As we prepare to install a super high performance Top End on a 1997 Harley Davidson Evolution Fatboy, we remove the difficult rear rocker box assembly.
Honestly, it's good to see this done with the tight fit situation. Just gives the rest of us novices a morale boost knowing we aren't the only ones dealing with it. There are vids where they only show things done or make it look easier through edits. Thanks, Mike. Stay upright and between the pipes, pal.
You really don't have much room between the frame and the rear cylinder, I would lose my patience already 🤭 thanks Mike for sharing this video. It's really interesting to follow the full procedure once. Grtz from Belgium.
The patience required for this procedure is a trait not possessed by me. I have real appreciation for you, Mike, and others who enjoy performing this type of work.
I'm doing rocker box gaskets on my 96 heritage Softail nostalgia right now and I got my rear rocker box stuck. I finally got irritated and sat down to take a smoke break to see if someone else had the problem. Thank you for doing your video because at 15 minutes you made it look easy. :)
I don't know if there's any difference in your frame clearance. It's not easy on a stock late nineties Softail. Look at our video on installing that rocker box.
It's apparent Harley-Davidson makes things so tight so you get frustrated and let them do the labor!!! NOT!!! Harley would never work on any of my bikes!!! Good job Mike!!!😎
A summer's eve neath Sherwood's crown, new shadows prance & flit, & wet tea-bags fly through ancient oaks . . . it keeps the squirrels fit. We watch our heroes feel their way, through the Evo's valve gear harbour, with all that complexity atop one head . . . are they cast by Donald's barber? The joys of flatheads spring to mind, as they wear their hair-do's low, giving plenty of room within the frame, for the 'Lonely Plug-lead' show. Yet, their bendy breath & piston speeds, restrict how fast they run, if you lob in the valves the other road up, you get a headset like a nun. ('Sic transit gloria cranial-clampage' - as the shrinks lie prone to say. Have a great week everyone : )
about to do a top end rebuild on my 84 FXR. I've read the service manual back to front, and the Haynes manual, but nothing is clearer than watching these videos. Thank you for taking the time to record and upload them, extremely valuable.
Seeing this process performed about as well as can be done gives me the hope that I'm not the complete blithering goober I often feel like when I have to fiddle with some tasks. I will say that I've only had the courage to do top ends while the runner is out of the bike. I wasn't sure how you could pull it of but it worked out real well! Awesome stuff to share as always brother! Thanks to you and the crew and to Jim for providing his bike for our viewing enjoyment.
This video brings back so many memories of my chasing after issues and improvements on my 1997 FatBoy. I replaced everything except the tins and the electrical and the wheels. Come to find out, electrical gremlins forced me to stop chasing it. Stop improving it. I never could fix the inner primary leaks. Which lead to a belt drive with a new clutch. So, I chose to buy a 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. Buy the best warranty they had available. Wheel and tire and battery warranty. Buy new. Now I have a finished Flstf. After I fixed it one last time. And a new Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. So, the best of both. I'll never sell either one.
Good to watch a pro work through the drudge work of wrenching on these bikes. I applaud your patience Mike. Thanks for posting...that rear rocker box on My Evo springer is just like that Fat Boy. Good on ya mate ..🙂
This video just saved my sanity!! Thank you for sharing you wisdom and tricks. Doing a cam upgrade on my 1998 softail heritage classic and hit a hiccup with rear rocker cover.
My 1984 FXRP did NOT have the holes drilled in the frame for that rear rocker box fastener. What a pain in the butt that was the first time I tore my top end down.(1988) I used an Allen wrench that was cut down to nearly nothing, getting about a 1/16th of a turn at a time only to find out I still could not get it fully disengaged. I believe I'd seen an article in Hot Bike magazine that talked about this lack of access. So... I eye-balled it the best I could and started drilling. It wasn't dead on...but close enough. I was able to remove the bolt and afterword's I got out the trusty BURR bit and widened the holes for better access. I don't know exactly what year HD included this frame MOD into production but what an engineering blunder that was with the early EVO's. This video brings back some fond (maybe not too fond) memories. Thanks Mike... 😎
I saw the struggle on the rear Rocker Box. I have a 97 Heritage. I put S&S heads on it couple years ago. I didn't have the struggle like that one of your friend. Then you mentioned that some frames do and some don't. I must have been lucky. Great video. Much information.
Hello from Sweden this sunny day😎. Yes it is good that you show that sometimes things can take a little bit longer and u have to be cool and do it slow. But that is the only way to go👍. Kjell"the swede" 🇸🇪. Tea and icecream 👌
Where is this channel heading? I subscribed to a Mike building a bike. A MAN WITH A PAN! A hard working man with his KNUCKLE clenched firmly around his SHOVEL! These are qualities to be admired! Nothing could have been better until the MIKE SHOW where nearly everyone was named MIKE except the dog. BEST SHOW EVER! Stick to the Mike format! I know two guys named JIM, and they both claim I owe them money! My mom, (Big Flathead), says HI.....................
