassembled, it began to show this defect: for the first 6/10 km of travel, as soon as I increase the gas, the engine "spits" so much that it loses power. Traveled 6/10 miles suddenly stops spitting and proceeds regularly. I can't figure out the cause. I tried adjusting the carburetor but couldn't fix the problem. Can you help me with some pointers? Need more explanations?
Thank you.
1995 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 owner here who's learned a ton from your videos. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks mate. Glad to help!
Good instruction. As you noted- a very important step to any build. Enjoyed watching now back to work for me. Take care.
Thanks Mike👍, you're right, so much more to it that many videos actually show.. like you with the paint project on your bike, it's a long drawn out process and it's good to share it in real time almost.! Have a great weekend sir and stay in touch.. Del.
Great vid Del & Penny.
Some of the obvious things can be overlooked, so you give great tips for any job like this, but chances are, nobody wants to do a job twice if you don't have to, so take your time and do it right first time. Great camera work and the sound of the Mic too picking up the scraping sounds.
👍👏
Thank you so much Colin for those kind words, we're really glad you enjoyed the video! Time to assemble it all next...
Good job ps are replaced the exhaust bolts 👍
I really like and enjoy the work you guys are doing at Delboy. I have been following for a time and keep coming back for progress updates.
I would recommend the Head gasket mating surface is flat and smooth. Either by way of a 600# sandpaper on a flat surface, or better still, a skim on the milling machine. Though having a pushrod engine might complicate the whole issue. I would imagine that any reduction in overall height could be tuned out at the rockers.
Most of my experience comes from two stroke twins and triples or four stroke inline fours with cam chains.
Thanks for your input John, I think everybody has some experience of this at some time or another, and most of it is in our youth!
As you said, you don't want to have to take it apart AGAIN to do the right job the first time. I'm sure we've all made that mistake once, and hopefully not twice. Enjoy the weekend you two, and hopefully some good weather for some wind therapy! 😎🤙🏽🏍
Sure thing mate, even if it takes a little longer, it's best to try and do it right first time!
One of lifes greatest moments for an engineer is the sight of a spotless gasket face after hours of painstaking cleaning. It`s good to see you putting across how important it is.
Sure thing mate, rewarding all by itself. Thank you for your kind support.
On those heads, could you not lay down a piece of plate glass with a piece of fine grit sandpaper sprayed with WD 40 and move the head gasket surface back and forth across the fine grit to polish off all the graphite stain? Some folks home machine car cylinder heads that way rather than taking them to the machine shop but they use a much coarser grit than what you would need. Nothing is more true and flat than a piece of plate glass. Keep up the good work.
Another great vid Del. Simple, yet very important “basic skills.” It’s when you cut corners that you get into trouble.
And I must say, your production quality is amazing. Simply the best “how to” videos that I’ve come across. From shot composition to the sharpness of the closeups to how you articulate your information, all are top notch. Kudos to both you and Penny. Cheers!
Thank you Patrick, so much, for your kind words of support and encouragement, it's a lot of work so it makes all the difference to know that it's appreciated my friend.. Take care and have a great weekend.. D&Px
I must say that I completely agree with these comments. It kind of feels like we are all apprentices in your workshop!
Love you work Del and thank you for this channel.
@@nickkaratatis3780 Thanks Nick, that's very kind!
Another fantastic video. Never feel like you're stating the obvious Del. The comprehensiveness of your vlogs is what makes them stand head and shoulders above others. I own a "75 shovelhead which is my weekend warrior bike ( so to speak ) and a "13 street triple as my daily ride commuter bike. I've always had an affinity for the Hinckley triples ( this being my forth) and being new to your channel only recently discovered the legend TT build play list. One of the triples i had was a '95 sprint 900 so similar drivetrain. I'm hoping to watch the entire play list on my next 5 day weekend and eventually make my way through all of your vlogs. I'm curious on your opinion of using a caramel/pinstripe removal wheel on gasket surfaces. They seem to remove decals from vehicles without damaging paint so can't be too abrasive if at all. Do you think it's worth considering or better off sticking to the tried and true method of caution and elbow grease. Cheers
Thanks so much for your kind words Kevin, and hope you're looking forward to the project, they're a fabulous bike. With the pinstripe remover, it certainly sounds logical that it would work if it doesn't damage paint, but with the consequences of damaging a gasket surface being quite expensive if it goes wrong, I'd maybe try it on a scrap casing first, or simply stick with the old methods which are guaranteed to give results! Thanks for watching, Del
Thanks for this series of videos. Such great information and well done video. Is the nail on the wall for the old gaskets just your way of separating the old gaskets from the new gaskets??? If not, what is it for??? Thanks for all that you do for all of us out here that choose to do our own work.
