This man really knows what he’s doing and so it’s nice to watch an overhaul like this Easy relaxed clean working without throwing parts and tools like many others No bla bla, just very good results for sure.
Mike love your video series and still watching it but I want to learn what your doing but I will keep watching and learn as much as I can from you. Thanks Tim
Got to say i like this build series. Thanks for making a video series on it . Fyi i was wondering whats been going on thanks for explaining your ups and downs ..take care .
Thanks man,evo is my favorite, like all previous motors,even have a twin cam as well. You are very good, no b.s.or constant interruption. Very professional.
Why does this video have a thumbs down I swear I don’t even understand some people. Sir thank you sharing your time and knowledge with us. I for one greatly appreciate you. Thank you 🙏
your videos are probably one of the best I have ever watched, very informative and you take your time on explaining everything as you go, I wish all how to videos were like yours. AWESOME!, I live on the East coast up in Maine and our biking season is quickly coming to a close which sucks but oh well, now I have a bunch of videos to watch during the winter storms. Thanks again very happy I found you site.
I’ll bet that there are a lot of us who have taken on doing a top end service job on our bikes. Also of noteworthiness is that splitting the cases might have seemed just a little bit beyond our scope of work as a can do at home operation, that is until your videos were created. You have given at least me, the confidence to take on all the detail required to do a good job on all of the work I do to my 1991 FLHS. For sure it has taken a bit more time to save up and acquire the correct tools, which you have give perfect examples of why and how to use them correctly, and I followed these tips to the letter. All in all, I simply wanted to thank you for your work, you have passed on the trade with great quality. Can’t wait to see, hear and feel that Evo fire up again.
Glad you're enjoying it. Bobby's Evo has now ridden all over Texas, the Colorado Rockies, Arizona and New Mexico. We could say the operation has been a success.
As usual Mike, great great video. I have learned so much from all of them, your calm demeanor is very reassuring, I wish I had your temperament when I'm working on my shovel, but I'm learning. Keep up the great job you are doing for all of us and I'm always looking forward to the next class. BTW the name should be Professor Mike.
Great video Mike. As per the usual. I so enjoyed rebuilding my Evo with you all those years ago. She still pulls like a freight train with that Truett & Osborne heavy stroker crank & fly wheel.
Excellent instruction and presentation! I just ran across your channel and find it quite enjoyable. I'm an old Harley owner who has always done my own work on my bikes. Looking forward for more of your videos. Keep up the good work.
Great videos! Would love to see a complete bottom end rebuild start to finish. Confident in top ends....never done a complete build. I am glad to have found this channel. Thank you Pacific Mike.
Thanks Again Mike, as always great information. I've rebuilt a few motors myself over the years. most work I can do myself, normally tool availability dependent. This sort of info is invaluable when you have to shop some work out and can help you judge the quality of the work you will have done and ultimately decide who does that shop work for you.
Thank you. I try to include good information. Judgement on what to attempt and what not to, of course, is your own. There are things I farm out. Equipment and what you're comfortable with has to be considered. I do have my share of Gurus.
G'day from Australia Mike ! I've watched several of your vids so far, subscribed and working my way through the rest. Please don't stop making them, you're helping brothers all over the globe man (me included). Best Harley wrench vids on UA-cam without a doubt. See ya on the road ! Richo.
You know Brother I just have an old 82 Ironhead xlh! Im 6'4 its kinda to small for me really! But at least I can still work on it myself! That's one reason why I Keep it! Plus vintage and classic stuff has a lot more character, than newer stuff! But I love those Evo motors also! Thanks for the great vids man!
thanks from across the pond.... im thankful for your very well explained videos.....now I will try to rebuild my engine after 20 years.. with the best UA-cam teacher.... know I will probably skip the lapping job, because this tool is expensive and impossible to borrow anywhere.... know what is the worst thing that could happen if I skip this job....?? thanks a lot from Denmark
I'm afraid the roller bearings won't last if you skip that job. If you are rebuilding the lower end, this is a very critical part of it. How about paying a shop to do the parts you can't do? I used to do that for a bunch of people. Then, they could do what they could and feel okay about that which they could not.
Oh I thought Pacific Coast Cycles in LB was your shop? They have been advertising a first year FXR since the Fall and I assumed that was yours as it says to contact Mike.
@@pacificmike9501 Oh sorry I got you confused with Mike O'Brien - he even looks a lot like you! Maybe you were separated at birth? Thanks for the great vids!
Hiya Mike! Once again, a great video. I learned to do this from my mentor, Kenny Kortimeir, in the basement of the Shady Rest Hotel in Atlanta Georgia (sidebar; the SR was a 300 suite, 5 floor, flop-house... and I mean a genuine-honest-to-Goddamn flophouse.. just down from Manual's Tavern (a great place to start a Fryday night... once the -25 kicked in ;-)....)...... that was in the '70's. No one ever suspected there was a top secret lower-end shop in the [SR] basement. Anyhoo, when you go to fit up the rollers, could you mention about the rollers coming in 2-ten-thousandths oversizes from '0' to one thousandths oversize... at which time one would simply press in another '0' race. ...... and thus an 'infinite number of rebuilds' are possible..... lending credence to the line that 'Harleys last forever'. The Hard Part --- the part that makes the "latter-day lower-end overhaulers" squint-n-glare at one for even mentioning it, is the very, very tedious effort required to achieve a perfect 'plug-fit' on the pinion shaft. Respectfully, your beard is long enough that I can safely assume that you know what I'm referring to. Few are willing in these times (let alone know how) to accomplish this oh-so-important-part of the overhaul process in the old-timey way. Could you, pretty please, mention it? Rather late in the day to ask, I suppose, but do you take requests; not wanting to start that avalanche rolling in your direction .... but there it is. As for the vids you are putting up.................. they are all posted (linked), discussed and rather well appreciated on the web site of the club I belong to..... HDRCGB (the Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain)....... in the 'Vintage and Classic Era' portion of the site. As I am not a club officer, I cannot extend an 'Official' invitation to join in the fun (it cost nothing to post as a Guest) so here's an un-official invite..... Come on in....... p.s. wide shoulders not required. Grins to You, Skip
@@pacificmike9501, your vidzz are much appreciated as i have an Evo engine actually i follow mamy of your vidz do you know what year this number is BKLX934660?