Not sure what to say. We just do what we gotta do. We video it because it's what we're doing. Hopefully, it helps someone. We'll get back to the Flathead when I can. Right now, it's go fix the car and take the dog to the vet. Hi Mom!
Doing the same damm thing on my Fatboy. Took about 4 hours to get rear mid cover off then it just slid out.Working in barn wood floor one ext. cord from house. no heat mid Nov. in pa.Love your vids.Thanks
Cool. I went over and over on it, so I could explain it. I show how to install it and tried to describe each movement. It's on the channel. Try it. Thank You. I wish you warm weather.
I just did this in my 98 Heritage. Wish I’d watched this first. Exact same struggle. I ended up covering the open top with a towel and grinding down the head on that last 1/2” bolt (the one that is blocked by the frame) about 1/32”. Then when I tried the same movements, it slid out relatively easy
Appreciate these videos on the EVO My 97 Heritage Classic only has Approximately 25k miles I’ve never been into the engine This will definitely be helpful in the future Thanks
Like watching your videos...your right on they aren’t easy but it’s nice to see what is all involved...I have a question not about this but haven’t seen the project bike in awhile...not really a question but yeah...
You guys saved me on this one! I had to rotate the wheel to get the rocker arm in a certain position and wala! A little fanangling was all it took. Tough thing to wrestle out, damn shame they don't give you just another 1/16" of an inch. They TOTALLY suck. (1994 Fatboy)
@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike, you're the only fella on TH-cam that shows how to do that. I have a video on how to replace a rear belt without dropping the swingarm which seems to have been helpful to those wishing to tackle that job.
I've got a 1993 sportster 883 ..it came hot rodded..I'm trying to figure out what engine kit if any has been added to it ...no numbers stamped in jugs ...I'm thinking of putting cylinder at bottom dead center ..filling up the jug with a liquid and measure it as i fill it ..but I dont know how much displacement each engine jug would hold per fill...or is there a better way to accomplish what I'm after .. I enjoy watching your videos ..👍😉👍
Measure the bore size. Measure the piston going up and down. Most modified 883's are bored out to 1200. Or, you could just enjoy it until it needs a teardown.
Favorite Ratchet , had it since before dirt and it just feels right. I have a couple just like it. The Rocker Arms gotta come out at some point any way. If the job was easy, anybody could do it.
PM, I can't help but wonder what Colonel Angus the rooster sitting in the corner is thinking "what's taking you soo long with that rear waffer" 😂. Actually I'm here learning cuz I have a rocker gasket leak I need to replace on my 99 fatboy. As always I enjoy your humor and wisdom.
Be sure you see the removal and installation. I did it over and over until I could explain it to the best of my ability. And "Rusty" just sits there and watches. Doesn't say anything 'til about 4:30 a.m.
Evo are the best motors to work on and most reliable and simple (definitely compared to a 2 cam!) engine too. There's a reason why all the companies like revtech and ultima etc chose them to mass produce for the chopper craze and aftermarket when they had HD's entire engine lineup to choose from! the sole wish I had is that they used Jim's original hemi type combustion chamber rather than the assymetrical one they went with probably for cost per unit concerns..
Yes I learned the hard way on my 98 Fatboy.. when I got it from a previous owner it would be the rear rocker box was leaking he told me it was the inner primary or outer primary and you different I could follow where the oil was coming from LOL. I had an evolution before 93 but it was an FLH. It was easier it just took some Rubiks cube action
In reference to rear rocker box. Was told some years ago the fat boy the engine is mounted higher in frame. And, that once front assembly is off that if you remove the front engine mount it will allow engine assembly to sag enough to get the rear out.
Could. Was only told this. I ride a '72 shovel and a bike pieced together in '94 with a early evo and sputhe trans. Your vids are great. Learn alot. Thank you.
They refer to that as a wafer I've heard some people refer to it as a D-ring but that is not correct a D-ring is on a panhead... And don't even get me started about wills and relatives 😵 really enjoying the videos Mike be looking forward to the next one
1998 Harley Dyna FXDL has no hole in the frame for that back left rocker box allen bolt.You have to cut down a 3/16 allen wrench to get to it.Takes forever to get it out and then on reassembly is tricky.Done it a few times.
Really enjoy your tooling videos olson Could have you removed the front engine mount and aloud the engine to drop forward to creating a little more space
Thanks for this video. Im thinking of buying a 97 Low Rider. If I would ever have to, would it be easier or harder to get a top end apart on a Dyna frame??
Good evening mike from Australia. Currently rebuilding an ironhead looking for your opinion about which is the best sealant to use when dealing cases. I’ve been told 3bond rubber sealant is the best. What is you opinion on sealants.
I had the same problem on a 98 Heritage Springer. if I would have met the HD Engineer that built that frame, I would have gave him 40 lashes with a wet snapping towel.