Great instructional video. Not boring at all mate! Enjoy your weekend and sending our love to you and P
Thanks so much mate, you too, have a great weekend.
@@Moonfleet41 bike night tonight for me - be good to catch up with both clubs I ride with this evening!
Nice video Del & Penny. Very important step and you are so on the money, do it right the first time and you don't look back. I remember being sixteen and getting stuck with that job. Glad to hear you are getting some nice weather now. Have a relaxing weekend, take care. Cheers
Thanks mate, yeah happy days aye, so much less to worry about in life, and we didn't even know it at the time! Enjoy your weekend too mate.
Gasket removal is heck whole lotta fun, challenging, getting it perfect…. I used scouring pad when finalizing tad bit. ( sometimes helps, some not) this was easy what del doing👍
Try removing gaskets off Diesel engine, it’s worse !! Lol
Sure thing buddy, that's where I served my time in commercial coach and bus engines so many happy hours trying to prise off diesel engine gaskets!
I cleaned my heads then flat sanded on a surface plate until it looked practically new when I installed the hammer 1275 kit. Working good so far with the cometic gaskets
Good job I am surprised that you didn't clean the rest of the covers and top ends aluminum as well as the base of the engine. Vapor blast and some elbow grease does a great job. For me it makes the difference between a good job and a great job. Anyway still like your video very informative.
Stick with the project buddy, all will become clear! Thanks for watching.
Nice job. I learned the hard way that all gaskets aren't equal. When possible, but the good ones
What I have found for the pesky gaskets is a little bit of that paint stripper just tack that on there but it sit for an hour and then it turns to mush
Thanks for that tip buddy!
Why are you not regrinding the valves?
Del, just a very important and enjoyable video👍
Thank you mate, Glad you enjoyed it!
Meticulous and thorough… rewarding in the end, always! Great video as always. 👍
Thank you Andre!
Excellent attention, a great lesson for all.
Thank you John. Glad you enjoyed it!
Meticulous and time-comsuming work, Del. I like how you steer our eyes to details that matter.
Thanks, Günter from a today very wet and cold Nürnberg (got thoroughly soaked on Sunday during a perfection training in the Black Forest on the Tuono)
Thanks so much for your kind words my friend, that sounds like you had fun on the riding course!
@@Moonfleet41 Yes, Del. 8 degrees. Rain, more rain and a lot of rain the whole day long. Got drenched, except for my British Sealskinz (99%) waterproof socks. First test, a sound investment.
Not boring at all Del - lots of useful information and great tips in here. A great way to start the weekend!
Have fun both of you!
Hey buddy, thanks for your kind feedback, we're glad you enjoyed it! Have a great weekend and keep safe.
Terrific vid, Del! I know exactly what you mean. We had scraped a couple of old gaskets on my mother-in-law a few years back, but I’m afraid we didn’t get it quite right and she leaks something awful. 😳
Hope you both are feeling better every day there! Enjoy your weekend!
🏍👍🏍
Damn it, got me there, I'd forgotten about the ol' girl...😳 just as a thought, if it's in the cooling system, try slipping her a bottle of Radweld with her Gin tonight, may help seal up some of the leaks!! Have a great weekend both and keep safe!
@@Moonfleet41 hehe🤪
Great video Del. Always do it right the first time. You always showing us the correct way of doing jobs like this. Thank you Del.
Thanks mate, I learned these things from other, so just passing it forwards!
This just shows the reason why engine blocks and heads with deformities get machined if they’re warped or pitted.
Do the work to get it right from scratch and then do the major repair if it’s actually needed.
hi Del, are you not taking the valves out cleaning then lapping them all, what type of stem seals are used in a Harley ? or they ok! all that work and mucky valves eww :) we like shiny lol
Very good! Your videos are excellent. I have an Iron 883 here in Brazil, and we lack good workmanship, so I do everything at home, and your videos have helped a lot. What do you think about putting a little (5s of spraying) of WD40 inside the tank (along with the gasoline) in order to avoid dirt on the injector nozzles, collectors and induction module?
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Great video Del and not boring at all. Prep work is the best work. Quality scraper and spray solvent worked great. Have a splendid weekend. Cheers.
Thanks, you too mate, glad you enjoyed the video!
Is the contact area between the head of an 800 cc and 1200 cc engine the same? I really like to watch and learn from you. Thanks
Obviously the bore is a little bigger (1/2" overall), but this S&S kit is compatible with 883 heads as it's designed for this upgrade, so if there is a fraction of overlap, it's all within tolerances.