Has anybody asked the ballpark price of that line hone tool? Also the ballpark price on the top rod bearing reamer tool? Great video work, and you are a natural host. You answer way more questions than I am thinking of asking. Thanks
Thank You. But, tool prices are not what I'm here to show. All of the major parts suppliers carry that stuff. Very expensive. I waited most of my life for some of that stuff.
Greetings from Mexico Mike, I love all your videos , very useful to keep alive old Harleys, can you make a video of how to change left side race bearings, my case is broken and I'm going to buy a set of delkron cases to replace my broken stock , thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thanks Mike, that sure is nice and seems like it would be more accurate than using a Sunnan hone only because its using the drive side bearings as a guide.
I have a Sunnen Hone. But, I've always done this operation by hand, as have most of my friends who do the same stuff. The manufacturer of these tools recommends doing the job by hand and not burning up the tools. So, Thank You.
@@pacificmike9501 tight tolerances too! I believe these need to be .0004" - .0009" (tenths). Now I know why you suggested getting a handful of various sizes and then finding one that suits your needs. The manual is very convoluted in this procedure also...
Hey mike. Just wanting to make sure all is good your way. Haven’t seen any new educational videos out there and am itching for more knowledge and refreshing courses from ya. I ride and wrench on a lot of shovels and Evo’s.
@@pacificmike9501 im enjoying watching the evo motor build too its just im a shovel man had mine for 40 years and im still learning a trick or 2 after all these years your vids help cheers mate
It depends upon the irregularities and it depends upon the machinist. Each situation can call for a different method of applying the specific correction. Maybe welding, maybe machining, probably welding and then machining. I have a great machinist friend who helped me with cases for years. His approach to any give situation was nothing short of magic.
Great video’s! I have been tearing down an 85 flic this winter and your videos have been my favorite and go to if I don’t understand the manual. Quick question for you do I need to line lap if I am going to use the original flywheel assembly? I am only tearing engine down because why not it’s 35 years old and I want to make sure everything is perfect! This is my first complete rebuild/customization bike. Thanks again for your awesome work and videos.
If your lower end is in good shape (by all appearances), don't disturb it. When rebuilding a top end, you "feel" and listen to the lower end by rotating it and checking it by hand. Experience gives the ability to make an "educated guess." Disassembling for no reason? If you're taking it all apart, replace every bearing and prepare every surface.
I took a complete motorcycle apart to rebuild all of it into the custom bike I wanted. There was lots of wear and abuse, and age. I'm just finally back on the project now. It was a "running" motorcycle (well, kind of).
Try to find that tool for a VL,,,,, or the cam gear line ream,,, a certain celebrity ended up with a friends who passed and now, probably in a storage unit wasting away. Great video though,,,, keep pumpin!
With the alignment studs, would that mean the left side case and right side case are a matched pair. I.e. dont mix up the case halves between 2 motors.
Any of the major aftermarket parts distributors. Eastern makes them and Jim's Machine makes them. Unless you're going in business, it's quite an investment.
Thanks again for the great videos. My Evo case cracked, and I've got a brand new one. Probably a stupid question, but before I start aquire new tools: Does it still need to be reamed? And other than the special tools you use in your videos, is there any tools you recommend getting before starting my engine rebuild?
Quite an undertaking. Buy a service manual. Do not attempt this without a Genuine Harley Davidson (year and model specific) Service manual. Yes, the right case bushing must be honed for alignment with the left case and fitted to its bearing. The service manual also has all of the recommended tools shown in it.
Same theory as line boaring a car engine crank when you have that much rotating mass it has to be in perfect alignment or it will beat the bearings/bushings out
Pacific Mike, I just subscribed to your channel. Really liking nj yout videos. Does one have to lap the cases and pinion bushing when putting together a brand new motor from factory? I plan on building a nice raked out rigid with a 127CI Evo motor brand new and unassembled from the factory. Thank you for the informative videos and keep on keeping on my friend
@@pacificmike9501 I am leaning towards an ultima motor with s and S internals for this build. Ok, I will def ask them an see what they say. I really appreciate that. What's your fav motor from harley? You look like a pan or shovel kinda guy lol
Thanks for posting the line lapping video. I'm committed to doing my '59 myself and I'm a little put out to learn the lapping tool is $750. Yikes. The guy I would have borrowed one from has been dead for 10 years. Did you get that springer behing you when you were a teenager? Ha Ha!
1. I'm sure the tool is quite expensive. Would it be odd to take the new bearing set including the races and case halfs to a shop have the races pressed out then have them install the new races and barings for you in the case halfs? Do the case halfs ever need to be align board and OD over sized races used?