If you have stock non adjustable pushrods how do you take pressure off the rockers? Just make sure your on compression stroke so both valves are closed? How do you ensure there’s no pressure on the the rockers? Will they wiggle back and forth and be loose vs stiff? I want to change my rocker box gaskets but fear warping the covers. -Chris
You are exactly right. With the sparkplugs removed, bike in top gear, wheel off the ground, rotate the rear wheel with the pushrod tubes open. When both valve lifters in the cylinder you're working on are down, that's as much pressure as you can relieve. Do that cylinder, then go on to the next. Take it apart, as per the book.
When I did mine, the lower box, rockers and two of the bolts had to come out all at once. No room to remove bolts on left side. It was a bit of a puzzle.
for that stainless valve cover bolt - forceps. those are the best things for overcoming the large hands, tight spaces problem. Im kinda surprised you didnt reach for a set :)
I replaced rear cyl gasket and other gaskets on up on this evo roadking, i ended buying it from previous owner and now have a leak from the rocker box on the backside, would I be able to just sneak an Allen I. There and try re torqueing them to see if it seals back up
Hey Mike, Love your Videos. I've a 86 FXRS-SP. Need to take rocker boxes off. any pointers on doing the rear rocker box to get at that back bolt? Thanks.
I have a 93 fat boy that I’m replacing the gaskets on the rear rocker box, it’s leaking oil. Do you recommend doing both? Your videos are so helpful! It’s my first bike. I love wrenching, just need some expert opinion. My gut says do both. But I’m not a expert. Thx you’re awesome!
Hi Mike, I’m following along with the EVO engine build. I think it’s gonna be a real ground pounder. I wonder if you will have a chance to show a dyno chart? I have a ‘94 Heritage that I cammed and did some other high performance stuff to. When I changed the push rods, I must have lost the adjustment instructions. I can’t remember who the manufacturer is either. I hope this isn’t a real dumb question, but do you have any suggestions on how I can get that information or am I going to need to buy new pushrods? Thx for sharing your super videos. I learn a lot and enjoy watching them. Thx for any ideas about what I can do to get some information on adjusting the pushrods.
You can shorten an allen wrench or order a flat tool available from the aftermarket suppliers. Back off the bolt and leave it in the cover and remove it with the cover. Jack up the engine, remove the front motormount pad and lower the engine to get more clearance on top. Those are my suggestions.
Good morning Mike . Question . It’s a little off topic but still an evo . 1990 softail has 80,000 miles with a fresh rebuild S&S E carb . Took her for a first ride sense I bought her in December.... lots of new parts ,cleaning and paint ... started on the first crank after seating for 6 years... took her for about 50 miles stopping at different points along the way consciences of the makeover and hopping I didn’t forget something.... after getting home and readjusting the high idle and cooling down some I realized there is fuel running out of the float .... I turned off the petcock valve moved away from the spill . Started right and ran without issue... is there any other reason for an over flow other then a sticking float ? Thank you for all the work your doing ....
The bike has been sitting a long time. The tank may need cleaning. Between the tank and that fresh carburetor, a particle could have been and found it's way to the float needle in the carb. That would cause an overflow.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks again for your quick response to my earlier question....I spent the entire winter cleaning the bike from end to end , the tank was full of crud and surface rust ,I cleaned it with rust remover solution more then once. There may have been some particles floating around but would have to get thru a new petcock filter .... thought maybe I just need to shut off the petcock .... I’ll be keeping an eye on it for sure ... thank you again ...
Moin, thank you Mike for this Video! Greate explanation of what you did during this Video! In he background was a sound that remembers me like rain on a metal Roof, was it raining in California? Shure it rains in California :-) The EAGLES sang "it never rains in suthern California" but I'am shure, thats not right :-) Here in the northern Part of Germany it often rains. I have been 4 times in California, it never rained! But my visit's where in summertime :-). In some of your videos, I really like the Horn, in the background. Is that a Amtrak, just a guess, if I' am right? In Reno I liked the long long trains through the City and they always blew their horn ;-)
@@pacificmike9501 Moin, thank you for your answer, again! I guess you guys from California are on the other side, you would like to have some more rain:-) . We here in the northern part of Germany, we would like to have less rain ;-) Maybe I send some to you guys :-) My next task at my E- Glide is, to exchange the secondary drive, I do it always as a kit on all of my bikes. I will check the Seal at the mainshaft. Thank's for your Videos, now I know how to do the exchange! Since now, I have not bumped in a Video from you, where you exchange the sprocket on the Breakedrum, as you now, there are rivets :-) My wife is a precision mechanic, she knows how to deal with rivets :-)
Everything in time. Must fulfil promises. I really want to get at it. The motor is requiring some research. I expect it to do a lot of neat stuff when I'm done. My dog is whining for her sidecar.
Hey Mike I’m going to install ss heads and cylinders on my 89 evo I have solid pushrods how do I remove the pressure off the rocker arms Thank you for your knowledge
@@pacificmike9501 Hi mike yes now I’m changing the cam and pushrods the old cam has a damaged lobe I’ve had my 89 fxstc softail for 31 years first time doing anything to the motor it has over 100,000 miles on it I’m enjoying the build I wish I could have used screaming eagle parts but couldn’t find any so I’m using ss Thank you for your help 🙏
Do you torque these bolts back up or just clean out holes and tighten everything evenly im working on my s&s v96 for the First time there barley any room to fit a torqe wrench in my 93 softail frame. Also when timing the cam is it a simple as spinning the rear wheel and and lineing up the pinnion to the cam don’t need to put anything in tdc ?