Tedious, but a necessary job. And yes, no Harley parts are cheap. So you don't want to have to do the job twice. We say here that "HD" means "hundred dollars". Look forward to seeing the top end finished.
Thanks buddy, I've not heard that one before and I totally agree, there doesn't seem to be anything at the Harley dealer!
is a brass wheel or brush a good substitute to scrapping the surface?
I don't think there's any strict rules on it, but aluminium is soft and I personally wouldn't use a brass brush on a gasket face, just a perfect fresh clean scraper and gentle persistence!
Hi Del, great vids as always, was just thinking are you or were you a bike mechanic, cause your knowledge on bikes is amazing, I certainly have learnt from just watching you, as well as just started my own channel, and that alone is not easy lol. Keep up the good work, well worth watching
Thanks mate, you're very kind, glad you enjoy the videos, been a mechanic of one kind or another all my life... good with your new channel, hope it goes well for you.
Question for you brother. Could you not use one of the plastic wheels in your grinder that you use to remove paint? As I recall, they remove the softer stuff, and do not damage the metal underneath. Just curious. As always, enjoyed watching you work, and learned a bit from the commentary. Shiny side up!
Hey brother, a logical possibility, but the scuff wheels, whilst they don't grind any metal away, they do leave a slight etch in the surface on aluminium which is pretty critical on a head gasket as they need to be super smooth, so I wouldn't risk it... just soften up the gasket material and gently scrape it away!
@@Moonfleet41 Makes sense. Just something I thought of and wanted to ask. Hope all is well with Penny and yourself!
@@dazdncnfusd6447 Thanks buddy, Penny says Hi, we hope you're both well after your recent scare, sun shines on a new day aye?... did you see the new Dyna??
@@Moonfleet41 I did! Wasn't sure if it was a buddy's you were working on or not. LOVE that bike. I was >< close to buying on when I got the wife's Street Bob. Money was a factor then, and as you know, I got a screaming deal on it. Congrats! You have my dream Dyna now.
I’m confused and obviously missing something. I assume the bores and pistons are bigger (in diameter) to give the extra capacity but surely then the heads don’t match the new barrels?
Length remains the same. Valve cover just same while piston replacement still inside new cylinder. Valves cover and heads same stock numbers. ( it does sounds odd) compression part will be the one change.. as I mentioned previously… how the sound differs ?? I’m just as curious!! Lol
Del, your subscribers would watch you scrape the peeling paint off the wall for five hours straight. Good, meticulous job! Well done!
:-)) I think that might be pushing it... but thanks for the kind sentiments mate.. it's really appreciated.
another great video brother! so satisfying seeing the before and after 👍 great job 👏 keep up the great work brother! good tip on the metal scraper to make sure its free of sharp edges 👍 stay safe guys cheers from new york 🍷🍷🍺🍺
Glad you enjoyed the video Renzo, always good to hear from you brother, stay safe both and have a great weekend too, D&Px
What is it your spraying? I have 2 bad gaskets in my 883 and just got the gasket kit today taking it apart soon, what are you spraying?
Superb as always Del. I can fully appreciate the time taken at such an important part of the build. Hats off to you. Never boring as you show it as it is which is what we like. Best channel out there. 🇸🇪🇬🇧🙂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much Paul, as ever, for your kind and generous words, glad you enjoy the Channel!
What is the spray you are using?
Excellent video demonstrating the need for attention to detail and the patience required to achieve it. ..Are you not tempted to clean up and de-carbonise the combustion chambers and valves while you’re in there?
Thanks mate, it's all in the detail, and a lot longer process than those videos where you see an entire engine build in three minutes..
As always, a great video Del, thanks for that! Wouldn't it also make sense to take this opportunity to clean the valves properly? They already look a bit coked up...
Bah just sold my sportster and already miss it. Have a EFI twin cam Road King but i love the sound of a carbed bike so much better. Think ill have to sell the RK and find a Springer Softail with a carbed Evo motor:P
Good job as always Del, Love the sportster series. If you ever are in Norway the pint is on me mate (=
Thank you for your kind words, we really appreciate that. I think something was lost for ever when Harley had to switch over to fuel injection, so many riders (me included) will always love the sound and feel of a Carb'd fully air cooled motor.. Take care and have a great weekend. !
@@Moonfleet41 And the smell. The sweet smell of a carbed bike has a sense of nostralgia that is irresistable haha. Have a great weekend both of ya!
Del, not doing the valves while you have the heads off ?