This is work that all the shops did in the old days. Now it requires someone who has the experience and the equipment. These are just normal procedures. Not too many shops are set up for it nowdays. But, they're out there.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks, I just read in the service manual it says "Right side main bearing consists of components that must be selectively fitted and machined to precise tolerances. Refer right side main bearing replacement to a Harley Davidson dealer." They do tell how to change the left side in the manual. Taking care of the right side must be like align honing and/or align bore the main caps and saddles on a V8 block. I found a shop today here in Milwaukee that will do this work, but they said most just have them rebuild the lower end with parts they provide. I did look for one of those lapping tools, but could not locate one. At least I'll know from your video what they are basically going to do.
Hey Mike, new timer here. Just got an 88 evo. You mention that “not everyone will do this” at the end of this segment. May I ask why one wouldn’t? Also, would love an recommendations on books to buy. Can’t thank you enough! so glad to have found you
Mike, I had .025" run out on my pinion shaft. I haven't lapped it yet (need the tool) but wanted to ask you if you have seen them completely gone and not worth dealing with and pressing out the old and replacing it with new? That way it wouldn't take as much time and effort to make it look good and round again. Love your channel man!!
I replaced that bushing in the Evo motor in the video. It's a delicate operation and I did it with no one around to film it. Not a big deal. But, it needed to be done. I had the appropriate tooling and made a support piece to support the case from the opposite side. I made the support out of a large pipe coupling. That way, I could support the case close to the bushing I was pressing both in and out.
@@pacificmike9501 great, thanks for sharing. I'm seeing that those special tools sure are a LOT of money!! The Jim's line reamer is a pretty penny and so is the Jim's tool for boring out the case to 3.625". I might just end up opening up my own shop when all is said and done!
I see there are some rather expensive special tools to do the bottom end. Can these tools be rented? Do you know a good place to buy these tools? Also do you do work for customers or just friends and yourself?
Normally, it is easily removed when the races are removed. It's kind of standard procedure nowdays to replace the timken bearings, races, and spacers as a complete prefit set. There is also a set of tools from Jim's Machine that clamps to the big spacer and it can be lifted out.
@@pacificmike9501 So, the races can be driven out with the middle spacer in place, correct? Or, does the spacer have to come out first, using the tool? You wouldnt happen to have the JIMS tool part#, would you? I cant seem to identify it. Much appreciated, Mike...and your videos are a staple, please keep 'em coming!👍👍
Yes, it comes out with the races. This all requires proper tools and a service manual. Find it in the manual and see how they use the oil hole in the middle of the Timken set.
Hello Mike I believe I heard you say you need to line-lap if you install a new or different flywheel assembly. Can I split my case and forgo line lapping if I put my original flywheel back in.? Or am I headed for trouble just cause I'm curious? Thank you.
If you're removing the flywheel assembly (a pair of flywheels), if you reinstall it with the same bearings, should be the same as when you took it apart. Rather sketchy. Those cases would have to line up exactly the same. The wear on the bearing race would have to match the wear on the rollers. All of the "variables" would need to be the same. It's been done. Not my preference. I don't mean to be negative.
I think you're about the only one to show them being lapped... Is it better to use the older 2 cages,,or update to the one cage bearing ? Thanks again for the great videos..
Thanks for the reply... I'm doing this for a friend,, and he's having trouble finding the older style.. "I'm not sure if a bore gauge can be used to figure out what size of bearings I need instead of buying an assortment ..I know it's close tolerance,, so I might have to get the assortment.."
Hey Mike its me again (I'm old due 250yrs old). So, in VW term the line lapping would be like an align bore(only its actually cutting a true bore for the main bearings) and i'm figuring that the gray your looking for would be similar to a lapped valve seat?. If the gray you are looking for is not achieved,do you go to a smaller size i.d,and how difficult is it to get that bearing out.
It's scary to press that bushing (race) out. Use the right tool. Brace it from the back side. To brace it, I went to the hardware store and bought the closest size pipe coupling and machined it smooth on both ends. Then I used the proper tool and hydraulic press and pressed it out, supporting the case very close to the bushing with the pipe coupling. Then I went to sleep. Enough stress for one day.
You do both. Most people now use Evo Pinion bearings in Shovelheads. They're color-coded and come in about four sizes. But, no matter how exacting the measurements, the final fit is a perfect feel.
Where did you get or buy that lapping tool I have a 99 Yamaha that could have used a device identical to that bearing exploded and tore my oil seal behind the drive pulley
Hey guy i have a 1994 heritege softail flstn model im trying to give it a little more pep so far i got the jets done , biger breather, true dual exhaust, what size cam would you suggest for this evo i mean i dont plan on being mr speed racer however im lookin for the get up and go when i do need to in any gear low med or high , thnx long live the evooii.
There are plenty of great cams out there. There are plenty of manufacturers out there. I can't really advertise this stuff. Read the manufacturer's comments as to where the power will come in and be sure you use a cam that requires no special work to install it.
Is lapping something that you necessarily have to do whenever rebuilding one of these engines? Or is it just because it had some damage due to the last guy who rebuilt it?
Craftsmanship. Of course, all the line boring and lapping I have had to perform have been shipped to a machine shop (Exception is valve lapping). Harley is not that big in South Africa, so I have zero experience there, in fact 99.9% of the engines I have worked on have been car engines, notably Alfa Romeo 105 series, and many many Japanese. The few bikes I have done up were Yamaha and Honda...no sign of hand operations there!