I must admit, sometimes I have to estimate the torques. Sometimes those are very difficult to do. There is a flat allen head wrench available from the aftermarket suppliers. Sometimes I use my little 1/4 " drive torque wrench. Try using the torque settings from either Harley or S&S.
Would this method work on an FXR or do I need to drop the engine? I ask as my rear rocker box leaks from under the 'wafer'. Greetings from England where we enjoy tea with cake or biscuits. The only wafer I eat is in church on a Sunday and that is taken with wine 😁
I was bummed when I realized that Harley engines were built with wafers, but, that's just changing times. Lowering the engine in the frame is not hard. You might not have to do it that way. That rocker box should not be disassembled or assembled without the use of a factory service manual. Okay, I said it and I'm glad.
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“Where there’s a will there’s a relative “ 🤣
Yes.
Mike's video's are better than any service manual...they make the cost of my phone justifiable...thanks Mike and camera man Mike
Thank You
👍😊
Honestly, it's good to see this done with the tight fit situation. Just gives the rest of us novices a morale boost knowing we aren't the only ones dealing with it. There are vids where they only show things done or make it look easier through edits. Thanks, Mike. Stay upright and between the pipes, pal.
Thank You
Pacific Mike is the Bob Ross of Harley Davidson motorcycle repairs. Cool and calm, knows his stuff.
Thank You
You really don't have much room between the frame and the rear cylinder, I would lose my patience already 🤭 thanks Mike for sharing this video. It's really interesting to follow the full procedure once. Grtz from Belgium.
Thank You
The patience required for this procedure is a trait not possessed by me. I have real appreciation for you, Mike, and others who enjoy performing this type of work.
And you probably do something I don't have the aptitude for.
I'm doing rocker box gaskets on my 96 heritage Softail nostalgia right now and I got my rear rocker box stuck. I finally got irritated and sat down to take a smoke break to see if someone else had the problem. Thank you for doing your video because at 15 minutes you made it look easy. :)
I don't know if there's any difference in your frame clearance. It's not easy on a stock late nineties Softail. Look at our video on installing that rocker box.
It's apparent Harley-Davidson makes things so tight so you get frustrated and let them do the labor!!! NOT!!! Harley would never work on any of my bikes!!! Good job Mike!!!😎
Thank You
You could not get better classes if you paid for them at a technical college! Thank you Mike, always enjoy watching your videos.
Thank You. Glad you like it.
Also, I had a great flight with you this morning. Thank You. Felt like I was in the plane. Great video.
Excellent video again thanks. From England UK.
Glad you enjoyed it
@@pacificmike9501 I also prefer Scottish short bread.. 😀
Thanks mike 🤟🏻I appreciate your sharing
You bet!
Always support TH-cam content creators. Whenever possible.
Thank You
Always!!
And, Thank You.
👍😊
Great video Mike! Love all the information you have shared and the steps you take in this build...
Glad you enjoyed it
Honestly I think this is the best video you've made everything is being shown in it
Thank You.
It is always pleasant to feel the fruit of your labor in your fingers) Thank you for sharing your experience, Mike
My pleasure!
Mike watching you work is relaxing, have a blessed week my friend.
Thanks, you too!
Patients is the key and you show us calm and cool.
Wafer sandwich with ices cream is northeast uk speciality lol.
Sounds great to me.
A summer's eve neath Sherwood's crown, new shadows prance & flit,
& wet tea-bags fly through ancient oaks . . . it keeps the squirrels fit.
We watch our heroes feel their way, through the Evo's valve gear harbour,
with all that complexity atop one head . . . are they cast by Donald's barber?
The joys of flatheads spring to mind, as they wear their hair-do's low,
giving plenty of room within the frame, for the 'Lonely Plug-lead' show.
Yet, their bendy breath & piston speeds, restrict how fast they run,
if you lob in the valves the other road up, you get a headset like a nun.
('Sic transit gloria cranial-clampage' - as the shrinks lie prone to say. Have a great week everyone : )
Again, Great Stuff! Thank You.
about to do a top end rebuild on my 84 FXR. I've read the service manual back to front, and the Haynes manual, but nothing is clearer than watching these videos. Thank you for taking the time to record and upload them, extremely valuable.
Glad I could help
Seeing this process performed about as well as can be done gives me the hope that I'm not the complete blithering goober I often feel like when I have to fiddle with some tasks. I will say that I've only had the courage to do top ends while the runner is out of the bike. I wasn't sure how you could pull it of but it worked out real well! Awesome stuff to share as always brother! Thanks to you and the crew and to Jim for providing his bike for our viewing enjoyment.
