been trying to trace a leak for a while from the bottom of engine and found the culprate this morning . coming from my front cylinder base gasket . not very happy about it as i have only done about 10,000 klms on a fully rebuilt engine. just wondering what peoples thoughts were on why this is caused .

 

If it's leaking from the base gasket and the gasket is fairly new I'd check the torque settings on your head bolts.

yeah thanks KC will be doing that first up . I have been having a lot of blow by probs with this motor just when i think i have nipped it in the bud I get a leak from somewhere else.

fark I just had a post disappear for no reason while writing it in this string. Ain't gonna start over but:

More info needed-- Was teh rebuild factory? Shade tree? You? Indy shop? No need to mention names...

Were the cylinders bored for rebuild? Same cylinders put back on? Did the rebuilder check cylinder bases for flatness befor re-assembly? Were compression plates used if bore job done? Were OEM paper gaskets used for rebuild?
Lots of reasons--

Pull down and use James metal base gaskets if head re-torque doesn't nip it.

Rob Evo base of cylinder are very soft and when cleaned up need extra care not to score them. I have seen cases where has has been scoring and touched up with silicon, this does not last long. James gaskets are the go, if there is any scoring on the cylinder base it can be easily machined. Just did it with mine.

thanks for the quick responses fellas , I will take all the advice into consideration and start working on the problem. I will keep you informed on the outcome.

thanks for the link dave i found them on the amazon site. $37.96 plus postage.

well update on my problem . was going to do a leak down test on the engine and a mate pointed out to me some shit news , he found two cracks on the bottom crank cases , pretty dissapointed.
but thats life. so i suppose iam up for a rebuild? .is it worth repairing the old cases or just get new ones ? I don't even know if it is worth rebuilding again or just buy a new motor . does anyone know what cases are worth?

That's bad news rob, if you want to keep the original cases you can have them repaired and cryogenically treated but pourice cases are often doomed if that is the issue, if not I would wonder why they have cracked. The replacement could be close to the rebuild but that's based on options from many moons ago. A new s&s big cube would be nice!

PS. as KWD said, take it to a reputible HD engine builder, I would not take it back to the mob who did it last time. Also looks like a known problem, shame your so far away...

New cases rob and fill them with your internals (grandchild number 1 due tomorrow, number 2 in 3 weeks. Cya up there then)

for sure mate . there is some brand new cases for 92 up evo with rods and cylinder studs for sale on ebay for $1100 is that a good price?

yeah thanks dazza , i have been thinking that me self should have bought a new motor 10,000 klms ago when i first had it rebuilt top and bottom that cost me $3200 back then.

fuck it Rob , just buy this one,

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/96ci-SOFTAIL-B-TWINCAM-ENGINE-HARLEY-DAVIDSON-/140503818627?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20b6ae2183

Ok had a few beers with me mates today and come to the decision to replace the motor with a new one . Had a look on ebay today at HD BITZ website and just wondering peoples opinions on the rev tech 100 engine and the elbruto motors and the ultima range all pretty close in price around $5000 for a complete motor . I would look at an s&s motor but i think they are getting out of my price range . Dazza mentioned new evo motor from the states $3999 but a bit concerned about warranty issues. Look forward to ya thoughts on this .

I will be keeping the old motor for a project down the line sometime. when the money comes in I have pretty much got another bike in spares in the shed i have collected along the way make a nice rat bike later on.

look forward to your thoughts guys.