I understand. Where I live, Alphas are not very common, although years ago, my sister had a new Alpha Spyder. I loved it. I grew up in a town full of Harleys.
Hi, Mike. Please help me. I have a brand new outer and inner rings, they correspond to the dimensions specified in the manual. do I need to do lapping? I just want to install a bearing of the right diameter without lapping. can I do this without lapping?
@@pacificmike9501 I need to Lapp my flathead 45 case races by .0005” Can you Lapp the .0005” in one adjustment, or do smaller adjustments till I reach .0005”? Thanks!
The early motors with loose rollers on both sides, yes. The later motors use Timkens on the left. Those have their own races and come as a finished, matched set.
@@pacificmike9501 Right, like a 79 ironhead motor uses timken on left and roller bearing on right, correct? So if im rebuilding that motor, i would only ream the left case to install a new timken set? Seems intuitive.
@@pacificmike9501 sorry, I should have mentioned I’m replacing the left case due to a big crack. I’ve read you should lap where the pinion race sits so the timkens sit in line with the right case.
This man really knows what he’s doing and so it’s nice to watch an overhaul like this
Easy relaxed clean working without throwing parts and tools like many others
No bla bla, just very good results for sure.
Thank you.
"Easy relaxed clean working without throwing parts and tools like many others"... Not to mention any names, of course.
Thank you very much for your videos!!!
Old school bike never dies!!
Wish you a long life!
Cheers!
Thank you. That's quite a wish. And, I wish you the same.
Mike love your video series and still watching it but I want to learn what your doing but I will keep watching and learn as much as I can from you.
Thanks
Tim
Thank you. We're getting a slow start this year, but plenty more to come.
To have that level of detail, precision, talent and skill, you must have started when you were six years old.. awesome..!!
Thank you.
Great video. I knew what lapping was but I had never seen it. Much thanks.
Thank you.
Got to say i like this build series. Thanks for making a video series on it . Fyi i was wondering whats been going on thanks for explaining your ups and downs ..take care .
All's well. Be back on the Evo motor " post haste." Thank you.
Thanx Mike, very cool info.... I have never seen this procedure before... YOU ROCK!
Thank you.
Thanks man,evo is my favorite, like all previous motors,even have a twin cam as well. You are very good, no b.s.or constant interruption. Very professional.
Thank you.
Clean and organized !
Thank you.
Craftsmanship! That motor will purr for a long time with the attention to detail you are putting into it. Job well done!
Thank You.
Why does this video have a thumbs down I swear I don’t even understand some people.
Sir thank you sharing your time and knowledge with us. I for one greatly appreciate you. Thank you 🙏
Thank you. We try, but you can't please everyone. It's cool.
your videos are probably one of the best I have ever watched, very informative and you take your time on explaining everything as you go, I wish all how to videos were like yours. AWESOME!, I live on the East coast up in Maine and our biking season is quickly coming to a close which sucks but oh well, now I have a bunch of videos to watch during the winter storms. Thanks again very happy I found you site.
Thank you.
I’ll bet that there are a lot of us who have taken on doing a top end service job on our bikes. Also of noteworthiness is that splitting the cases might have seemed just a little bit beyond our scope of work as a can do at home operation, that is until your videos were created. You have given at least me, the confidence to take on all the detail required to do a good job on all of the work I do to my 1991 FLHS. For sure it has taken a bit more time to save up and acquire the correct tools, which you have give perfect examples of why and how to use them correctly, and I followed these tips to the letter. All in all, I simply wanted to thank you for your work, you have passed on the trade with great quality. Can’t wait to see, hear and feel that Evo fire up again.
Glad you're enjoying it. Bobby's Evo has now ridden all over Texas, the Colorado Rockies, Arizona and New Mexico. We could say the operation has been a success.
As usual Mike, great great video. I have learned so much from all of them, your calm demeanor is very reassuring, I wish I had your temperament when I'm working on my shovel, but I'm learning. Keep up the great job you are doing for all of us and I'm always looking forward to the next class. BTW the name should be Professor Mike.
Thank you.
Great video Mike. As per the usual. I so enjoyed rebuilding my Evo with you all those years ago. She still pulls like a freight train with that Truett & Osborne heavy stroker crank & fly wheel.
You bet. We had more fun than people should be allowed. Miss riding with you and that stroker.
As always . I am learning more from you. Thank you.
Thank you.
Excellent instruction and presentation! I just ran across your channel and find it quite enjoyable. I'm an old Harley owner who has always done my own work on my bikes. Looking forward for more of your videos. Keep up the good work.
Thank you and will do.
Luv the vids Mike..Very informative & great to watch. Best wishes from 'down-under & keep up the great work.
Thank you.
Im always glad when the bottom end is together. It can be a headache haha. Looking forward to the next video!
Yah, it takes a while. I don't do them very often. Thank you.
Great videos! Would love to see a complete bottom end rebuild start to finish. Confident in top ends....never done a complete build. I am glad to have found this channel. Thank you Pacific Mike.
Coming soon!
Thanks Again Mike, as always great information. I've rebuilt a few motors myself over the years. most work I can do myself, normally tool availability dependent. This sort of info is invaluable when you have to shop some work out and can help you judge the quality of the work you will have done and ultimately decide who does that shop work for you.