Thank You
This video brings back so many memories of my chasing after issues and improvements on my 1997 FatBoy. I replaced everything except the tins and the electrical and the wheels. Come to find out, electrical gremlins forced me to stop chasing it. Stop improving it. I never could fix the inner primary leaks. Which lead to a belt drive with a new clutch. So, I chose to buy a 2021 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. Buy the best warranty they had available. Wheel and tire and battery warranty. Buy new. Now I have a finished Flstf. After I fixed it one last time. And a new Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. So, the best of both. I'll never sell either one.
Sounds good to me.
Good to watch a pro work through the drudge work of wrenching on these bikes. I applaud your patience Mike. Thanks for posting...that rear rocker box on My Evo springer is just like that Fat Boy. Good on ya mate ..🙂
Hope it helps someone. Thank You
I am convinced that I will use ez-install adjustable push rods when I do my cam installation next week. Thanks for the video.
I hope it helps you.
This video just saved my sanity!! Thank you for sharing you wisdom and tricks. Doing a cam upgrade on my 1998 softail heritage classic and hit a hiccup with rear rocker cover.
The first time in one of those frames, I was sure it was me.
My 1984 FXRP did NOT have the holes drilled in the frame for that rear rocker box fastener. What a pain in the butt that was the first time I tore my top end down.(1988) I used an Allen wrench that was cut down to nearly nothing, getting about a 1/16th of a turn at a time only to find out I still could not get it fully disengaged.
I believe I'd seen an article in Hot Bike magazine that talked about this lack of access. So... I eye-balled it the best I could and started drilling. It wasn't dead on...but close enough. I was able to remove the bolt and afterword's I got out the trusty BURR bit and widened the holes for better access. I don't know exactly what year HD included this frame MOD into production but what an engineering blunder that was with the early EVO's.
This video brings back some fond (maybe not too fond) memories. Thanks Mike... 😎
Thank You. On an FXR, I usually take off the front motor mount and lower the engine in the frame. Easy.
@@pacificmike9501 Yes......I learned that trick AFTER my frame MOD.... 🤣
I saw the struggle on the rear Rocker Box. I have a 97 Heritage. I put S&S heads on it couple years ago. I didn't have the struggle like that one of your friend. Then you mentioned that some frames do and some don't. I must have been lucky. Great video. Much information.
Thank You
Great camera work and info.. Love your video's guys. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
It's good doing the whole video, with struggles included. Looking forward to seeing the finish.
Thank You. We try to show it for real.
Hey bro I'm working on my 97 sec. Doing the same job. The timing couldn't be better. Thank you so much. Keep it up 😁
Glad it helped
Hello from Sweden this sunny day😎. Yes it is good that you show that sometimes things can take a little bit longer and u have to be cool and do it slow. But that is the only way to go👍. Kjell"the swede" 🇸🇪. Tea and icecream 👌
So true!
I have to say I absolutely love the awkward half second of silence at the beginning of every video - makes me giggle! keep on!
We ain't perfect, but, we try. Thank You
great video and patience nice techniques Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
The truth about the work. Refreshing. The rear box and rockers is no picnic on a twincam flh either.
That two piece is not as hard to get in and out. Not bad.
Where is this channel heading? I subscribed to a Mike building a bike. A MAN WITH A PAN! A hard working man with his KNUCKLE clenched firmly around his SHOVEL! These are qualities to be admired! Nothing could have been better until the MIKE SHOW where nearly everyone was named MIKE except the dog. BEST SHOW EVER! Stick to the Mike format! I know two guys named JIM, and they both claim I owe them money! My mom, (Big Flathead), says HI.....................
Not sure what to say. We just do what we gotta do. We video it because it's what we're doing. Hopefully, it helps someone. We'll get back to the Flathead when I can. Right now, it's go fix the car and take the dog to the vet. Hi Mom!
👋thanks Mike ✌️
Thank You
Doing the same damm thing on my Fatboy. Took about 4 hours to get rear mid cover off then it just slid out.Working in barn wood floor one ext. cord from house. no heat mid Nov. in pa.Love your vids.Thanks
Cool. I went over and over on it, so I could explain it. I show how to install it and tried to describe each movement. It's on the channel. Try it. Thank You. I wish you warm weather.
@@pacificmike9501 I will thank you sir.
I just did this in my 98 Heritage. Wish I’d watched this first. Exact same struggle. I ended up covering the open top with a towel and grinding down the head on that last 1/2” bolt (the one that is blocked by the frame) about 1/32”. Then when I tried the same movements, it slid out relatively easy
Cool.
Awesome job good note about boxes
Thank You
Appreciate these videos on the EVO My 97 Heritage Classic only has Approximately 25k miles I’ve never been into the engine This will definitely be helpful in the future Thanks
Glad to help
Like watching your videos...your right on they aren’t easy but it’s nice to see what is all involved...I have a question not about this but haven’t seen the project bike in awhile...not really a question but yeah...
Just catching up on a lot of stuff. We'll get back on it. Now doing research. I want some "secret sauce" for the Flatmotor.
Thank you for sharing. Excellent.
