DIY Network

'48 Indian Motorcycle: Heads Removal and Cylinder Inspection From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-303

With the fuel tanks other parts removed, Chris and Craig can gain access to the engine heads and inspect the cylinders.

The best way to learn about the condition of an engine is to pull of the heads and do a visual inspection of the cylinders. Any deep scratches, scoring, discoloration or cracks can indicate serious problems.

Tools and materials:

set of sockets: SAE or metric
socket wrench
magnetic pick-up tool
medium density brush
carburetor/intake cleaner
head gasket

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Steps:

• There are nine bolts attaching each head to the cylinder. With the socket wrench, work your way around, in a star pattern, and loosen each bolt (figure A).
  
  
• Use the magnetic pick-up tool to grab and pull out each bolt.

• With the bolts removed, the heads will slide off the cylinders (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

  
  

• Use the brush to remove any built up carbon or soot in the cylinders. If the carbon is stubborn, a quick spray with carburetor cleaner or intake cleaner will loosen it.

• With the cylinders cleaner, give them a very detailed inspection (figure C). Any problems that are found will have to be addressed now. Look for deep scratches or cracks.

• We were lucky with our Indian and the cylinders are in great shape (figure D). With them cleaned out, all we have to do is install a new head gasket and bolt the heads back on.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Close inspection of the condition of the cylinders provides insight into the overall condition of the engine.

  
  

• Set the gasket in place, lining up the bolt holes. Set the head on top of the cylinder (figure E) and use a screw driver to line up the head's bolt holes with the cylinder.

• Drop a bolt in each of the nine holes.

• Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque specification. Tighten them in a star pattern to evenly distribute the torque.

RESOURCES :

Welders
Lincoln Electric
Website: www.lincolnelectric.com

Kiwi Indian
Website: www.kiwi-indian.com

V-Twin Mfg.
Rims, Spokes, Hubs, Tire Irons and Truing Stand
Website: www.vtwinmfg.com

Motorcycle Lift
Handy Lift
Website: www.handy-lift.com

Various Tools
Eastwood
Website: www.eastwoodco.com

Hepavac Asbestos Vacuum
Bullseye
Website: www.bullseyecorp.com

Parts Washer
Safety Kleen
Website: www.safety-kleen.com

Chrome Polish
G & H Metal Finishers
282 Dakota St.
Paterson, NJ 07503

Belt Grinder
Ellis Manufacturing
Website: www.ellissaw.com

Gaskets/Headers
James Gaskets
Website: www.jamesgaskets.com