Thank you. I try to include good information. Judgement on what to attempt and what not to, of course, is your own. There are things I farm out. Equipment and what you're comfortable with has to be considered. I do have my share of Gurus.
that was very new to me I never knew that you had to lap in a crank to the right half of the lower end case thank you for teaching this my friend
Thank You. Glad you enjoyed it.
Love it, never done one on a big twin but have done a few line hones and line boring for the crankshaft on small and big block Chevrolet’s
Same principle.
just awesome man...gonna do this very procedure on the weekend comin up...Shovel cases
Cool.
G'day from Australia Mike !
I've watched several of your vids so far, subscribed and working my way through the rest. Please don't stop making them, you're helping brothers all over the globe man (me included). Best Harley wrench vids on UA-cam without a doubt.
See ya on the road !
Richo.
Perfect! Thank You.
Sir, you are the Bob Ross of Harley DIY. I love your videos and I hope you make many many more.
Thank You. We will. We get behind once in a while, but it's just life.
@@pacificmike9501 oh trust me, I get that lol.
Awsom Dude! Very Humble.. love his videis.. especially for me.. "a green horn " but loves shovelheads.. old school bikes !!
Thank you. Love 'em all.
You Rule Mike . A lot of us guys are ready to do a complete motor thanks.
Thank You. Go for it. Ask the pros for help when you need it.
The crank lapping tool is well worth the money. Got an old eastern MC crank and trans combo set. Had to get one when i rebuilt my 55 FL motor.
Cool.
You know Brother I just have an old 82 Ironhead xlh! Im 6'4 its kinda to small for me really! But at least I can still work on it myself! That's one reason why I Keep it! Plus vintage and classic stuff has a lot more character, than newer stuff! But I love those Evo motors also! Thanks for the great vids man!
Thank you. We're all built differently. Forward controls, different bars; it's really about getting comfortable. You can do it.
You're welcome i will get there one day for sure!
thanks from across the pond....
im thankful for your very well explained videos.....now I will try to rebuild my engine after 20 years..
with the best UA-cam teacher....
know I will probably skip the lapping job, because this tool is expensive and impossible to borrow anywhere....
know what is the worst thing that could happen if I skip this job....??
thanks a lot from Denmark
I'm afraid the roller bearings won't last if you skip that job. If you are rebuilding the lower end, this is a very critical part of it. How about paying a shop to do the parts you can't do? I used to do that for a bunch of people. Then, they could do what they could and feel okay about that which they could not.
Thanks again, and again, and again, Mike.
My pleasure! I'm glad you're enjoying this stuff.
Good morning my friend,born to ride.
Good morning. As soon as the rain slows down a little...
Just realized, a shovelhead FXR I've been eyeing on Craigslist since last Fall is yours!
Sorry. As much as I like them, I've never owned an FXR.
Oh I thought Pacific Coast Cycles in LB was your shop? They have been advertising a first year FXR since the Fall and I assumed that was yours as it says to contact Mike.
Nope, sorry, not me.
@@pacificmike9501 Oh sorry I got you confused with Mike O'Brien - he even looks a lot like you! Maybe you were separated at birth?
Thanks for the great vids!
We probably both forgot to shave. Maybe I'll meet him. Thanx.
Hiya Mike!
Once again, a great video.
I learned to do this from my mentor, Kenny Kortimeir, in the basement of the Shady Rest Hotel in Atlanta Georgia (sidebar; the SR was a 300 suite, 5 floor, flop-house... and I mean a genuine-honest-to-Goddamn flophouse.. just down from Manual's Tavern (a great place to start a Fryday night... once the -25 kicked in ;-)....)...... that was in the '70's. No one ever suspected there was a top secret lower-end shop in the [SR] basement.
Anyhoo, when you go to fit up the rollers, could you mention about the rollers coming in 2-ten-thousandths oversizes from '0' to one thousandths oversize... at which time one would simply press in another '0' race.
...... and thus an 'infinite number of rebuilds' are possible..... lending credence to the line that 'Harleys last forever'.
The Hard Part --- the part that makes the "latter-day lower-end overhaulers" squint-n-glare at one for even mentioning it, is the very, very tedious effort required to achieve a perfect 'plug-fit' on the pinion shaft. Respectfully, your beard is long enough that I can safely assume that you know what I'm referring to. Few are willing in these times (let alone know how) to accomplish this oh-so-important-part of the overhaul process in the old-timey way. Could you, pretty please, mention it?
Rather late in the day to ask, I suppose, but do you take requests; not wanting to start that avalanche rolling in your direction .... but there it is.
As for the vids you are putting up.................. they are all posted (linked), discussed and rather well appreciated on the web site of the club I belong to..... HDRCGB (the Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain)....... in the 'Vintage and Classic Era' portion of the site. As I am not a club officer, I cannot extend an 'Official' invitation to join in the fun (it cost nothing to post as a Guest) so here's an un-official invite..... Come on in....... p.s. wide shoulders not required.
Grins to You,
Skip
Great story. These jobs all bring back memories and I hope we're all still making new ones.
Thanks Danny ..Australia.... Gold thanks Mike ...2022
Glad you enjoy our work.
Excellent training for dummies.....like me. 🙂👍
I seriously doubt you're a dummy.
How about a complete video showing fitting the bearings once it’s lapped. Great work, you always teach me something. Thanks…Frank
On an Evo, or anything else, it's trial and error.