Glad you enjoyed it
You guys saved me on this one! I had to rotate the wheel to get the rocker arm in a certain position and wala! A little fanangling was all it took. Tough thing to wrestle out, damn shame they don't give you just another 1/16" of an inch. They TOTALLY suck. (1994 Fatboy)
I did it over and over again so I could show how it actually goes in and out of that space.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike, you're the only fella on TH-cam that shows how to do that. I have a video on how to replace a rear belt without dropping the swingarm which seems to have been helpful to those wishing to tackle that job.
Mike, if you have a minute go check out my finished product (1994 Fatboy).
It came out REALLY nice.
Very smooth sir great video
Thank You.
You are great I have learned show much from you Thank you
Wow. Thank You.
Thanks Mike
That one drove me crazy years ago. I'd like people to have an easier time than I did.
Would normally say tea and biscuits Mike, or even a nice slice of ‘Victoria Sponge’!!,
Greta videos, really enjoy your content.
Glad you like them!
Thank you
Thank You
This video helped a lot. Thanks.
Glad it helped
I've got a 1993 sportster 883 ..it came hot rodded..I'm trying to figure out what engine kit if any has been added to it ...no numbers stamped in jugs ...I'm thinking of putting cylinder at bottom dead center ..filling up the jug with a liquid and measure it as i fill it ..but I dont know how much displacement each engine jug would hold per fill...or is there a better way to accomplish what I'm after ..
I enjoy watching your videos ..👍😉👍
Measure the bore size. Measure the piston going up and down. Most modified 883's are bored out to 1200. Or, you could just enjoy it until it needs a teardown.
Favorite Ratchet , had it since before dirt and it just feels right. I have a couple just like it. The Rocker Arms gotta come out at some point any way. If the job was easy, anybody could do it.
Nothing like a "well broke-in ratchet.
I got the Rocker box cover ratchet its 1/4 inch thick with a built in 5/16 I believe allen head . works great on FL frames the square back bone .
Cool.
It happens on others, I did a cam job on a 95 custom and it was so bad I had to do some filing on the frame
I get it.
Howdy MIKE,
High-Performance TOP-END --- Rear-Head removal ...
THANKS
COOP
..............................................
Thank You
PM, I can't help but wonder what Colonel Angus the rooster sitting in the corner is thinking "what's taking you soo long with that rear waffer" 😂. Actually I'm here learning cuz I have a rocker gasket leak I need to replace on my 99 fatboy. As always I enjoy your humor and wisdom.
Be sure you see the removal and installation. I did it over and over until I could explain it to the best of my ability.
And "Rusty" just sits there and watches. Doesn't say anything 'til about 4:30 a.m.
@@pacificmike9501 😅😅😅
Evo are the best motors to work on and most reliable and simple (definitely compared to a 2 cam!) engine too. There's a reason why all the companies like revtech and ultima etc chose them to mass produce for the chopper craze and aftermarket when they had HD's entire engine lineup to choose from! the sole wish I had is that they used Jim's original hemi type combustion chamber rather than the assymetrical one they went with probably for cost per unit concerns..
Different times, different motors.
Thanks brother nice video 👍
Thank You.
Saved me! Thank you.
Glad it helped!
Yes I learned the hard way on my 98 Fatboy.. when I got it from a previous owner it would be the rear rocker box was leaking he told me it was the inner primary or outer primary and you different I could follow where the oil was coming from LOL. I had an evolution before 93 but it was an FLH. It was easier it just took some Rubiks cube action
Yep.
Jim,s right. Tea & shortbread, delish.
Yes indeed.
In reference to rear rocker box. Was told some years ago the fat boy the engine is mounted higher in frame. And, that once front assembly is off that if you remove the front engine mount it will allow engine assembly to sag enough to get the rear out.
Sounds a little confused. That does not apply in a Softail frame.
Could. Was only told this. I ride a '72 shovel and a bike pieced together in '94 with a early evo and sputhe trans. Your vids are great. Learn alot. Thank you.
I have a 98 Heritage , same problem.. It was a puzzle out and back in..
Yep.
👍
Thank You
They refer to that as a wafer I've heard some people refer to it as a D-ring but that is not correct a D-ring is on a panhead... And don't even get me started about wills and relatives 😵 really enjoying the videos Mike be looking forward to the next one
Thank You
TIM should have put on the cloak of invisibility so you could see through his hand MIKE , LOL all the best from East Coast Canada.
Thanks. Hopefully, it has warmed up a little there by now.
@@pacificmike9501 starting to Brother thanks for thinking on us.Keep up the great work you do Mike. All the best to you and yours dude.😈
Backatcha.
How about some trivia? Who designed the soft tail.
You know, I used to know. I believe it was a guy in Missouri. I remember ads for them back in 1981, before Evos.
@@pacificmike9501 St Louis Bill Davis Road worx Sub Shock.
nice job👍
you deserve a nice cup of tea
🤣🤣🤣👍
Thanks! 😃
1998 Harley Dyna FXDL has no hole in the frame for that back left rocker box allen bolt.You have to cut down a 3/16 allen wrench to get to it.Takes forever to get it out and then on reassembly is tricky.Done it a few times.