No mate
Great job Del. Sometime the most remedial jobs are the most important. I am looking forward to the next assembly stage. Appreciate you sharing. As always, great editing and camera work by Penny. Cheers folks.
Thanks Shaun 👍 for your kind words, we're glad to hear you enjoy the work we do! Have a fantastic weekend, enjoy the sunshine! D&Px
just a thought, but why don't you bead blast and polish the parts while you can. I think they would look a whole lot better, but then, i'm a sucker for shiney parts.
Copper blade good for head surface
Do it right, or do it twice!😁
My wife says she hears a lot of scraping when I watch your videos! What do you spray on, brake cleaner? Cheers Del.
Yes mate, a little brake cleaner loosens the stuck gasket mess, makes it so much easier to lift off.
I would strongly recommend that you change the exhaust bolts.
New studs on order !
You could do very well here in Florida USA where people ride year round. Lots of bikes here and nor enough shops.
Maybe one day, that would be awesome.. thank you for your kind words.
As you say it is very satisfying to complete these types of tasks
Del, was that brake cleaner you were using. Or something else?
It's certainly worth doing it right, no second chances to make your first impression, Great job Sir Del
Thanks mate👍.. works for me !
A long day but worth it in the end when it all goes back together with no leaks.
"dont use the one granddad has been doing the decorating with" hahahaha
It's the attention to detail that I love about this channel.
Thank you Martin, that's very kind.
Nice job - "time spent in preparation is seldom wasted" aye? Cheers you two! x
Wise words well said Mike! Have a great weekend, D&Px
Patience of a saint… Amazing stuff
GREAT video - folks need this type of content to LEARN.
Thanks you. I appreciate that!
Seems you manage to get yourself into more scrapes than a professional cellist . . . be doing Royal weddings next : )xx
Really love this content it's like amsr for mechanics
Brilliant video Del, lots of great advice and tips for this type of process, thanks ride safe 👍
Glad you enjoyed it mate, thanks for watching!
At least you don't have to remove the cylinder base gaskets which always stick to the barrels, they're real pigs to scrape off
Yes mate, i wouldn't have been looking forward to that job, cleaning all round the base of the barrels is a bind..!
awesome as always... 👍👍👍👌👌👌
Thank you so much 😀
How about a video of the re-assembly?? Fairly new to the game, would be really helpful to see how to take it apart and put it back when doing this task!
How about checking the Channel for the 'full build series', including the taking apart, the re-assembly and the first fire up!
Ahh, this is where a number would just use some copper spray and call it a day.
Very therapeutic video Del....
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it.. have a great weekend.
Great Video A job worth doing well Dell 👏👌👍
Thanks Chris 👍, you said that right mate!
That did take some time but as you say Del should pay dividends later 👍
Sure thing Richard, time well spent, of course it's not as long a job in real life, filming anything for a You Tube video more than doubles the time taken, so if I was doing this off camera on my own, it's maybe a couple of hours at best!
@@Moonfleet41 Got you 👍
Tell you the truth, I like using 3M rollock discs for this, they won't harm aluminum.
Lap the valves!!!!
Happy fridel :-)
I agree Del
It's very satisfying to work really hard on a project and at the end be pleased with the results.
Even if it's just cleaning gasket surfaces
Nick Australia
Thanks Nick, having fun with an old bike and rediscovering old skills at the same time.. have a great weekend mate and take care.
Patience is you’re friend, as Guinness say… good things come to those who wait! Now you can enjoy you’re weekend 😎
Absolutely mate.. take care of business and then it's tine for family..
Patience !
Hi mate, a tedious job no doubt but so critical as you say..good prep…good results. Thank you for this mate, they’re really good!
PS…can you tell I’m having a Delboys Garage night. Ive been busy and need to catch up on this build.
Yes mate, i thought so.. once again, glad you're enjoying the project too, it's great to be getting on with it.
Del where did you learn your skills at???
A lot passed on from my Father, Some formal training, plus a lifetime of experience!
you gotta do what you gotta do del has to be done right m8 atb iain
Hey up mate hope you are both well
What’s wrong with grinding paste and a piece of glass for skimming done that a few times over the years 🤘🤘
That is indeed a great tip if i need it mate.. done that myself back in the old days.!
Do it properly, do it once. Enjoying the Sporty vids Del.
Thanks Russ, too right mate!
the base gaskets are horrible mine took hours with a razor
I guess you removed my comment cuz of the link? sorry. It is a Roloc Bristle Disc, thats what i use for cleaning mating surfaces
Not my doing mate.. it seems YT doesn't like links.. but found it now yeah, looks like a great product.. thanks.