This is amazing!!
Thank you.
Love watching.
Thank You. I'm glad.
The voice is so wonderful that I should be watching the wrapping video, but I feel sleepy.
Love your videos
Thank You.
awesome video
Thank You.
@@pacificmike9501, your vidzz are much appreciated as i have an Evo engine actually i follow mamy of your vidz do you know what year this number is BKLX934660?
Has anybody asked the ballpark price of that line hone tool? Also the ballpark price on the top rod bearing reamer tool? Great video work, and you are a natural host. You answer way more questions than I am thinking of asking. Thanks
Thank You. But, tool prices are not what I'm here to show. All of the major parts suppliers carry that stuff. Very expensive. I waited most of my life for some of that stuff.
Greetings from Mexico Mike, I love all your videos , very useful to keep alive old Harleys, can you make a video of how to change left side race bearings, my case is broken and I'm going to buy a set of delkron cases to replace my broken stock , thanks for sharing your knowledge
We've shown it on our Evo builds. Go to our UA-cam Homepage and click on "videos."
Hey Mike how about more detail on the removal and replacement of the left case bearings and races
It's pretty straight forward. But, sorry if I wasn't thorough enough. I'll try to be more detailed next time.
Thanks Mike, that sure is nice and seems like it would be more accurate than using a Sunnan hone only because its using the drive side bearings as a guide.
I have a Sunnen Hone. But, I've always done this operation by hand, as have most of my friends who do the same stuff. The manufacturer of these tools recommends doing the job by hand and not burning up the tools. So, Thank You.
@@pacificmike9501 tight tolerances too! I believe these need to be .0004" - .0009" (tenths). Now I know why you suggested getting a handful of various sizes and then finding one that suits your needs. The manual is very convoluted in this procedure also...
Very informative
Thank You.
Hey mike. Just wanting to make sure all is good your way. Haven’t seen any new educational videos out there and am itching for more knowledge and refreshing courses from ya. I ride and wrench on a lot of shovels and Evo’s.
Cool. More to come. Just waiting on a few parts. And, I'm slow.
grate videos mike keep them coming been rewatching all the shovelhead ones any new shovel ones in the making?
Thank you, and, whatever comes up. Need to finish Evo motor.
@@pacificmike9501 im enjoying watching the evo motor build too its just im a shovel man had mine for 40 years and im still learning a trick or 2 after all these years your vids help cheers mate
Cool and thank you. The Shovelhead and the Evo have alot in common. Trying to sho to as much as possible.
👍🔥
Thank you.
Mike, question, if we find irregularities in the case mating surfaces, how will the machine shop effect this repair. Great insight and technique.
It depends upon the irregularities and it depends upon the machinist. Each situation can call for a different method of applying the specific correction. Maybe welding, maybe machining, probably welding and then machining. I have a great machinist friend who helped me with cases for years. His approach to any give situation was nothing short of magic.
Great video’s! I have been tearing down an 85 flic this winter and your videos have been my favorite and go to if I don’t understand the manual. Quick question for you do I need to line lap if I am going to use the original flywheel assembly? I am only tearing engine down because why not it’s 35 years old and I want to make sure everything is perfect! This is my first complete rebuild/customization bike. Thanks again for your awesome work and videos.
If your lower end is in good shape (by all appearances), don't disturb it. When rebuilding a top end, you "feel" and listen to the lower end by rotating it and checking it by hand. Experience gives the ability to make an "educated guess." Disassembling for no reason? If you're taking it all apart, replace every bearing and prepare every surface.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks by all appearance bottom end looks good and felt smooth. Thanks for your insight I will leave it be.
Great Video Mike!! Where can i get my hands on that tool?
All of the major suppliers carry them, but, they are precision tools, and, quite costly.
Im ok with that lol
Cool
@@pacificmike9501 How much is costly? Just spent 600.00 on a torque wrench so I guess it is all subjective. What brand is that tool? Thanks
Any idea what took out the motor .
PS , love your videos !
I took a complete motorcycle apart to rebuild all of it into the custom bike I wanted. There was lots of wear and abuse, and age. I'm just finally back on the project now. It was a "running" motorcycle (well, kind of).
Mike....thanks!....walt...tulsa,ok
Thank you.
Try to find that tool for a VL,,,,, or the cam gear line ream,,, a certain celebrity ended up with a friends who passed and now, probably in a storage unit wasting away. Great video though,,,, keep pumpin!
Thank You.
With the alignment studs, would that mean the left side case and right side case are a matched pair. I.e. dont mix up the case halves between 2 motors.
If, for some unknown reason, you put mismatched cases together, it will usually take a competent machinist to insure they are matched properly.
@@pacificmike9501 thanks for the reply!
Very nice where can I buy the lapping tool
Any of the major aftermarket parts distributors. Eastern makes them and Jim's Machine makes them. Unless you're going in business, it's quite an investment.
Thanks again for the great videos. My Evo case cracked, and I've got a brand new one. Probably a stupid question, but before I start aquire new tools: Does it still need to be reamed? And other than the special tools you use in your videos, is there any tools you recommend getting before starting my engine rebuild?
Quite an undertaking. Buy a service manual. Do not attempt this without a Genuine Harley Davidson (year and model specific) Service manual. Yes, the right case bushing must be honed for alignment with the left case and fitted to its bearing. The service manual also has all of the recommended tools shown in it.
👍🏼😀👍🏼
Thank you.