Yep! That's why it's called "work."
throw the allen in the garbage when you get it out and replace it with a 12 point lifter block bolt.
Really enjoy your tooling videos olson
Could have you removed the front engine mount and aloud the engine to drop forward to creating a little more space
No. But it works on a rubber mount.
the chrome cover is like those Chinese kids ring puzzles that will come apart if in the correct position
Good point.
ON my FXLR I have to remove the front motor mount which allows the front of the motor to drop 2 inches and the rear to drop 1 inch .
Exactly. That's how on an FXR.
You can’t beat a cup of tea with a slice of fruit cake👍
That's it. Take your time and enjoy it.
Mike did you go to the big swap meet I heard it was the biggest it's ever been
Yes. If you're talking about Long Beach, I was there. It was great. Seemed usual size.
Thanks for this video. Im thinking of buying a 97 Low Rider. If I would ever have to, would it be easier or harder to get a top end apart on a Dyna frame??
You can easily lower the engine down in the rubber mount frames. It gives more access to the top end.
Good evening mike from Australia.
Currently rebuilding an ironhead looking for your opinion about which is the best sealant to use when dealing cases. I’ve been told 3bond rubber sealant is the best. What is you opinion on sealants.
That's a great one. Look at our video on gaskets and sealant.
👍🖖
Thank You
I had the same problem on a 98 Heritage Springer. if I would have met the HD Engineer that built that frame, I would have gave him 40 lashes with a wet snapping towel.
Yep.
If you have stock non adjustable pushrods how do you take pressure off the rockers? Just make sure your on compression stroke so both valves are closed?
How do you ensure there’s no pressure on the the rockers? Will they wiggle back and forth and be loose vs stiff?
I want to change my rocker box gaskets but fear warping the covers.
-Chris
You are exactly right. With the sparkplugs removed, bike in top gear, wheel off the ground, rotate the rear wheel with the pushrod tubes open. When both valve lifters in the cylinder you're working on are down, that's as much pressure as you can relieve. Do that cylinder, then go on to the next. Take it apart, as per the book.
When I did mine, the lower box, rockers and two of the bolts had to come out all at once. No room to remove bolts on left side. It was a bit of a puzzle.
Yes it is.
for that stainless valve cover bolt - forceps. those are the best things for overcoming the large hands, tight spaces problem. Im kinda surprised you didnt reach for a set :)
I do have them. Working on camera makes it a little tougher for everything to occur exactly as you would like.
@@pacificmike9501 I can only imagine!
I replaced rear cyl gasket and other gaskets on up on this evo roadking, i ended buying it from previous owner and now have a leak from the rocker box on the backside, would I be able to just sneak an Allen I. There and try re torqueing them to see if it seals back up
Not usually. And all those rocker box bolts need to be torqued evenly, as per the spec, or you're liable to warp those covers.
Hey Mike, Love your Videos. I've a 86 FXRS-SP. Need to take rocker boxes off. any pointers on doing the rear rocker box to get at that back bolt? Thanks.
Not difficult. There is more room on an FXR.
i had same problem on a 96 softail frame
That's why we showed it. Hopefully this helped.
I have a 93 fat boy that I’m replacing the gaskets on the rear rocker box, it’s leaking oil. Do you recommend doing both? Your videos are so helpful! It’s my first bike. I love wrenching, just need some expert opinion. My gut says do both. But I’m not a expert. Thx you’re awesome!
Thank You. It's on you. Your opinion matters here. I would probably do both. Be sure and replace the umbrella valves while you're there.
@@pacificmike9501 10-4!
Hi Mike,
I’m following along with the EVO engine build. I think it’s gonna be a real ground pounder. I wonder if you will have a chance to show a dyno chart?
I have a ‘94 Heritage that I cammed and did some other high performance stuff to. When I changed the push rods, I must have lost the adjustment instructions. I can’t remember who the manufacturer is either. I hope this isn’t a real dumb question, but do you have any suggestions on how I can get that information or am I going to need to buy new pushrods?
Thx for sharing your super videos. I learn a lot and enjoy watching them.
Thx for any ideas about what I can do to get some information on adjusting the pushrods.
Get a thread gauge and see how many threads per inch are on your pushrods. Then look up the instructions online for Jim's Lifters.
By the way, go to our homepage and click on videos. That motor has been done for quite a while. All of the videos are there.
Go to "playlists."
Any thing on the flat head project?
Had to stop to catch up. We'll be there again soon.
🤙🤙🤙
Thank You
I have a 97 ultra and I don't have that access hole to get that back valve cover bolt out. Any suggestions???
You can shorten an allen wrench or order a flat tool available from the aftermarket suppliers. Back off the bolt and leave it in the cover and remove it with the cover. Jack up the engine, remove the front motormount pad and lower the engine to get more clearance on top. Those are my suggestions.