Same theory as line boaring a car engine crank when you have that much rotating mass it has to be in perfect alignment or it will beat the bearings/bushings out
Yep.
Pacific Mike, I just subscribed to your channel. Really liking nj yout videos. Does one have to lap the cases and pinion bushing when putting together a brand new motor from factory? I plan on building a nice raked out rigid with a 127CI Evo motor brand new and unassembled from the factory. Thank you for the informative videos and keep on keeping on my friend
I would certainly check all of those things. I don't know who the manufacturer is, but I would certainly inquire about it. Thank you and have fun.
@@pacificmike9501 I am leaning towards an ultima motor with s and S internals for this build. Ok, I will def ask them an see what they say. I really appreciate that. What's your fav motor from harley? You look like a pan or shovel kinda guy lol
Hey Mike, love your videos
Just so happens I have a 97 scoot with 95k miles, I might just try the rebuild!!
Thank You.
Thanks for posting the line lapping video. I'm committed to doing my '59 myself and I'm a little put out to learn the lapping tool is $750. Yikes. The guy I would have borrowed one from has been dead for 10 years. Did you get that springer behing you when you were a teenager? Ha Ha!
Are you speaking of that springer on my Flathead 80 chassis? If so, it is a VL springer I've had for over 20 years.
1. I'm sure the tool is quite expensive. Would it be odd to take the new bearing set including the races and case halfs to a shop have the races pressed out then have them install the new races and barings for you in the case halfs? Do the case halfs ever need to be align board and OD over sized races used?
This is work that all the shops did in the old days. Now it requires someone who has the experience and the equipment. These are just normal procedures. Not too many shops are set up for it nowdays. But, they're out there.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks, I just read in the service manual it says "Right side main bearing consists of components that must be selectively fitted and machined to precise tolerances. Refer right side main bearing replacement to a Harley Davidson dealer." They do tell how to change the left side in the manual. Taking care of the right side must be like align honing and/or align bore the main caps and saddles on a V8 block. I found a shop today here in Milwaukee that will do this work, but they said most just have them rebuild the lower end with parts they provide. I did look for one of those lapping tools, but could not locate one. At least I'll know from your video what they are basically going to do.
Hey Mike, new timer here. Just got an 88 evo. You mention that “not everyone will do this” at the end of this segment. May I ask why one wouldn’t? Also, would love an recommendations on books to buy. Can’t thank you enough! so glad to have found you
Thank You. A lot of this stuff requires special tooling. Hard to justify some of those expenses, unless you're going to do this work a lot.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for your response! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Mike, I had .025" run out on my pinion shaft. I haven't lapped it yet (need the tool) but wanted to ask you if you have seen them completely gone and not worth dealing with and pressing out the old and replacing it with new? That way it wouldn't take as much time and effort to make it look good and round again.
Love your channel man!!
I replaced that bushing in the Evo motor in the video. It's a delicate operation and I did it with no one around to film it. Not a big deal. But, it needed to be done. I had the appropriate tooling and made a support piece to support the case from the opposite side. I made the support out of a large pipe coupling. That way, I could support the case close to the bushing I was pressing both in and out.
@@pacificmike9501 great, thanks for sharing. I'm seeing that those special tools sure are a LOT of money!! The Jim's line reamer is a pretty penny and so is the Jim's tool for boring out the case to 3.625".
I might just end up opening up my own shop when all is said and done!
I see there are some rather expensive special tools to do the bottom end. Can these tools be rented? Do you know a good place to buy these tools? Also do you do work for customers or just friends and yourself?
Most of the big aftermarket suppliers carry all the tools you'll need.
How do you deal with lapping compound removal from the oil passageway behind those small holes in the pinion race ID?
Blow it through with air and alcohol. Do it until you're satisfied it's clean.
Mike...how is the inner spacer between the timken races removed? Is there a tool for removing & replacing it?
Normally, it is easily removed when the races are removed. It's kind of standard procedure nowdays to replace the timken bearings, races, and spacers as a complete prefit set. There is also a set of tools from Jim's Machine that clamps to the big spacer and it can be lifted out.
@@pacificmike9501 So, the races can be driven out with the middle spacer in place, correct? Or, does the spacer have to come out first, using the tool? You wouldnt happen to have the JIMS tool part#, would you? I cant seem to identify it. Much appreciated, Mike...and your videos are a staple, please keep 'em coming!👍👍
Yes, it comes out with the races. This all requires proper tools and a service manual. Find it in the manual and see how they use the oil hole in the middle of the Timken set.
Hello Mike
I believe I heard you say you need to line-lap if you install a new or different flywheel assembly. Can I split my case and forgo line lapping if I put my original flywheel back in.? Or am I headed for trouble just cause I'm curious? Thank you.
If you're removing the flywheel assembly (a pair of flywheels), if you reinstall it with the same bearings, should be the same as when you took it apart. Rather sketchy. Those cases would have to line up exactly the same. The wear on the bearing race would have to match the wear on the rollers. All of the "variables" would need to be the same. It's been done. Not my preference. I don't mean to be negative.
@@pacificmike9501 Thank you, Mike, for your time and a great youtube channel. All the best.
I think you're about the only one to show them being lapped... Is it better to use the older 2 cages,,or update to the one cage bearing ? Thanks again for the great videos..
I think the later one cage bearing is fine. I like them and use them.
Thanks for the reply... I'm doing this for a friend,, and he's having trouble finding the older style.. "I'm not sure if a bore gauge can be used to figure out what size of bearings I need instead of buying an assortment ..I know it's close tolerance,, so I might have to get the assortment.."
I get it. But, that's the way it is designed and that's why sometimes we have to involve someone else.
Hey Mike its me again (I'm old due 250yrs old). So, in VW term the line lapping would be like an align bore(only its actually cutting a true bore for the main bearings) and i'm figuring that the gray your looking for would be similar to a lapped valve seat?. If the gray you are looking for is not achieved,do you go to a smaller size i.d,and how difficult is it to get that bearing out.
It's scary to press that bushing (race) out. Use the right tool. Brace it from the back side. To brace it, I went to the hardware store and bought the closest size pipe coupling and machined it smooth on both ends. Then I used the proper tool and hydraulic press and pressed it out, supporting the case very close to the bushing with the pipe coupling. Then I went to sleep. Enough stress for one day.
Do you have to do the primary side as well .
Primary side uses Timken (tapered caged roller bearings) with press in races. This applies to 1955 - up.
i'm doing this to my shovelhead. do you measure and calculate right size of pinion rollers or just check how they feel?
You do both. Most people now use Evo Pinion bearings in Shovelheads. They're color-coded and come in about four sizes. But, no matter how exacting the measurements, the final fit is a perfect feel.
Where did you get or buy that lapping tool I have a 99 Yamaha that could have used a device identical to that bearing exploded and tore my oil seal behind the drive pulley
All of the major Harley aftermarket suppliers carry them. They are a precision tool and rather costly.
Hey guy i have a 1994 heritege softail flstn model im trying to give it a little more pep so far i got the jets done , biger breather, true dual exhaust, what size cam would you suggest for this evo i mean i dont plan on being mr speed racer however im lookin for the get up and go when i do need to in any gear low med or high , thnx long live the evooii.
There are plenty of great cams out there. There are plenty of manufacturers out there. I can't really advertise this stuff. Read the manufacturer's comments as to where the power will come in and be sure you use a cam that requires no special work to install it.
@@pacificmike9501 thnx my man i really dig your old school style and skill lots of wisdom thnx again
This dude has forgotten more info related to Evo engines then I can only hope to learn… Bob Ross of evo engines 🤘🏻😂
Thank You.
Is lapping something that you necessarily have to do whenever rebuilding one of these engines? Or is it just because it had some damage due to the last guy who rebuilt it?
Standard way of fitting by hand.
@@pacificmike9501 So it would be necessary for an engine rebuild where the case stays the same?
Just curious as to why you went with lapping compound finer than 220?
Just trying to stay "minimal."
@@pacificmike9501 Got ya, thanks for the reply.
Craftsmanship. Of course, all the line boring and lapping I have had to perform have been shipped to a machine shop (Exception is valve lapping). Harley is not that big in South Africa, so I have zero experience there, in fact 99.9% of the engines I have worked on have been car engines, notably Alfa Romeo 105 series, and many many Japanese. The few bikes I have done up were Yamaha and Honda...no sign of hand operations there!
I understand. Where I live, Alphas are not very common, although years ago, my sister had a new Alpha Spyder. I loved it. I grew up in a town full of Harleys.
Hi, Mike. Please help me. I have a brand new outer and inner rings, they correspond to the dimensions specified in the manual. do I need to do lapping? I just want to install a bearing of the right diameter without lapping. can I do this without lapping?
Certainly not recommended. I don't know what bike or any other particulars, but I think you are referring to a pinion bearing on a Harley.
@@pacificmike9501 I have a 2004 sportster. I just want to replace the right bearing and all its rings. I thought it could be installed without lapping
Any recommendations on where to have my Evo motor rebuilt?
I don't advertise for people yet. Maybe at some point, but not now.
I apologize for not being able to point you into a decent direction.
Thank you be well
What lapping tool does a 45cu in use?
A 45 cu. in. lapping tool. I believe Jim's Machine and Tedd Cycle, and several others carry it.
Is the lapping head adjustable? Or is it a fixed size?
It is adjustable. You increase the size as necessary. When you've achieved the desired surface finish, you then clean up and fit the bearings.
@@pacificmike9501 I need to Lapp my flathead 45 case races by .0005” Can you Lapp the .0005” in one adjustment, or do smaller adjustments till I reach .0005”? Thanks!
I always sneak up on that stuff. That's half a thousandth. Take it slow.
@@pacificmike9501 thank you, couldn’t find any mention of it in the old factory manual! Many thanks!
How do I install bearing race ?
With a race or seal installer. They come in sets and include several sizes. Any mechanics tool suppier.
where are you located I want to drop off my EVO engine? thanks
Sorry. I am retired.
Would you lap both sides?
The early motors with loose rollers on both sides, yes. The later motors use Timkens on the left. Those have their own races and come as a finished, matched set.
@@pacificmike9501 Right, like a 79 ironhead motor uses timken on left and roller bearing on right, correct? So if im rebuilding that motor, i would only ream the left case to install a new timken set? Seems intuitive.
No reaming. You remove the Timken set on the left side. That includes the races. You need to look at the Harley Davidson Service Manual.
@@pacificmike9501 sorry, I should have mentioned I’m replacing the left case due to a big crack. I’ve read you should lap where the pinion race sits so the timkens sit in line with the right case.
Everything needs to line up with those cases. The main bearings, the deck surfaces, all this needs to be carefully checked.