Good morning Mike . Question . It’s a little off topic but still an evo . 1990 softail has 80,000 miles with a fresh rebuild S&S E carb . Took her for a first ride sense I bought her in December.... lots of new parts ,cleaning and paint ... started on the first crank after seating for 6 years... took her for about 50 miles stopping at different points along the way consciences of the makeover and hopping I didn’t forget something.... after getting home and readjusting the high idle and cooling down some I realized there is fuel running out of the float .... I turned off the petcock valve moved away from the spill . Started right and ran without issue... is there any other reason for an over flow other then a sticking float ? Thank you for all the work your doing ....
The bike has been sitting a long time. The tank may need cleaning. Between the tank and that fresh carburetor, a particle could have been and found it's way to the float needle in the carb. That would cause an overflow.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks again for your quick response to my earlier question....I spent the entire winter cleaning the bike from end to end , the tank was full of crud and surface rust ,I cleaned it with rust remover solution more then once. There may have been some particles floating around but would have to get thru a new petcock filter .... thought maybe I just need to shut off the petcock .... I’ll be keeping an eye on it for sure ... thank you again ...
Install a good inline filter between the petcock and the carb. Check and clean it often for a while.
Moin, thank you Mike for this Video! Greate explanation of what you did during this Video! In he background was a sound that remembers me like rain on a metal Roof, was it raining in California? Shure it rains in California :-) The EAGLES sang "it never rains in suthern California" but I'am shure, thats not right :-) Here in the northern Part of Germany it often rains. I have been 4 times in California, it never rained! But my visit's where in summertime :-). In some of your videos, I really like the Horn, in the background. Is that a Amtrak, just a guess, if I' am right? In Reno I liked the long long trains through the City and they always blew their horn ;-)
Yes, they have to sound there horn when they go through intersections. Glad you like our stuff. It rains here. Not a lot.
@@pacificmike9501 Moin, thank you for your answer, again! I guess you guys from California are on the other side, you would like to have some more rain:-) . We here in the northern part of Germany, we would like to have less rain ;-) Maybe I send some to you guys :-) My next task at my E- Glide is, to exchange the secondary drive, I do it always as a kit on all of my bikes. I will check the Seal at the mainshaft. Thank's for your Videos, now I know how to do the exchange! Since now, I have not bumped in a Video from you, where you exchange the sprocket on the Breakedrum, as you now, there are rivets :-) My wife is a precision mechanic, she knows how to deal with rivets :-)
When are you going to get on with the project bike?
Everything in time. Must fulfil promises. I really want to get at it. The motor is requiring some research. I expect it to do a lot of neat stuff when I'm done. My dog is whining for her sidecar.
Hey Mike I’m going to install ss heads and cylinders on my 89 evo I have solid pushrods how do I remove the pressure off the rocker arms
Thank you for your knowledge
Slowly and evenly remove the rocker boxes. Then, run out and buy a service manual. I do hope you're changing cams and therefore, pushrods too.
@@pacificmike9501 Hi mike yes now I’m changing the cam and pushrods the old cam has a damaged lobe I’ve had my 89 fxstc softail for 31 years first time doing anything to the motor it has over 100,000 miles on it I’m enjoying the build I wish I could have used screaming eagle parts but couldn’t find any so I’m using ss
Thank you for your help 🙏
So why is MIke a mechanic and me not?......when something doesn't come off the bike easy my go-to tool is always the rubber mallet!
Just be kind. Take it slow. It will all work out.
Do you torque these bolts back up or just clean out holes and tighten everything evenly im working on my s&s v96 for the First time there barley any room to fit a torqe wrench in my 93 softail frame. Also when timing the cam is it a simple as spinning the rear wheel and and lineing up the pinnion to the cam don’t need to put anything in tdc ?
I must admit, sometimes I have to estimate the torques. Sometimes those are very difficult to do. There is a flat allen head wrench available from the aftermarket suppliers. Sometimes I use my little 1/4 " drive torque wrench. Try using the torque settings from either Harley or S&S.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you awsome also when installing the cam it doesn’t matter what rotation my crank gear is at? As long as marks line up
Would this method work on an FXR or do I need to drop the engine? I ask as my rear rocker box leaks from under the 'wafer'. Greetings from England where we enjoy tea with cake or biscuits. The only wafer I eat is in church on a Sunday and that is taken with wine 😁
I was bummed when I realized that Harley engines were built with wafers, but, that's just changing times. Lowering the engine in the frame is not hard. You might not have to do it that way. That rocker box should not be disassembled or assembled without the use of a factory service manual. Okay, I said it and I'm glad.
is jim from okio /wva? i think i have seen him before at baxters hd
i do like your tone
No, he's not. But Thank You.
Hi Ben warm in I'll were did you order the clutch push rod for 1997u classic evo1340
Any of the aftermarket suppliers carry them. Drag Specialties, V-Twin etc. etc.
Where is your book on the stand
Good point.
@6:07 when you’re removing the rocker box bolt. Yeah my hole in the frame isn’t aligning with the bolt hole…any ideas?
I don't know how far off it is. Did you try a ball-end allen wrench? Is the motor not seated correctly?
7:53 this moment.
Thank You
Can you do that put the head together and just slide it in place?
Nope. Install the head, then assemble the rocker box onto it.